Brazilian researchers surveyed 900 volunteers during the pandemic, finding that time expansion (feeling time passes slowly) was associated with loneliness and a lack of positive experiences. Time pressure (feeling time flies quickly) was also influenced by loneliness and stressful situations.
Researchers have designed a new anaerobic reactor using polyurethane foam, reducing nitrogen removal costs in Brazil. The system achieves high nitrogen removal efficiency by creating an environment that optimizes denitrification.
A Brazilian patient with a rare genetic disease was treated with breast milk donated by a vaccinated woman, boosting her IgA levels and eliminating the virus. The treatment was successful after a week, with the patient testing negative twice at ten-day intervals.
Researchers found that aerobic exercise improves autonomic regulation of the heart and contributes to proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Walking for 45 minutes three times a week increased heart rate variability, a scientifically validated parameter to assess the functioning of the autonomic nervous system.
A study found that imidacloprid, a widely used pesticide in Brazil, is toxic to native bees and can cause alarming levels of poisoning. Researchers are calling for specific protocols and more effective regulation to protect these vital pollinators.
Researchers developed a low-cost 3D model of the brain to study SARS-CoV-2's neurological effects. The adapted virus replicates 30 times more efficiently in astrocytes than neurons, highlighting the importance of these cells in central nervous system infection.
A study found that a methionine-deficient diet alters gene expression and DNA methylation in liver cells, increasing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A methionine-supplemented diet had the opposite effect, reducing the risk of liver damage.
Researchers have developed a molecule that uses nanotechnology, chemotherapy and a monoclonal antibody to target glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive type of brain cancer. The treatment showed promise in isolated cells and animal models, with significant reductions in tumor volume and no increased toxicity.
Research in western Amazonia found that at least 150 minutes of exercise per week correlated with lower birth weight and reduced risk of childhood obesity and diabetes. The study also showed that physical activity during pregnancy may help prevent excessive weight gain, contributing to a reduced birth weight.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can lower blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. After a single session or ten sessions, the treatment reduced peripheral and central blood pressure in some patients by up to 15 mmHg.
A new study proposes a mathematical tool to understand the fractal structure of quark-gluon plasma, which is formed in high-energy collisions. The fractal structure explains some phenomena seen in these collisions, including particle momentum distributions that follow Tsallis statistics.
FAPESP will host the Executive Secretariat of the Global Research Council (GRC) starting in September, reflecting its prestige among funding agencies worldwide. The GRC aims to create multilateral mechanisms for funding research and innovation.
A new platform and genomic database has been developed to monitor and control multidrug-resistant bacteria, with over 500 human pathogens already available. The database aims to provide strategic information on microorganisms classified as a “critical priority” by the World Health Organization.
Researchers discovered a new species of beetle in the family Buprestidae that contributes to the production of red propolis. The beetle's larvae develop inside stems of a specific plant, and its resinous exudate is used by honey bees to make red propolis.
A study by Brazilian scientists reveals that autophagy can modulate the accumulation of mutant mitochondrial DNA in cells during aging. The researchers found that mice with liver-specific atg7 knockout showed reduced buildup of mutant DNA, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations.
Researchers found that birds infected with lipopolysaccharide from bacteria reduced their body temperature by 2°C to conserve energy. In contrast, chicks fed and warm did develop fever. The study suggests that regulated hypothermia is an energy-saving response during severe infection, prioritized over maintaining a fever.
Researchers have discovered that short-chain fatty acid acetate from the gut microbiota can minimize the effects of infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and mitigate its severity. The compound was found to activate antiviral molecules, such as RIG-I, which are effective against RSV, leading to a 88% reduction in viral load.
Researchers have found that light-based therapies such as photobiomodulation and photodynamics can effectively treat a range of post-COVID complications, including muscle and joint damage. The studies, conducted in Brazil, utilized laser irradiation, negative pressure, and other technologies to improve symptoms and promote healing.
A Brazilian group developed a peptide called Rb4 that triggers necrosis in murine melanoma cells and inhibits the viability of human cancer cells. In mice, Rb4 reduced lung metastasis and slowed subcutaneous melanoma growth, increasing survival by 25%.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Pathogenic Trypanosomatids will bring together experts from different fields to discuss the fight against leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Researchers will share state-of-the-art science and results of new research on epigenetics, drug discovery, and molecular biology.
A fungus, Moniliophthora perniciosa, causes witches' broom disease in cocoa trees by releasing cytokinin, altering plant hormone balance. The fungus then consumes lignin produced by the tree's vascular tissue after its death.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a natural antioxidant from unripe acerola, replacing banned synthetic additive TBHQ. The antioxidant microparticles were found to be effective in a range of applications, including food products and cosmetics, without affecting color, flavor or odor.
Researchers propose that Ceres was formed outside the Frost Line, where ammonia ice is abundant, and then pulled into the Asteroid Belt by gravitational instability. Computer simulations support this hypothesis, showing that giant planet formation led to a turbulent environment that scattered objects into stable orbits.
Researchers found that COPD leads to premature senescence of the immune system, reducing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This disruption impairs the immune system, making COPD patients more susceptible to infections.
Researchers found significantly higher levels of MMP-2 and MMP-8 in tracheal aspirate samples from COVID-19 patients, contributing to inflammation and tissue damage. The study's findings suggest a novel mechanism underlying severe lung complications and potential new therapeutic targets.
