Spain

Researchers have resurrected ancient CRISPR proteins from millions and even billions of years ago. Not only can they still edit human cells, but they’re more versatile than modern versions, paving the way for new synthetic CRISPR gene-editing tools.

Scientists in Spain have uncovered a mechanism behind why some cancer patients don’t respond well to treatments – and more importantly, found a “weak spot” that could be targeted by existing drugs.

BIG has revealed plans for a new culinary center in Spain. Hosting food start-ups, researchers and chefs under one greenery covered roof, it will encourage visitors to enjoy a stroll on top, or go inside and watch the research being carried out.

Grafton Architects has won the Mies van der Rohe Award for its London-based Town House university building. The firm was recognized alongside Lacol, which won the Emerging Architecture prize for its La Borda Cooperative Housing in Barcelona.

BIG has revealed plans for an ambitiously sustainable new scientific research center in Spain. Drawing inspiration from Seville's shaded plazas, it will provide respite from the Spanish heat with a "cloud" of solar panel-covered canopies.

Back in January, China's EHang aced the first flight in the US of its two-seat autonomous air taxi. Now the company has agreed to develop the first Urban Air Mobility pilot program in Seville, Spain.

Scientists have confirmed that facial deformities among the House of Habsburg were caused by inbreeding, according to a newly-published study. The twist: they reached their findings by studying paintings. The influential Austrian royal line produced European rulers between the 14th and 20th centuries.

It’s not known exactly when humans and Neanderthals split off from their last common ancestor, but the estimated window is very wide, between 300,000 and 800,000 years ago. Now a new study has found evidence that this split took place towards the earlier end of that range, or even longer ago still.

After 136 years of unlicensed construction, the law has finally caught up with La Sagrada Familia. The church’s trustees have now reached an agreement with the city of Barcelona that involves €36 million (US$41 million) in payments in return for the church’s first official building permit. ​

Black holes can be anywhere from a few times the mass of the Sun up to millions of times that, but some even bigger than that. A new study of data gathered by NASA’s Chandra X-ray telescope has found these so-called “ultramassive” black holes may be larger and more common than we thought.

If trolls really did live under bridges, they could do worse than commission Fernando Abellanas to build them a new home. The self-taught designer recently installed a novel shelter under an anonymous traffic bridge in Valencia that includes shelving, seating, and even a sleeping space.

Aqualia and SEAT are teaming up to develop a sustainable fuel from wastewater. The project, known as Life Metha-morphosis, is aimed at creating a biofuel from treated organic waste, which can then be used to power CNG cars, whose CO2 emissions would be cut by up to 80 percent.