A conservation incentive mechanism has stimulated creation of protected Atlantic Rainforest areas, mainly APAs with few restrictions. However, its impact is limited by the number of units created and differing responses from states and municipalities.
Researchers in Brazil and Belgium developed a stable, immune-resistant molecule from rattlesnake venom using PEGylation. The resulting drug candidate modulates blood clotting and has potential for anti-coagulant and wound dressing applications.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, used eDNA sequencing to investigate fish diversity in the Amazon River basin. Researchers found that only 26% of species identified with precision at the species level could be linked to traditional catch data.
A new species of green microalgae was identified in a reservoir in northwest São Paulo, Brazil, and reclassified into the genus Nephrocytium. The discovery was made through phylogenetic analysis and molecular sequencing, confirming that the microalga is distinct from other known species.
Researchers have identified metabolic signatures in blood plasma that can predict a patient's response to chemotherapy and prognosis. This discovery enables physicians to personalize treatment and enhance its efficiency, leading to improved outcomes for patients with gynecologic tumors.
A study conducted at the University of São Paulo analyzed how dogs living inside the home exchange looks with their owners to obtain food or other desired objects. The researchers found that 95.7% of those living inside the home used gaze alternation at least once, while those living outside communicated less intensely.
A study analyzing data from 109 COVID-19 patients found that obesity is the key factor associated with endothelial dysfunction, a condition increasing heart attack and stroke risk. The results suggest an 17% higher cardiovascular risk for obese patients compared to those of normal weight.
Researchers identified clusters of asphyxia-associated neonatal mortality in cities with low per capita GDP, highlighting the need for targeted healthcare interventions. The study's methodology can help policymakers plan strategies to reduce avoidable newborn deaths.
Researchers identified bacteria and yeast on photovoltaic panels in Brazil, similar to those found in Spain, the US, Arctic, and Antarctic. The microorganisms have adapted to sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and water scarcity, making them suitable for biotech applications.
An updated vaccination strategy is credited with averting an outbreak of urban yellow fever in São Paulo State, according to research published in Scientific Reports. The study found that the virus spread rapidly, reaching cities never affected before, and that a high number of cases were reported in areas with low vaccination coverage.
A study at the University of São Paulo found that Torquetenovirus (TTV) titer is higher in people infected by SARS-CoV-2, suggesting it could be a biomarker for COVID-19 severity. TTV load correlates with disease progression and outcome, and its measurement may support diagnosis.
A study found that cardiopulmonary exercise testing is highly applicable for early detection of respiratory disorders in obese individuals. The test assesses physiological responses to exercise and identifies potential issues before symptoms appear.
A Brazilian study expands amphibians' known reproductive modes to 74, creating a new classification. The research analyzed 2,171 species of amphibians, including anurans with 71 reproductive modes, some laying eggs in aquatic environments while others develop directly.
A clinical trial of 465 patients found that administering heparin in therapeutic doses reduced mortality from COVID-19 by 78%, with benefits only observed when administered between seven and 14 days after symptom onset. The study suggests that timing is crucial for treatment efficacy.
Researchers used machine learning and genomics to identify molecular markers of resistance to sugarcane yellow leaf disease in over 97 sugarcane genotypes. The study found that energy cane varieties with higher fiber content are more resistant to the disease, paving the way for commercial launches.
A Brazilian study reveals that forest fires and wildfires modify the freezing process of cloud droplets, altering natural cloud functioning and potentially impacting precipitation. The research used a large dataset to show that aerosols emitted by fires can affect cloud formation in southern Amazonia during the rainy season.
Chromobacterium violaceum uses zinc ion transporter ZnuABC to overcome host constraints on metal availability, increasing its virulence. The discovery offers a route for novel therapies against bacterial infections.
A study in the Atlantic Rainforest detected high mortality rates among tiny frogs known as pumpkin toadlets infected with the chytrid fungus. The infection causes a physiological imbalance leading to death from a heart attack. Climate change and drought may exacerbate the threat to terrestrial amphibians.
A study in Brazil's Santos city showed that citizen science collaboration between civil society and academia can achieve progress toward ocean conservation goals. The project developed a methodology for integrating civil society and academia, including training and validation of monitoring protocols.
A study found that climate change increased the probability of heavy rainfall by 70% in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, leading to severe flooding, deaths, and massive damage. The extreme event caused over 90,000 people to be temporarily homeless and resulted in significant economic losses.
Only one in four Western Roman emperors died of natural causes, following a power law distribution. The study found that the risk of survival was high when taking the throne, but declined after 13 years, with a sharp increase again at this point.
A study found that climate change will alter functioning of marine microbial communities, with plankton at the poles being particularly badly damaged by rising temperatures. In temperate zones, they'll suffer from reduced nutrient flows, while in the tropics, increased salinity will affect them.
A Brazilian study found that children exposed to malaria from birth are more likely to develop anemia by age two. The researchers, led by Dr. Marly Augusto Cardoso, followed 1,539 children and discovered that 12.6% were anemic, with a higher prevalence in rural areas not covered by the study.
Researchers found that liver transplant recipients who contracted COVID-19 recovered faster and with less severe inflammation compared to heart or kidney recipients. The study suggests testing certain immunosuppressants to treat COVID-19 patients, regardless of their transplant status.
Researchers found a correlation between high levels of Gas6 and zika-induced neurological complications. Gas6 helps the virus invade human cells, facilitating viral replication and aggravating infection. The discovery paves the way for future research on developing drugs to combat the virus.