A Brazilian study found that inclusion of visually impaired individuals is crucial for effective disaster prevention policy. The research highlighted barriers to their participation and proposed solutions such as smartphone apps and education to mitigate vulnerability to environmental hazards.
A recent study suggests that tree density in the Cerrado biome has been controlled mainly by the length of the dry season over the past 45,000 years. The research found a link between changes in the dry season and variations in Earth's axial tilt, which may lead to similar trends in the late 21st century.
Brazilian researchers have discovered two novel enzyme families in the capybara's gut, which can accelerate the utilization of agroindustrial waste. The enzymes have biotechnological potential and can be used to produce biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials.
A Brazilian study analyzing data from 3,875 elderly men and women found that weak muscles combined with abdominal obesity can indicate an early sign of functional decline. The study suggests that monitoring simple actions such as sitting down, standing up, walking short distances may help identify this condition.
The study investigates the role of physical principles in quantum Darwinism, finding that it relies on non-classical features, specifically entanglement, to emerge via natural selection. The researchers employed generalized probabilistic theories to analyze and compare different physical theories.
A study found that large mammals and birds essential for seed dispersal in the Atlantic Rainforest are disappearing due to deforestation. In contrast, smaller animals have lower interaction levels with plants.
Research reveals that an imbalance in gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, may contribute to the development and progression of Parkinson's disease. Studies found a direct correlation between gut dysbiosis and Parkinson's, with certain bacteria contributing to protein aggregation and neuronal damage.
Deforestation in Indigenous lands, particularly in Apyterewa Territory, poses a significant threat to Brazil's ability to meet its international climate change mitigation targets. The Brazilian government must take effective action to enforce environmental laws and protect the Amazon region.
Researchers found that left-handed chiral gold nanoparticles increased the immune response in human cells even without an antigen, leading to a 25.8% increase in vaccine efficacy. The discovery uses chirality to enhance immune responses, potentially applicable to various vaccines.
Researchers found that adolescents who consumed ultra-processed foods were more likely to be obese, having abdominal and visceral obesity. The study used data from 3,587 US adolescents aged 12-19, dividing them into three groups based on the amount of ultra-processed foods in their diets.
Researchers have discovered three strains of Pseudomonas bacteria that can inhibit and even kill the fungus responsible for pineapple sett rot, a disease that affects sugarcane yields. The study found that these bacteria produce volatile organic compounds that downregulate genes essential to fungal growth, leading to cell death.
A study on women-only Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Brazil found that participants experienced rejection and loneliness due to social stigma. The women-only format provided a safe space for self-expression and reclaimed dignity, differing from mixed meetings where men-focused testimonials prevailed.
Researchers found that T. domingensis absorbed more iron than H. tiliaceus, making it a promising phytoremediation technique for rehabilitating contaminated water and soil. The study's findings could help mitigate the environmental damage caused by the 2015 iron mine tailings dam disaster in Brazil.
Research reveals extracellular vesicles facilitate coordinated responses among pathogenic fungal cells, enabling them to overcome host defenses. The discovery could lead to the development of more effective therapies to combat fungal infections.
Research suggests that physically active individuals experience a milder form of COVID-19, with a reduced risk of hospitalization and death. Studies have found that physical activity can prolong vaccine effectiveness and boost the immune response, offering promising avenues for future research.
A new Brazilian database of whole-genome sequences brings diverse genetic information to international databases, shedding light on the genetics of aging and disease in Brazil's elderly population. The study identified over 2 million novel genetic variants, providing insights into the health and well-being of older adults.
Researchers created cortical organoids from patients' skin cells, mimicking focal cortical dysplasia and identifying mechanisms involved in its emergence. The model can be used to screen existing medications for patients with severe epilepsy.
A booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine significantly increases antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, reversing a drop in immunity after two doses. In subjects given CoronaVac or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, the booster raised immunity by a factor of 25 and 7, respectively.
Researchers found that post-COVID patients displayed altered autonomic nervous system functioning, with increased sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic activity. Obesity and physical inactivity were key factors contributing to these changes.
A Brazilian study proposes a methodology to involve secondary school students in mapping natural disaster hazards and impact prevention. The students, aged between 2019-2021, were trained to identify areas prone to flooding and landslides using aerial photographs taken by drones.
Researchers at São Paulo State University have developed an edible bioplastic with a tensile strength comparable to petroleum-based plastics. The material is made from gelatin, clay and a nanoemulsion of black pepper essential oil, extending shelf life and preventing microbial contamination.
Researchers in Brazil developed a computer program that locates swimming pools and rooftop water tanks in aerial photographs, using artificial intelligence to identify socio-economically deprived urban areas at risk for diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti. The innovation can be used as a public policy tool for dynamic socio-economic ...
Researchers warn that deforestation and climate change are exacerbating drought conditions in Brazil's agricultural frontier, threatening soybean yields. The study analyzed changes in hydrology and weather patterns over four decades, highlighting a rise in temperatures, dry days, and decreased precipitation.
Researchers identified a mechanism that helps explain how certain kinds of genetic disorders are transmitted from mother to child. The study showed that mutant mtDNA builds up in the final stages of egg formation and can impair mitochondrial function, leading to disease.
A study found that a subtype of Newcastle disease virus caused the deaths of dozens of pigeons in São Paulo City. The researchers sequenced the viral genome and identified tissue wounds to determine the cause of death, revealing subgenotype VI.2.1.2 as the responsible pathogen. The risk to humans and poultry is considered low.