A team of Brazilian researchers has completed the sequencing of Frieseomelitta varia, a native stingless bee species with economic interest as a pollinator. The study reveals conserved ancestral traits and regulatory functions in noncoding RNAs linked to the workers' sterility, providing valuable insights into social insect evolution.
The new lens is made up of a single nanometric layer of silicon on arrays of nanoposts that interact with light. It can be used to produce high-resolution images with a wide field of view, suitable for smartphones and other devices relying on sensors.
A novel flavivirus identification test using RT-qPCR has been validated in Brazil for fast and sensitive detection of diseases. The method identifies and distinguishes between flaviviruses causing diseases in humans and animals.
Researchers at the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) have developed a low-cost platform for producing enzymes that break down biomass into fermentable sugar for biofuel conversion. The enzyme cocktail, produced by genetically engineering a fungus, has significant potential industrial applications.
Researchers developed a wearable sensor printed on microbial nanocellulose, enabling noninvasive detection of body fluids present in sweat. The device can detect biomarkers such as sodium, potassium, and glucose, with potential applications for diabetes monitoring and hormone control.
The Campinas Electrochemistry Group produces novel materials through self-organization in chemical systems. The group aims to achieve a deeper understanding of these processes to control their growth and structure. This research has the potential to lead to advancements in catalytic efficiency, selectivity, and material properties.
A new molecule called TPPU has been shown to suppress the inflammatory process, reducing inflammation and joint tissue wear and tear in mice with genetically induced arthritis. Arthritic mice treated with TPPU displayed less pain and swelling and had lower clinical scores.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals how pollen tubes grow up to a thousand-fold to reach the ovule, creating electrical activity at the cell membrane and promoting faster growth. The findings have implications for understanding seed production, fungal growth, and neuronal development, and may lead to improved food crop v...
Researchers found that oxytocin administration reversed precursors of osteoporosis in female rats, including reduced bone density and decreased bone strength. The study suggests that oxytocin may be a strong ally in preventing osteoporosis during perimenopause.
Scientists found that in actual materials, there's no critical point for quantum phase transitions in a genuine zero-field environment. Instead, many-body interactions impose order on matter at low temperatures.
The new database covers 219 pathogens that infect plants in Brazil, including many agriculturally important species. It presents information on diseases caused by the viruses and their occurrence in native, cultivated, and ornamental plants.
Researchers advocate photodynamic therapy as an additional treatment for COVID-19 patients to combat secondary infections. The technique uses light and a photosensitizing chemical substance to kill microorganisms in the respiratory tract, potentially improving prognosis and reducing transmission.
Researchers used machine learning to correlate information on drugs, genes, and diseases, identifying 63 drugs targeting 31 genes as potential candidates for psychiatric and neurological treatment. The approach will also be applied to search for correlations between drugs, genes, and COVID-19.
Researchers analyzed 884 fungal samples from 16 hospitals worldwide to identify clusters of genetically identical strains, suggesting the presence of more virulent and drug-resistant varieties. The study highlights the importance of monitoring hospital infection control protocols and finding effective therapies to combat Candidemia.
A novel species of lizard, Neokotus sanfranciscanus, has been found in the Quiricó Formation in Brazil, dating back to over 130 million years ago. The discovery reveals that squamates were distributed throughout the world earlier than previously thought and had a broader global distribution.
Researchers have created an optical fiber made of agar derived from marine algae that is edible, biocompatible and biodegradable. The fiber can be used for body structure imaging, localized light delivery, and localized drug delivery in various medical applications.
Researchers have demonstrated the potential of a leukemia drug, arsenic trioxide, to treat medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer most common in children. The drug made tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy and proved capable of killing tumor cells and preventing new colony formation.
A new experimental drug that inhibits AHR has been shown to effectively combat Zika virus replication and prevent microcephaly in mouse fetuses. The study found a significant reduction in viral load and histopathological changes, suggesting a promising antiviral therapy.
Researchers discovered a hybrid fungus, Aspergillus latus, in a hospital environment, which is up to three times more drug-resistant than its parental species and highly dangerous. The study aims to investigate the role of fungi in COVID-19 and improve treatment strategies.
Scientists at São Paulo State University identify 19 Centaurs of interstellar origin with highly inclined orbits, suggesting they formed around other stars and were later captured by the Solar System. This discovery sheds light on the formation of the Solar System and the chemical enrichment of the Sun.
The discovery of the DRIK1 protein has opened up new avenues for developing more drought-resistant plants. By identifying a synthetic molecule that binds to the protein, researchers aim to breed plants with naturally reduced or inhibited activity, reducing losses related to climate change.
Researchers have successfully treated horse melanomas using Amblyomin-X, a protein derived from tick saliva. The treatment resulted in tumor shrinkage and remission in some cases, with no adverse reactions reported. Further analysis of signaling pathways revealed activation of the innate immune system's rapid response.
A Brazilian biotech startup is developing a low-cost, high-performance COVID-19 diagnostic test using only locally sourced inputs. The test uses a cell-free protein synthesis technology to accelerate and optimize protein production processes.
A review article by Brazilian researchers highlights the risks of short periods of inactivity on the cardiovascular system and recommends exercising at home during the pandemic. Exercise can help control blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life, even for high-risk groups.
Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a computational tool tracking COVID-19 growth rates across over 200 countries. The 'COVID-19 accelerometer' plots real-time growth curves to assess the effectiveness of public policies aimed at containing the pandemic.
A recent study found that the international trade in timber, tobacco, cocoa, coffee, and cotton significantly contributes to malaria risk in countries with deforestation hotspots. The research linked over 10% of malaria cases to demand from developed countries for these commodities.
Researchers developed a thermoluminescent material that responds to UV radiation, overcoming current limitations in personal and environmental UV dosimetry. The new material enables accurate detection of UV exposure and has potential applications in various fields.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Engineering School have developed a low-cost mechanical ventilator that costs approximately 7% as much as conventional ventilators. The device has already been tested in animals and humans and shows promise in treating patients with acute respiratory syndrome, a severe outcome of COVID-19.
A study used satellite images and machine learning to analyze forest fragment degradation and regeneration in the Atlantic Rainforest. Researchers found that certain tree species indicate forest regeneration, while others mark degraded areas.
Brazilian pulmonologist Dr. Elnara Negri argues that COVID-19 should be treated as a thrombotic disease, citing the use of anti-coagulant drug heparin to improve patient outcomes. She reports a successful treatment protocol with 80 patients, with none dying and four in ICU.
Brazilian researchers found Zika virus can infect multiple regions of the placenta, highlighting the need to collect and store samples properly. Diagnostic tests must consider these regions to ensure accurate results.
A Brazilian startup has developed a novel COVID-19 patient monitoring system that utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technology to track clinical signs in real-time. The system alerts medical teams to patients with deteriorating conditions, enabling timely hospital referrals and reducing the risk of contagion.
A new study has identified a group of genes with altered expression in autism spectrum disorder, affecting communication among neurons. The discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment by targeting these genes.
Researchers have discovered that patients with breast cancer develop alterations in monocytes, a type of leukocyte, early in the disease course. This finding paves the way for enhanced diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, potentially allowing for earlier identification of aggressive tumors and personalized immunotherapy strategies.
A study at Harvard Medical School found that administering CoQ10 reverses damage to germinative cells caused by BPA exposure. The antioxidants reduced oxidative stress and cell death rates in worms exposed to BPA, suggesting a potential strategy for reversing BPA-induced fertility issues.
Researchers have developed a zinc-doped manganese chromite crystal with significant technological potential. The material exhibits paramagnetic-to-antiferromagnetic phase transition at 19 kelvin, making it suitable for various applications.
A startup-developed AI system using facial recognition and thermal imaging detects fevers remotely in people near hospital front desks, alerting staff to potential COVID-19 cases. The system has been successfully implemented at Albert Einstein Jewish Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil.
A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo has identified a promising technological alternative to solvents used in batteries. Highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes offer significant advantages over conventional methods, including being nontoxic and cheaper. However, challenges such as hygroscopicity and corrosion need to...
Magnamed will supply 6,500 mechanical ventilators to hospitals in Brazil by August to help meet growing demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company partnered with several leading Brazilian and multinational corporations to achieve this goal.
A new diagnostic strategy has been developed by Brazilian researchers to detect biomarkers of early-stage multiple sclerosis. The method uses a nanobiosensor that can accurately identify specific antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid and blood serum, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have identified two novel viruses in Brazilian patients with suspected dengue, one from the Ambidensovirus genus and the other from Chapparvovirus. The study used metagenomics to analyze blood samples and found an unexpected presence of these viruses in human hosts.
A study found that 54.8% of COVID-19 cases imported to Brazil by March 5 came from Italy, while 24.9% traveled from Italy to São Paulo. The virus spread quickly in Brazil, with the first cases reported in São Paulo City, and sustained community transmission now prevails.
A study conducted in northwestern São Paulo found that nearly a third of the population under 40 lacked immunity against measles, with only 1% over 50 showing similar results. Vaccination remains essential in preventing transmission and controlling outbreaks.
The study found that extreme rainfall days have increased significantly in metropolitan São Paulo, with a four-fold rise over the past seven decades. The researchers also observed an increase in consecutive dry days, suggesting that heavy rainfall events are becoming more concentrated in shorter periods.
Researchers at the Butantan Institute and Boston Children's Hospital have developed a novel pneumonia vaccine capable of providing protection against all serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The vaccine is less expensive and more effective than current vaccines, with an estimated price of $2 per dose.
Researchers identified 497 genes expressed in resistant mice and 22 genes in susceptible mice, showing the development of disease depends on host genetics. The study aims to develop biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis.
A study by Brazilian researchers suggests the Solar System took shape in its current form between 10-60 million years after its formation. The model, supported by São Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP, reveals a chaotic phase that placed objects in their current orbits within the first 100 million years.
Researchers found that smaller forest fragments result in fewer species and interactions between plants and seed-dispersing birds. This leads to a loss of ecological functions, including constant forest regeneration, with larger bird species playing a crucial role in dispersing large seeds.
Researchers tested zika virus as a therapy for dogs with spontaneous brain tumors, achieving tumor reduction and longer survival. The treatment was well-tolerated and safe, with no adverse side effects.
Researchers developed a computer program analyzing molecules in blood plasma to identify individuals at risk of becoming overweight and developing obesity-related diseases. The test is 90% accurate in detecting whether the subject will gain weight without intervention, also predicting diabetes and other health risks.