Jonathan Howard. Research Main Accomplishments - A study published in Nature Cell Biology in July 2018, coordinated by Mónica Bettencourt-Dias, helped to better understand diseases that involve cells antennae, called ciliopathies. The researchers found that while cells use the same building materials for their antennae, they use them in different proportions and moments, thus creating the structurally different functions. This explains how their mutations, which occur in genetic diseases associated with cilia (e.g. diseases leading to infertility, loss of vision, obesity), usually affect only some antennae, not all of them, and some patients show all of the symptoms, while others may have only one type of defect. - The research team led by Joana Gonçalves-Sá and Luís Rocha showed that there is a specific mood associated with religious celebrations, a "loving mood" that can influence human reproductive behaviour. Using worldwide data from Twitter and Google Trends they found that culture, and not only biology, drives human reproductive cycles. The study was published in Scientific Reports in December 2017. - Ana Domingos and her group devoted to the study of the biological causes underlying obesity published a breakthrough study in Nature Medicine in October 2017. They discovered an unforeseen population of immune cells (macrophages) associated with sympathetic neurons in adipose tissue. These specialised macrophages are in direct contact with neurons and affect neuronal activation that is critical for fat mass reduction. - For many years biologists have wondered why plants have so many genes coding for proteins that are known to be essential for the nervous system of animals, called glutamate receptors. A team led by Jose Feijó discovered a new function of these proteins, showing that moss sperm uses them to navigate towards the female organs and ensure offspring. The study was published in Nature in July 2017. - Using experimental models of sepsis in mice, a research team led by Miguel Soares discovered an unsuspected mechanism that is protective against sepsis. The study was published in the scientific journal Cell in June 2017 and provided new avenues for therapeutic approaches against sepsis. - Moisés Mallo and his research group have discovered the key factor that regulates trunk development in vertebrates and explains why snakes have such a strikingly different body. These findings published in Developmental Cell in August 2016, contributed to understand the origin of the exceptionally long trunks that characterise the body of snakes and may open new