Researchers discovered an enzyme from Amazon fungus Trichoderma harzianum capable of breaking down diverse plant biomass sugars, enhancing the efficiency of second-generation ethanol production. The enzyme's industrial use is now viable at low cost due to genetic engineering techniques.
Scientists at São Paulo State University discovered that compressing paramagnetic salts adiabatically can produce magnetization. The process aligns the particles' spins, resulting in a constant total entropy and magnetized system. This method has potential applications in investigating other interacting systems.
A new study suggests that droughts in South America will increase by the end of the century due to rising temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions. The study used 38 Global Climate Models to analyze temperature and precipitation changes across the continent.
A study of 344 volunteers reveals that remotely supervised exercise classes were more effective than in-person sessions or unsupervised online sessions in improving physical and mental health. The researchers attribute this to the increased intensity of exercises under remote supervision, which led to better outcomes for participants.
A new recipe combining chickpea flour and psyllium has resulted in a more nutritious and acceptable gluten-free bread. The product contains high amounts of fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and has been rated highly by consumers in qualitative surveys.
Researchers studied pregnant women infected by zika virus in two cities and found no association between prior dengue exposure and increased risk of microcephaly. High zika attack rate and first trimester infection were linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, while pre-existing immunity to dengue was not.
A recent study assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among individuals aged 50-80 in São Paulo, Brazil, found that the prevalence of depression and anxiety remained relatively stable. The study, which involved over 2,000 participants, revealed a decrease in symptoms of both conditions during the pandemic period.
Researchers have discovered a quantum phase transition in a quasi-2D system consisting purely of spins, which has significant implications for spintronics and quantum computing. The study reveals unexpected manifestations of quantum phase transitions in pure spin systems.
A study of 30,000 RT-PCR tests on players and staff reveals an 11.7% infection rate, comparable to that among health workers, emphasizing the virus's transmission potential within sports communities. Severe cases were more frequent among staff, who are older and less healthy.
A recent study suggests that newborns to three months old should be stimulated to hold and reach for objects. This stimulation helps their social, motor, and cognitive development. Researchers propose a novel approach to understanding imitation and manual activities, including exercises such as placing the baby's hands on different tex...
Researchers found diabetics use half as much force to hold objects, unlike those with other neurological diseases. The study developed a new methodology to measure grip force, providing potential for quick and easy diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo discovered that SARS-CoV-2 infects and replicates in salivary glands, leading to high viral loads in saliva. The study suggests that tissues specializing in saliva production serve as reservoirs for the virus.
A Brazilian study found that a lack of exercise during quarantine increased cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin levels in women aged 50-70, while also reducing muscle strength and aerobic capacity. The findings highlight the importance of promoting physical activity safely during periods of social distancing or isolation.
A new study suggests that a 50% increase in atmospheric CO2 could lead to a 12% annual drop in Amazon rainfall, surpassing the impact of complete forest replacement with pasture. The researchers ran simulations showing that reduced transpiration and leaf area would result in less water vapor emission, leading to decreased rainfall.
A study involving 154 volunteers found that wearing transparent masks increased comprehension of speech by 10%, even for those with normal hearing. The study's findings suggest that visual cues play a significant role in facilitating communication during masked conversations.
Researchers used the Ising model to demonstrate the role of social distancing and isolation in reducing virus transmission. By comparing infected people to 'spin-up' electrons and non-infected people to 'spin-down', they showed that quarantine is key to mitigating transmission.
The study suggests that the tropical rain belt's latitudinal oscillation range contracted, resulting in reduced rainfall in Brazil's Northeast region. This finding can help predict the region's future climate and inform strategies for managing food and water security.
A study reveals that hunting pressure affects the behavior of endangered Yellow-breasted capuchin monkeys, causing them to avoid areas with abundant food sources due to increased risk of predation. The research suggests that poachers pose a significant threat, and the risk of predation outweighs the availability of food in their habitat.
Researchers found a correlation between inflammatory profile and cannabis use on a daily basis or during adolescence, increasing the odds of suffering from a psychotic disorder. Immune system dysfunction can modify the association between cannabis use and psychosis.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo discovered that Fusarium verticillioides uses volatile compounds to manipulate Diatraea saccharalis moths and sugarcane plants, promoting its own dissemination. This study revolutionizes the science of red rot disease, considered the most serious threat to sugarcane.
Researchers have detected Candida auris, a microorganism with high drug resistance, in Brazilian hospitals. The fungus can cause severe infections and mortality rates of up to 60%, posing a significant threat to patients with severe COVID-19.
Researchers found that warmer, more acidic water accelerated the development of Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab embryos but increased mortality rates. The study warns of potential ecosystem consequences if climate change alters the lifecycle of these species.
Most São Paulo state cities have limited capacity to adapt to climate change, with metropolitan areas scoring higher according to the Urban Adaptation Index. Cities must develop strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Researchers discovered a link between chronic high blood pressure and elevated intracranial pressure, validating a non-invasive monitoring method. The study proposes treating high blood pressure with losartan to prevent intracranial hypertension and its complications like stroke.
The device was used to culture two maternal endometrial cell types, revealing the effects of glucose and insulin level alterations on uterine environment. High levels of glucose altered protein expression and secretion, while insulin changes triggered quantitative changes in protein secretion without significant gene transcription.
A study using protein mapping reveals that abnormal glutamate levels in the brains of schizophrenic patients can lead to oxidative stress and apoptosis in neurons, while oligodendrocytes display different responses. This knowledge may contribute to the development of more targeted treatments for schizophrenia.
