A study found that the gut microbiota of Helicoverpa armigera caterpillars harbors fungi with the potential to degrade expanded polystyrene. Four fungi were isolated and demonstrated to break down polystyrene using scanning electron microscopy analysis.
A study has shown that a peptide isolated from a Brazilian frog can increase the shelf life of strawberries by up to five days. The molecule preserves the fruit's firmness and chemical composition without affecting its flavor, offering a potential new approach to extend postharvest treatment.
Researchers have discovered a key breeding ground for endangered sand tiger sharks off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil. The Alcatrazes Archipelago Wildlife Refuge provides a vital sanctuary for the critically endangered species, allowing them to complete their reproductive cycle in Brazilian waters.
The HIV/AIDS response program in Brazil has lost momentum as the social movement becomes depoliticized, with activists focusing on basic issues like access to food and housing. The study suggests that technological advances and medicalization of policies have contributed to this trend.
A study reveals that forests and rivers work together to strengthen amphibian microbiomes and protect them from a deadly fungus. The research found that disconnected habitats impair the ability to recruit defensive microbes.
A study by UNIFESP found that chronic xanthan gum consumption causes colon inflammation, alters gut microbiota, and leads to intestinal barrier integrity loss in rats. This supports previous observations of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants linked to xanthan gum use.
A new antiseptic formulation has been developed to eliminate 99.9% of Candida parapsilosis cells, a fungus that causes serious infections in hospitals. The combination of alcohol-based chlorhexidine with eugenol and menthol is more effective than traditional 70% ethanol against this type of disinfection.
A study in Carlos Botelho State Park, Brazil found that brown howler monkeys rest more on hot, long days when feeding on leaves. The group traveled an average of 531 meters per day, influenced by interactions with other primate species like southern muriquis and capuchin monkeys.
A study analyzing 60,000 records of flooding, waterlogging, flash floods, landslides, storms, and droughts in Brazil reveals regional impacts. The Northeast had the most affected cities, with landslides and droughts affecting this region the most.
A study tracking 1,500 residents found that infrastructure within 500 meters of home encourages active transportation. The presence of bike lanes was a key factor in keeping people active and promoting cycling. The expansion of bike lanes and parks has encouraged physical activity and public health benefits in São Paulo.
Researchers have discovered a biomarker that can predict and prevent epileptic seizures by detecting a period of neuronal silence before the seizure occurs. The use of this biomarker in neuromodulation therapy has shown promise in reducing seizure duration by up to 93%.
Researchers developed an electronic device that combines processing and memory into a single component, enabling analog operation with multiple intermediate states. The device exhibits synaptic plasticity, reconfigurable logic, and low energy consumption, showcasing its potential for neuromorphic computing advancements.
Heavy rainfall damages spider webs, influencing which species can survive in the environment. Researchers found that sheet-shaped cobwebs are more resistant to rain due to their high silk content.
Researchers found that giant trees in tropical forests have developed complex adaptations to compensate for the challenges of transporting water to their uppermost branches. These adjustments enable them to continue growing and thrive despite increased water stress.
A study reveals Brazil has at least 82 non-native mollusk species, causing ecological damage and economic losses. The most comprehensive inventory in Brazil highlights the urgent need to strengthen biosecurity measures and monitor long-term impacts.
A study by the University of São Paulo found that people with diabetes who have had COVID-19 tend to recover more slowly and experience more long COVID complications, including greater physical and cognitive difficulties. The study also found a higher risk of cardiovascular complications, such as heart attacks and angina.
A Brazilian study found that 86% of children and adolescents with musculoskeletal pain recover, but 32% experience recurring pain. The study identified factors such as quality of life and age as predictors of recovery.
A study found that supplementing with HMB before surgery improves liver regeneration in animals by preserving energy function and improving the quality of recovery. The supplementation was shown to have a beneficial effect on mitochondrial function and metabolic performance, even after it was discontinued.
A ten-year experiment with European seabass found that the initial high proportion of male births under intense heat was reversed by the third generation, with more females being born. The study's findings suggest a compensatory mechanism that could counteract the harmful effects of warming on fish populations.
Researchers found that adding small amounts of brown seaweed flour to gluten-free cookie recipes significantly increases phenolic compound content, antioxidant activity, and protein content. The study suggests potential use as a functional ingredient in the food industry.
A molecule called Sindecam-4 (SDC4) on cell surfaces may help prevent tumor progression and metastasis. Silencing the receptor halted accelerated growth of tumor cells, causing them to resume responding to natural programmed cell death mechanisms.
The Oropouche virus has infected over 9.4 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean since 1960, with 5.5 million cases reported in Brazil alone. The disease causes fever and symptoms similar to dengue, leading to serious complications like meningitis and microcephaly.
Researchers at UNICAMP identified a variable that combines visceral fat and muscle radiodensity from CT scans to predict patients at higher risk of unfavorable disease progression. This new marker, called VMD, complements traditional tumor staging, paving the way for personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers suggest that the evolution of toxin accumulation in poison dart frogs occurred gradually, with at least four phenotypes representing stages in this process. These phenotypes include species that sequester alkaloids or modify them, while others metabolize toxins without accumulating them.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo found that climate change increases soybean production by 50% but reduces nutritional quality due to altered composition. High carbon dioxide levels, high temperatures, and drought also affect amino acid content, starch, and protein content in beans.
