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.
Researchers found that Parkinson's patients exhibit 53% lower step length synergy while crossing obstacles compared to healthy subjects. This impairment affects gait timing and foot positioning, making it difficult for patients to navigate obstacles safely, increasing the risk of falls.
A new technique developed by HUG-CELL reconstructs livers in the laboratory using extracellular matrix and human cells. The method, which can be used to produce other organs as well, shows promise for increasing organ supply and reducing rejection risks for transplant patients.
A study analyzing socioeconomic and environmental indicators for the São Paulo Macrometropolitan Area found environmental inequity and dependency. The analysis detected asymmetries that impair mutual exchange between cities, with some providing essential services like water, food, and power generation while others receive them.
Researchers found that high-fiber compounds reduced the expression of a gene and cytokine receptor involved in viral cell entry and inflammation. The findings suggest that high-fiber diets may help control inflammation caused by COVID-19, which can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and changes in gut microbiota.
Researchers at UFSCar in Brazil have developed a novel luciferin-luciferase system that produces far red light at 650 nanometers, three times brighter than natural luciferin and luciferase. This system has better thermal stability, cell membrane penetrability, and more lasting continuous bioluminescence.
Researchers discovered the Leishmania parasite's arsenal to affect cellular defense and enhance leishmaniasis, using autophagy to block caspase-11. The findings shed light on a key mechanism involved in other diseases and may lead to novel treatments for leishmaniasis.
A study from Brazil's University of São Paulo used self-assembled molecular monolayers to create biosensors for detecting the gene PCA3, which is specific to prostate cancer cells. The technique can also be used to diagnose infectious diseases like COVID-19, offering a non-invasive alternative to current methods.
Researchers developed a non-invasive methodology using artificial intelligence to analyze crop seed quality. The technique uses light-based technology and machine learning to identify immature or poor-quality seeds, avoiding the need for destructive germination tests and providing more accurate results in less time.
Researchers discovered a novel pathway linking T-lymphocyte extracellular vesicles loaded with microRNAs to increased osteoclast formation and bone erosion. The study suggests that these extracellular vesicles act as inflammatory mediators, inducing differentiation of osteoclasts via inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2.
Researchers found that dynamic stretching can improve kicking accuracy, while intense physical exercises have a negative effect on kick velocity. Consumption of carbohydrate beverages during matches also enables players to maintain adequate kicking performance.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Chemistry Institute have successfully controlled enzyme activity using infrared laser irradiation and gold nanoparticles, enhancing lipase biocatalysis by up to 58% compared to nanospheres.
A new class of nanomaterials made from perovskite have improved the efficiency of quantum dots, allowing for brighter displays and more efficient electronics. By analyzing the interactions between bright and dark states, researchers were able to verify energy alignment and make discoveries regarding electron behavior.
A study found that deforestation in the Amazon leads to an increase in antibiotic-resistant soil bacteria, with a larger number of genes and molecular mechanisms detected in deforested areas than in forested ones. The researchers warn that these microorganisms can pose a significant public health risk if they reach humans.
Bacterial mutants struggling to survive due to nutrient scarcity often form clusters to cooperate and share nutrients, rather than competing with wild-type bacteria. This cooperative behavior masks the true frequency of mutations, making it seem like a lower rate of mutant emergence is occurring.
Researchers have confirmed the safety of an anti-inflammatory peptide, TnP, which shows promise in treating chronic inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis. The peptide has been tested in zebrafish and shown to be non-toxic, crossing the blood-brain barrier without causing neurological problems.
Researchers successfully targeted Cryptococcus species using reprogrammed CAR T-cells, effectively controlling the growth of fungi. The treatment showed promising results in vitro and in mice, with reduced titan cells indicating a good prognosis for new treatments. This innovative approach could also be applied to other fungal infections.
A study by researchers at the University of Campinas investigated optomechanical coupling, creating a theoretical model that was validated by simulations and comparisons with experimental results. The researchers found that both dispersive and dissipative interactions occur in microcavities, which can contribute to advances in fields s...