Researchers discovered that melatonin may regulate gene expression and intensify tumor suppressor genes, leading to increased tumor cell death and reduced proliferation. The study identified target genes for melatonin, which could guide personalized therapies for breast cancer patients.
Researchers found that red propolis extract was more effective in reducing parasite load and killing helminths than the only available drug, praziquantel. Red propolis also blocked reproduction and oviposition, making it a promising alternative treatment for schistosomiasis.
Regular aerobic exercise increases DICER expression, combating the harmful effects of aging and obesity on metabolism. This leads to improved energy consumption efficiency, enhanced muscle performance, and reduced body weight and visceral fat.
Research by Brazilian scientists reveals that as trees grow faster, their lives get shorter, offsetting carbon storage. This trade-off impacts forest carbon uptake and highlights the need for more effective climate change mitigation strategies.
A team of Brazilian and French researchers has developed hydrogels based on modified starch for use as 'ink' in 3D printing of foods. The gels have optimal printability, allowing for the creation of customized food products with desired shapes, textures and flavors.
A new drug, originally developed to treat bacterial infections, has shown the capacity to increase cell energy expenditure and reduce weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet. The treatment works by reprogramming white adipose tissue cells to behave like brown adipose tissue, burning calories to generate heat.
Researchers identify succinate as a key molecule released by muscle cells during exercise, triggering tissue remodeling and increased strength. The study found that succinate levels rise in muscle fibers and interstitial spaces after exercise, leading to improved metabolic efficiency and enhanced athletic performance.
Researchers found that inflammasomes, a type of immune cell complex, are activated in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to excessive inflammation and potentially life-threatening complications. The study provides new insights into the disease's progression and suggests potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers found nine genes in mako sharks that relate to tumor suppression and wound healing, surprising given the low incidence of cancer in these animals. The study also suggests that mako sharks may have monochrome vision, a common trait among all shark species.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that young Brazilians are becoming more interested in environmental and scientific topics as they begin high school. However, the level of interest varies by region, with students from the North being more enthusiastic about learning about local wildlife and biodiversity.
A study found that topography, rather than vegetation, is the main factor leading to genetic diversity of Bokermannohyla ibitiguara, a tree frog endemic to the Serra da Canastra mountain range. The flatter terrain allows for greater dispersal and increased genetic diversity.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 infects fat cells and alters the quantity of signaling molecules released into the bloodstream. Adipocytes release more exosomes containing inflammatory factors, which may contribute to damage in organs such as the heart, lungs, and nervous system.
A Brazilian company developed a plastic film that eliminates 79.9% of SARS-CoV-2 particles in three minutes and 99.99% in up to 15 minutes, making it a promising material for food packaging protection against the novel coronavirus. The film contains silver and silica nanoparticles and has been successfully tested in laboratory settings.
A study by a cross-border team of researchers confirms that biofuels can contribute significantly to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the potential of switchgrass cultivation for cellulosic ethanol production as comparable to reforestation and grassland restoration on a per-hectare basis.
Researchers identified a non-hereditary mutation in blood cells from a patient with GATA2 deficiency that may have prevented bone marrow failure and other clinical manifestations. The mutation acted as a kind of natural gene therapy, protecting the patient from developing typical symptoms.
Researchers have discovered the three-dimensional structure of Nef-CD4 and AP-2, providing a basis for developing anti-HIV therapies. This finding highlights Nef's crucial role in subverting human cells' defense mechanisms, enabling HIV replication and disease progression.
Researchers at University of São Paulo and University of Pennsylvania conducted clinical trials on monoclonal antibody eculizumab and experimental drug AMY-101, showing promising results in accelerating recovery from severe COVID-19. The studies found that inhibiting the complement system reduced inflammation and improved lung function.
Scientists at the University of São Paulo have developed a method to generate intense beams of light with quantum correlations, which can be used for high-precision metrology and information encoding. The new technology has potential applications in fields such as gravity wave detection and secure communication.
The study reveals that mammal defaunation has wiped out over 40% of ecosystem services provided by mammals, such as ecotourism and disease control. Large-bodied mammals are disappearing fastest, while small-bodied species often perform the same services, with overlapping species among rodents, bats, and apex predators.
A study found a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes (60.5%) among the Xavante population, with severe cases threatening sight. The researchers used a portable retinograph to detect diabetic retinopathy and found 16 cases, highlighting the need for screening in remote communities.
Researchers discovered that overexpressing protein kinase A (PKA) improves muscle resistance to fatigue in mice by suppressing FoxO proteins and increasing oxidative potential. This study offers a potential solution for treating atrophy and promoting muscle growth without severe side effects.
A study based on genomic analysis of 51 viral isolates extracted from mosquitoes and monkeys reveals three waves of the disease swept the state between 2016 and 2018. The use of MinION genetic sequencing technology allowed researchers to pinpoint the virus entry, spread speed, and geographical distribution of different lineages.
Researchers found chikungunya can infect the central nervous system, impairing cognitive and motor functions. The study also showed that patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of death during the subacute phase, which is seven times greater than for non-diabetics.
A study mapping toxins produced by tube-dwelling anemones identified 525 genes encoding proteins that act on the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and cell walls. Preliminary results showed a toxin effective against breast cancer cells, highlighting potential for novel medications.
Aerobic exercise promotes muscle regeneration by altering the metabolism of satellite cells, allowing them to recover from injury. The study found that satellite cells consume less oxygen, enabling them to regenerate tissue more efficiently.