A new anti-inflammatory molecule has shown promising results in protecting neurons and delaying disease progression in mice with Parkinson's disease. The study, published in Neuropharmacology, found that the Ac2-26 peptide mitigated neuroinflammation and protected against cell death.
A study at the Federal University of São Paulo found that only a fraction of copper and magnesium from Brazil nuts and cashews is absorbed by the human body. The researchers used an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion assay to assess bioavailability, which differed from bioaccessibility.
A study of 6,165 Salmonella samples identified 128 types of toxins, including 45 previously unknown. The toxins act in competition among microorganisms and may inspire antibiotic development and biotechnological applications.
Researchers have developed a biopolymer that encapsulates the fungus Beauveria bassiana, increasing its viability from 69% to 85% after five months of storage. The biopolymer, made from carboxymethylcellulose and aluminum, provides a more sustainable alternative for releasing the bioinsecticide.
Researchers detected pathogenic species of Sporothrix in the internal organs of mammals, birds, and reptiles that were killed by vehicles on Brazilian roads. The study reveals a new reservoir for fungi, highlighting the need for surveillance.
Researchers found that Brazilian savanna wetlands can store significantly more carbon than previously thought, with an average storage capacity of 1,200 tons per hectare. This is due to the slow accumulation process favored by oxygen-poor water-saturated soils, with some areas storing carbon for up to 20,000 years.
The HUG-CELL project aims to identify couples at risk of transmitting recessive genetic disorders and Fragile X syndrome. The initiative will create a large genetic database for Brazil to determine the prevalence of hereditary genetic diseases and develop 'risk calculators' based on the diversity of the Brazilian population.
The Ipiranga Museum in São Paulo will utilize 3D laser scanning technology to create a digital model of the renovated building and establish an information management system for preventive maintenance. The project aims to analyze the behavior of the building following restoration work, identify anomalies, and prevent costly interventions.
Researchers at Viva Bem have developed an AI method that identifies states of anxiety with high accuracy using smartwatch data. The technology aims to provide a layer of proactive monitoring for users, alerting them to recurring anxiety episodes and recommending specialist consultation.
Researchers from UNICAMP and USP describe three new species of moths in the Eois genus, named after Orixás from Candomblé and Umbanda traditions. The study improves understanding of Lepidoptera diversity in Brazil and ecological interactions with Piper plants.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo have developed nanoparticles that deliver therapeutic RNA molecules directly to skin cells, silencing genes responsible for chronic inflammation. This precision nanomedicine approach holds promise for treating complex diseases like psoriasis and vitiligo.
Brazil needs to build separation and refining facilities, master permanent magnet production, and address environmental risks. The country's capacity to meet global demand for rare-earth magnets is currently only around 6%.
The partnership aims to consolidate and expand scientific partnerships in strategic areas, with a focus on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and energy transition. FAPESP and UKRI will co-chair the Transatlantic Platform and explore joint research centers to advance this exceptional partnership.
A novel biomaterial containing jackfruit latex, pomegranate peel extract, and simvastatin shows promising efficacy in treating periodontitis. The material has adhesive properties, allowing for targeted release of therapeutic compounds, and has been shown to promote regeneration of periodontal tissues.
Researchers analyzed tumor samples from over a thousand patients and found that TP53 gene mutations can worsen prognosis and reduce effectiveness of targeted therapies. The study suggests incorporating genetic testing into public health services to guide personalized treatment choices.
The symposium aims to consolidate and expand partnerships in strategic areas such as energy transition, artificial intelligence, and health. The event will facilitate cooperation among researchers from São Paulo and the UK, with a focus on joint funding opportunities.
Recent studies indicate an extension of dry seasons and changes in rainfall patterns in the Amazon, with some predictions surpassing decades' projections. Climate models show intensified water deficits, particularly in southwestern regions under high greenhouse gas emission scenarios.
The study suggests that massive galaxies formed through violent mergers, leading to a rapid burst of star formation and the growth of supermassive black holes. This process prevented these galaxies from producing new stars for over a billion years, leaving them as quiescent galaxies.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Nonlinear and Quantum Photonics will bring together leading global specialists in nanophotonics, nonlinear optics, and quantum optics. The event will provide two weeks of intensive learning on key topics including quantum optics and information.
A Brazilian study analyzed data from over 5,000 territories and 1,924 anuran amphibian species to determine the biodiversity of these habitats. The research found that two main theories about island biodiversity do not explain the richness of anuran amphibians on their own, but rather are complementary factors.
A recent study using whole-genome data reveals the complex history of South American Indigenous peoples, with genetic diversity higher in Central America and the Southern Cone. The research also identifies a third wave of migration from Mesoamerica around 1,300 years ago, which challenges previous views about Indigenous groups.
A new study reveals that metabolic dysfunction in offspring is caused by excess microRNA in sperm from obese fathers. After weight loss, these molecular marks disappear, and offspring develop normally. Research suggests that interventions promoting health and longevity may trigger an increase in this enzyme expression.
Researchers linked duration and severity of depression to differences in functional brain connections, paving the way for personalized treatments. Changes in brain networks, particularly the Central Executive Network and Default Mode Network, were associated with varying degrees of depressive symptoms.
Researchers identified genetic changes in the virus that explain why it wasn't detected by existing tests. The new diagnostic method shows promise for future suspected cases with greater accuracy.
Research reveals that rivers are exceeding their resilience limits, leading to local extinctions, food chain collapses, and permanent changes in services provided by rivers. A paradigm shift is needed from reactive actions to proactive large-scale strategies for watershed management and river resilience.