Researchers found that patients with dementia and especially Alzheimer's are three times more likely to die from COVID-19. The risk is six times greater for those over 80. Chronic inflammatory conditions or defective immune responses may contribute to the increased vulnerability of these patients.
A study conducted in Brazil evaluated the filtration efficacy of 227 commercially available face masks. Professional-use models were found to be most effective at retaining aerosol particles, with fabric masks ranging from 15% to 70% efficiency.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 infected various organs in children, leading to a wide range of clinical manifestations, including abdominal pain, heart failure, and seizures. The study suggests that the virus's direct action on tissues is associated with an exacerbated inflammatory response in children.
Researchers have identified climate-change refugia in a dry-forest region of Brazil's Peruaçu Caves National Park. The study used tree ring analysis and satellite images to confirm the existence of these areas, which are relatively buffered from climate change, offering high probability of conservation success.
Researchers discovered that metabolites from fungi and bacteria biofilms can modulate gene expression associated with tumor growth and survival. The study found that these microorganisms can endanger homeostasis in normal and neoplastic oral epithelial cells, impairing cell viability and survival.
The study reveals that the 2019-20 drought was caused by a meteorological phenomenon, atmospheric blocking, which prevented raincloud formation. The Pantanal's severe drought had devastating effects on the biome due to high temperatures, low humidity, and exacerbated by human activities like deliberate burning of vegetation.
A study conducted in Brazil found that a cognitive-behavioral approach to treatment can significantly yield weight loss and improve quality of life. The program was shown to be effective in increasing quality of life in all domains, physical, psychological, social, and environmental, while reducing symptoms of depression.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo found that healthy young adults on vegan or omnivorous diets with adequate protein intake gained equivalent muscle mass. The key to this finding lies in the level of protein intake, rather than the source.
A study found that people who have had dengue are twice as likely to develop symptoms of COVID-19. The research analyzed blood samples from a town in the Brazilian Amazon before and after the pandemic, revealing an increased risk among populations most exposed to dengue.
Researchers found that even low levels of lead exposure can cause epigenetic changes, including a decrease in DNA methylation, which may precede cellular disorders. The study suggests that these changes could be an early warning sign of potential health problems, highlighting the need for better public policy to minimize lead exposure.
A study of 92 adolescents found that girls are more likely to develop high blood pressure and dyslipidemia associated with obesity. The researchers believe personalized treatment is needed due to differences in hormone and neuropeptide profiles between girls and boys, regardless of weight and age.
Researchers used genetic engineering tools to create a virus that can enter specific neurons and insert new genetic code, inducing modified protein production. In mice tests, the alteration was sufficient to modify brain activity, indicating potential biomarker for psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism.
Patients who survive sepsis are more likely to die within a year or suffer from long-term complications. Alterations in defense cell metabolism may explain this phenomenon, which is linked to frequent reinfections, cardiovascular alterations, cognitive disabilities, and poor quality of life.
Three manatee species share a common ancestor after the Amazon Basin was formed, with genetic data showing adaptation to environments influenced their evolution. The research adds new information on the evolutionary history of aquatic mammals, shedding light on how geological events shaped their distribution.
Brazilian researchers found that feeding cows soybean and linseed oils improves the quality of their milk by reducing saturated fatty acids and increasing unsaturated fats. The study showed an optimal omega-6/omega-3 ratio of 2.7:1, beneficial for human health.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that low-protein intake during pregnancy can lead to a significant decrease in the number of nephrons in offspring, resulting in hypertensive effects and kidney damage. The researchers discovered this effect by analyzing microRNA expression in rat embryos fed with a low-protein diet during ges...
Researchers found that wildfires have killed trees, eroding soil and allowing native herbaceous cover to expand, while white-sand savanna tree species dominate the landscape. This shift threatens biodiversity and carbon storage in the Amazon ecosystem.
People with autoimmune rheumatic diseases are more likely to develop heart attacks and strokes due to chronic inflammation. Regular exercise improves vascular function, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and promoting structural recovery of damaged arteries.
A clinical trial of 240 patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 found that a high dose of vitamin D3 had no impact on length of stay or risk of ICU admission and death. The researchers suggest that continuous use of vitamin D may have beneficial effects for certain individuals, but more research is needed.
Researchers used advanced spectroscopy and electronic transport techniques to determine charge accumulation and dynamics in resonant-tunneling diodes. The study aims to develop novel RTDs with optimized charge distribution to enhance photodetection efficiency or minimize optical losses.
A revised handgrip cutoff value of 32 kg for men and 21 kg for women can accurately identify mobility impairment, increasing the likelihood of early diagnosis by 88% for men and 89% for women. This revised metric promotes preventive treatment to avoid muscle weakness and mobility loss.
Researchers discovered bacteria and archaea involved in nutrient cycle and biomineralization, suggesting microorganisms contribute to metal formation and ecosystem support. The study's findings have implications for understanding the impact of mining on ecosystems.
A study by researchers at the University of Campinas found that adults with periodontitis transmit bacteria to their children, leading to subgingival bacterial colonization at an early age. This highlights the importance of preventive care in infancy to avoid developing this inflammatory disease of the gums.
A study using airborne laser scanning found that water stress, soil fertility, and anthropic forest degradation contribute to tree mortality in the Amazon. The researchers mapped gaps in the forest using LiDAR data, which showed a significant correlation with field mortality patterns.