Researchers identified genes associated with decreased placental invasion and increased chemokine production in babies born with microcephaly. This finding provides insight into why only some babies exposed to Zika virus during pregnancy develop anomalies.
A study led by Brazil's National Institute for Space Research found that regenerated forests in the Brazilian Amazon can offset 12% of carbon emissions due to deforestation. The study created 131 benchmark maps for Brazil and showed that secondary forests absorb a larger amount of carbon than they release.
Researchers analyzed 133 dream reports word by word using graph theory to show that REM dream reports have more structural connectedness than non-REM dream reports. This study confirms that dream report structure varies according to sleep stage and has implications for understanding dreams worldwide.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine identified PKM2 as a critical enzyme involved in immune cell differentiation and exacerbation of inflammation in autoimmune diseases. The findings suggest that targeting PKM2 could lead to more effective treatments, reducing symptoms by over 50%.
Researchers developed a plastic film containing silver-silica nanoparticles that inactivates the novel coronavirus on contact, reducing SARS-CoV-2 particles by almost 100%. The film is made by Brazilian company Nanox and has been approved as a PPE mask for COVID-19 protection.
A systematic review of nine clinical studies involving 6,577 patients with COVID-19 found that obesity significantly increases the risk of severe illness and death. The study also highlights the importance of addressing obesity through public health policies to prevent COVID-19-related complications.
A Brazilian research team developed a model to describe the spatial and temporal evolution of epidemic diseases. The SIR model predicts that contagion occurs discontinuously but follows a fractal pattern, which can help plan more effective social isolation programs with less socio-economic impact.
Community health workers in Brazil are a valuable asset in combating COVID-19, providing essential services to 75% of the population. However, they were neglected during the pandemic, lacking proper training, PPE, and recognition from the government.
Researchers discovered venom glands in the mouth of caecilians, a type of limbless amphibian, which release a secretion into prey during biting. This is the first time such glands have been found in amphibians, and it suggests that caecilians can be venomous.
A study suggests that conserving aquatic environments in the Amazon can be more efficient than protecting terrestrial species, with benefits reaching 84% of protection for aquatic species. The approach focuses on rivers and lakes, rather than land-based conservation units.
Researchers from UNICAMP found that valproic acid can modify DNA conformation and interact with chromosome proteins. The compound causes changes in the conformation of histones H1 and H3, as well as DNA superstructure and molecular order. This discovery paves the way for novel pharmaceutical research.
A new field of research in microbiology is transforming the way scientists see fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Advances in genetic sequencing and bioinformatics have enabled scientists to discover the diversity and functions of microorganisms, leading to breakthroughs in agricultural products and disease treatment.
Researchers found that exercising in the evening reduced post-exercise hypotension by 50% compared to morning, suggesting a beneficial time frame for patients with resistant hypertension. The study's findings can help health professionals choose optimal exercise times depending on the type of anti-hypertensive drug used.
Researchers found that drought and flood conditions in bromeliad microcosms affected the functioning of aquatic ecosystems, particularly at the bottom of the food chain. The study showed that smaller organisms suffer more from rainfall instability than larger ones.
Researchers found that irisin altered the expression of genes regulating ACE-2, a key protein in viral entry. Irisin also tripled levels of TRIB3 transcription, which has been linked to lower replication of SARS-CoV-2. The study suggests irisin's therapeutic potential for COVID-19 treatment.
Climate models suggest that tropical and subtropical southern hemisphere countries, including Brazil, may experience longer droughts and reduced rainfall by the end of the century. The mid-Pliocene period, which occurred 3 million years ago, shares characteristics with modern warming, indicating a possible future scenario.
Researchers at University of São Paulo characterized a novel family of anti-bacterial toxins present in bacteria like Salmonella enterica. The toxins inhibit cell wall synthesis in rival bacteria, facilitating colonization and causing imbalances in established microbial communities.
Researchers from Brazil and the US are collecting primary data on COVID-19 responses to create a repository for future studies. The project aims to analyze policy and politics in various countries, including social policies, political regimes, formal institutions, and state capacity.
Researchers developed a complex physical exercise protocol to stimulate different motor and cognitive skills simultaneously, restoring brain regions associated with freezing of gait in advanced-stage Parkinson's disease patients. The protocol reduced symptoms by 60% and improved brain plasticity, providing new hope for treatment.
Researchers isolated molecules from a blue light-emitting fungus gnat found in the Appalachians, which could lead to novel biotech applications and elucidate human diseases. The study revealed an almost unknown bioluminescent system composed of luciferin and luciferase.
A novel process for fabricating special optical fiber has been developed by Brazilian researcher Cristiano Cordeiro, simplifying the conventional method that requires costly equipment. The new process can be completed in under an hour and is significantly cheaper, enabling more researchers to produce their own optical fiber.
Researchers at USP and UNICAMP discovered eight novel polyphenols with anti-cancer properties in Brazilian red propolis. Two substances isolated from the rarest type of propolis significantly reduced proliferation of ovarian, breast, and brain cancer cells.
A nationwide survey of land use impacts on water quality in Brazil reveals that agriculture and urbanization are the main culprits behind river pollution. The study found that degradation varies according to scale or dimension used to evaluate it, and that catchment analysis appears to best reflect overall water quality.
Researchers found alterations in gene expression, neurotransmitter regulation, and extracellular matrix organization in brains affected by congenital Zika syndrome. The study integrates genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data to identify key molecular mechanisms underlying the disease.
A new model integrates two phases of matter accumulation in active galaxies, revealing a universal mechanism for ejection of matter by black holes. The research suggests that the molecular phase is part of the outflow, blowing away more matter than previously thought.