The study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 damages the kidneys by interacting with ACE2, leading to an imbalance in blood pressure regulation and inflammation. This can result in impaired kidney function, reduced glomerular filtration rate, and increased risk of acute renal injury.
A study analyzed genetic material from 86 discordant couples infected by SARS-CoV-2 and found associations between certain genetic variants and efficient activation of natural killer cells. These cells play a crucial role in the innate immune response, destroying infected cells to prevent disease development.
A study found that deforestation increases in election years, cancelling out conservation efforts and gains. The phenomenon affects regions with strict environmental regulation, highlighting the need for addressing opportunistic behaviors in natural resource management.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo found that a hypertonic saline solution can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by up to 88% in human epithelial lung cells. The study suggests that the use of such a solution could contribute to the development of novel prophylactic interventions or treatments for COVID-19.
Researchers investigated methylammonium lead iodide's ferroelectric nature and photovoltaic properties, finding a freezing temperature of 270 K and a novel phase diagram. The study advances perovskite's potential for energy conversion and storage applications.
In the Brazilian Amazon, small towns are practicing a self-sustaining circular economy by converting waste into inputs for production. The Carauari community produces 100 metric tons of processed fish per year, generating resources from waste that fuel other activities.
Scientists at CIBFar have discovered the molecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2's main protease, which enables the virus to replicate in host cells. The study provides valuable insights into the process and has immediate applications for developing antiviral drugs.
A study published in Biology Letters reveals a drastic fall in the number of aquatic insects in the Paraná River basin due to dam construction. The research, conducted over 20 years, found that dams alter the nutrient balance and provide a clearer water environment, making insects more vulnerable to predation.
Researchers combined VOD with remote sensing data from optical satellites to analyze the effects of fire on Amazon canopy dynamics. The study found that VOD provided a more accurate picture of photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic biomass changes, and that rainfall was close to average during the fire season.
Studies on mice and septic patients show that a specific B lymphocyte subpopulation produces large amounts of CD39, leading to increased adenosine levels and reduced macrophage activity. This results in heightened susceptibility to opportunistic infections, with survivors experiencing a sevenfold higher risk of severe infections.
A Brazilian-UK study found that older individuals with both abdominal fat and muscle weakness experience a significant loss of gait speed over eight years. This decline can lead to difficulty walking and increased risk of falls, impacting independence. Researchers urge health workers to measure abdominal fat and muscle strength to pred...
A study reveals the biological process used by Xanthomonas to weaken plants' defense systems and discovers a novel class of enzymes called CE20 that can assist infection. This discovery contributes to developing strategies to combat citrus canker and obtaining advanced sugars from agroindustrial waste.
The study analyzed fishery data and interviewed 155 artisanal fishers, identifying 37 species as overfished, including bluefish, dusky grouper, and crevalle jack. Smaller species like beltfish and gray triggerfish are increasingly being targeted.
Researchers created a model to estimate viral population variability using epidemiological data, predicting the emergence of novel variants. The study suggests that lack of vaccination increases mutation frequency and spread.
A review of scientific literature found pregnant women infected by SARS-CoV-2 have a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia due to reduced ACE2 availability. ACE2 plays a crucial role in placental development, blood pressure control, and fetal development, making its impairment more susceptible to serious complications.
A study found that transcranial stimulation can increase the benefits of aerobic exercise and improve gait in Parkinson's patients. The treatment uses a weak current delivered by electrodes placed over specific brain regions, activating the pre-frontal cortex.
A study by the Center for Cell-Based Therapy in São Paulo, Brazil, has discovered a set of biomarkers that can be used to predict which patients with glioblastoma may have tumors resistant to radiation therapy. The genetic signature helps doctors choose the best treatment option for these patients.
A study conducted at a Brazilian university found that treatment with curcumin and light reduces parasite load and eliminates Leishmania parasites completely. Curcumin showed good distribution in macrophages and reduced amastigotes' viability, changing their mitochondrial activity.
A study found that fires in the Amazon's wettest areas destroy small and medium-sized trees, leading to a loss of biomass and carbon stocks. The destruction can last for decades, with saplings and bushes being among the first to die.
Researchers completed the first genetic sequencing of a Brazilian snake's genome, revealing that most toxin genes likely arose from existing functions in ancestral species. The study identified markers for comparing toxin genes with non-toxic 'ancestral' genes, shedding light on the evolution of venom production.
Researchers found that some medications used to treat autoimmune rheumatic diseases can weaken the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccination still induced an immune response in patients, but at a lower rate than in those without autoimmune diseases.
A study analyzing 7,000 tree falls in São Paulo City found that most occurrences occur in the rainy season due to weather conditions. However, a significant number of trees fell during the dry season, attributed to poor management and inadequate conditions for street vegetation.
A study at the University of São Paulo found that bird species interacting with more plant species have higher evolutionary stability. This is because they occupy central positions in seed dispersal networks, leading to longer lifespans and increased species accumulation.
A new genosensor, developed by a Brazilian research team, can detect the genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva or other body fluids with high sensitivity. The device can analyze samples in 30 minutes for a cost of less than $1 per genosensor.
A systematic review of epidemiological studies found that muscle strengthening exercises associated with aerobic activities can significantly reduce cancer mortality. The analysis suggested that strength training twice a week can protect against cancer, with the benefit being even greater when combined with aerobic activities.