Researchers used satellite imagery and machine learning to pinpoint high-priority areas for deforestation action, reducing the target area by 160,000 km². The study reveals that only 37% of the last three years' deforestation rate was covered by official monitoring in the 11 municipalities.
A study found a strong link between post-COVID loss of smell or taste and memory problems in patients. Those with the most severe sensory disorders performed worse in cognitive tests, especially memorization.
A study published in Lancet Regional Health – Americas found that malaria in pregnancy is still a major public health problem in the North of Brazil, with younger women being most at risk. The researchers believe that expansion of healthcare services and inclusion of artemisinin in therapeutic schemes contributed to the decline in cases.
Researchers found that smells can enhance or hinder our ability to recognize emotions in others' faces. The study used a spectrum of emotions, from extreme joy to neutral, and measured participants' response times.
Brazilian researchers used computer simulations to investigate the superconducting behavior of a dimolybdenum nitride monolayer, finding that it became superconductive at relatively high temperatures and showed strong correlation with strain applied.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo found that deactivating the light-sensitive protein melanopsin slows melanoma progression in animal experiments. The study, published in Communications Biology, suggests that melanopsin acts as an oncogene in melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Researchers have developed a method to convert methane into methanol under ambient conditions, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and paving the way for alternative fuels. The process uses photocatalysts and has potential to mitigate climate change by utilizing methane reserves.
Researchers have developed an algorithm to identify the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi in photographs of blood samples taken with a mobile phone camera. The low-cost method can be reproduced and adapted for other purposes that depend on images, such as analyzing feces, skin, or colposcopies.
Researchers have identified a group of deregulated genes in pancreatic cancer that may serve as potential therapeutic targets. These long non-coding RNAs, when silenced, reduced tumor aggressiveness and characteristics such as proliferation and invasion.
A study by Brazilian, Chinese, Australian, and German researchers found that North Atlantic temperature can predict reduced rainfall and intense droughts in the Northeast region of Brazil. The findings suggest a more persistent influence of the North Atlantic than previously thought.
The study found that supplementing diet with taurine can increase levels of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase and reduce oxidative stress. Taurine supplementation showed modest effects on markers of oxidative stress and mineral levels, suggesting potential benefits for anti-aging therapy.
Researchers at UNICAMP and USP discovered how SARS-CoV-2 recruits cells to replicate through interaction with PCNA, a protein involved in DNA repair. Inhibition of this interaction using a drug reduced viral replication by 15-20%.
A research group at State University of Campinas proposes treating brewery spent grain with ultrasound before digestion by microorganisms, resulting in 56% methane production. The process generates biogas that can be used as vehicle fuel or burned to produce electricity and heat.
Brazilian researchers have identified bioactive compounds in a marine sponge that killed antibiotic-resistant bacteria, paving the way to develop new drugs. The substances proved capable of eliminating bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which are responsible for many hospital-acquired infections.
A study of 11,500 athletes found that about 8% experienced persistent symptoms after contracting COVID-19, which can affect training and competing. The study highlights the need for personalized assessment before resuming training and competition in athletes.
A recent study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences reports the successful testing of Pep19, a synthetic peptide with anti-obesity action. The molecule was found to mitigate weight gain while reducing insulin resistance and liver fattiness in mice fed a high-fat diet.
Despite advances in biology and medicinal chemistry, research on schistosomiasis and other parasitic worm diseases remains at an early stage. Novel molecular targets and parasite signaling pathways may contribute to the development of new treatments.
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.