Adolescents who skip breakfast tend to have higher waist circumference and body mass index, indicating an increased risk of weight gain. The study suggests that skipping breakfast can contribute to unhealthy habits and behaviors, potentially making adolescents more vulnerable to obesity.
Researchers found that ants receiving protein from herbivorous arthropods increase their aggression in environments with scarce food supply. This discovery challenges the idea that only carbohydrates are offered by plants to protectants.
Researchers found that natural compounds isolated from Nectandra leucantha can kill parasites causing these neglected diseases. The neolignans displayed bioactivity against Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi parasites, which affect millions of people in Brazil and other developing countries.
Researchers developed a nanotechnology-based compound that delivers an oral vaccine against hepatitis B to the immune system. The nanostructured silica protects the antigen from digestive acidity, enabling it to trigger an immune response. The study's results show promise for a polyvaccine against six diseases.
Brazilian and Italian scientists developed a method to pattern polythiophene, an electrically conductive polymer, to improve its optical and electronic properties. The resulting device is highly selective in emitting and absorbing light, making it suitable for optoelectronic applications.
Researchers at CRID found that infants produce 40% more NETs than adults, leading to more severe organ damage and higher mortality rates in sepsis cases. Breaking down NETs with a drug can improve survival rates for infant patients, highlighting new treatment strategies.
A new breeding method increases genetic selection efficiency, conserving or improving population diversity. It considers variance in gametic diversity and relative predicted transmitting ability, resulting in gains of up to 16% compared to traditional methods.
Researchers have retraced the pathogen's route as it spread from Pará State in North Brazil. Yellow fever virus was detected in dead monkeys and mosquitoes, revealing a 40-year-old strain behind current epidemic.
Researchers have detected ranavirus infection in wild bullfrog tadpoles in Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest, linked to declining amphibian populations worldwide. The virus may have spread from frog farms, highlighting the dual threat of invasive species and pathogens.
Researchers at CBPF and UFABC used quantum correlations to reverse thermodynamic arrow of time, allowing heat to flow from cold to hot without external energy. The experiment demonstrates a generalized form of the second law of thermodynamics, highlighting the role of quantum correlations in thermal transfer.
Researchers have developed a genetically modified virus that kills cancer cells and makes them sensitive to chemotherapy drugs, halting tumor progression in mice. The combination of p53 gene therapy and cabazitaxel resulted in full control of tumor growth, with an additive or synergistic effect.
Phelcom's Eyer uses a portable optical device connected to a smartphone to capture images of the retina for remote diagnosis. The app sends images over the internet to Eyer Cloud, which stores and manages patient files. With an accuracy rate of around 80%, the system has the potential to examine 50,000 patients next year.
Brazilian and German scientists have discovered genes linked to sex differentiation in the giant Amazon fish, enabling early sexing and paving the way for genetic improvement. The research, supported by FAPESP, has significant implications for the Brazilian aquaculture industry and the conservation of this iconic species.
The study found that climate change could lead to a decline in ectomycorrhizal tree species by up to 10% if CO2 emissions continue unabated until 2070. This decline may have significant implications for forest ecosystems and growth.
The study identifies Bulbostylis paradoxa as a plant that rapidly regrows and flowers in the Brazilian savanna after a fire. This rapid response is a significant advantage for the plant, enabling it to flower, fructify, and disperse seeds before competitors arrive.
The study used CT scans and 3D imaging to analyze cranium fossils of two extinct species, identifying adaptations and relationships with extant platyrrhine species. The results showed that C. bambuiorum is closely related to Ateles, Brachyteles, and Lagothrix, contradicting its initial classification.
Researchers discovered a modified enzyme produced by fungus Trichoderma harzianum that increases glucose release from biomass for fermentation. The modified protein proved 300% more efficient than the wild-type enzyme in terms of glucose release, making it suitable for industrial application.
A study by Brazilian scientists shows that moderate strength and weight training can reduce liver fat and improve blood sugar control in obese and diabetic individuals. The exercise protocol reduced local fat in the liver and improved cellular insulin signaling, even before significant weight loss occurred.
Recent research on sickle cell disease highlights major progress in diagnosis and treatment, but warns that more screening of newborns is needed, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The study emphasizes the importance of investing in health policies to address the growing number of cases.
A Brazilian-US research team has sequenced the mitochondrial genome of the tube anemone Isarachnanthus nocturnus, revealing a massive 80,923 base pairs. The discovery challenges current classifications and sheds light on the evolution of cnidarians.
A study found that brain activity related to auditory perception parallels heart rate, suggesting that stress-induced changes in heart rate may impair auditory perception. Researchers suggest that vagus nerve activation by electrical stimulation could improve auditory perception and treat attention and communication disorders.
A study reveals that freshwater stingray toxins vary among individuals of the same species, with young female venom causing more pain than adult male venom. Adult rays' venom is more effective at producing tissue necrosis, a deadly effect for small fish and crustaceans.
Research reveals that urban pollution from Manaus significantly impacts cloud production and rainfall in the Amazon, with far-reaching consequences for regional and global climate patterns. The study found an average increase of 200% in secondary organic aerosols, leading to a 400% boost in aerosol formation.
Researchers found that a nonlethal dose of insecticide curtailed the lives of bees by up to 50% and altered the behavior of worker bees when combined with a fungicide, potentially jeopardizing colony survival. The study suggests that the impact of pesticides on bees could be worse than previously thought.
Scientists investigated satellite data collections for burned areas in the Cerrado biome, improving Brazil's space research output. The study refined data to provide more precise information on burned areas, including emissions and land use patterns.
A study reveals that substituting diesel with liquefied natural gas (LNG) in São Paulo can reduce fuel costs by up to 40% and greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2%. LNG is found to be a more environmentally friendly option, with lower emissions of CO2-eq, CH4, and N2O.
Researchers found that high levels of PM10 reduced average tree growth by up to 37% and varied interannually with pollution levels during driest months. Trees exposed to higher levels of pollution grew less in trunk diameter development throughout their lives.
Researchers found that overweight adolescents have similar increased risks of developing heart disorders as obese teenagers. Cardiovascular fitness tests with boys and girls aged 10-17 showed no significant difference in heart rate variability between the two groups.
A study conducted in Brazil found that intensive silviculture using herbicide spraying and substantial fertilizer application promotes tropical forest regeneration and biomass gain, exceeding traditional manual weeding methods. Researchers aimed to maximize woody biomass accumulation for carbon sequestration and financial viability.
A study suggests that low plasma levels of PDIA1, an enzyme involved in protein disulfide isomerization, are associated with a higher risk of thrombosis. Researchers found no correlation between PDIA1 levels and well-known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers used cognitive dysfunction tests and analysis of drug use patterns to identify patients at high risk of relapse after treatment. The study suggests that a revised classification system may be needed to better predict vulnerability to relapse.
Brazilian researchers developed a software program called Polyploid Gene Assembler (PGA) to map specific portions of plant DNA, saving at least two orders of magnitude compared to mapping the whole genome. The technique uses publicly available data from related grasses to locate genes of interest for plant breeders.
A new study estimates that lifestyle risk factors, such as smoking and unhealthy diet, account for 114,497 annual cancer cases in Brazil, representing 27% of all cancer cases. Eliminating these risk factors could halve the number of certain types of cancer cases, according to Brazilian researchers.
Researchers have discovered a biochemical compound responsible for the rapid decline in blood pressure during sepsis. The compound, cis-WOOH, is formed by an enzyme and plays a signaling role in vasodilation, potentially leading to organ failure and death.
Researchers investigate Haumea's ring, suggesting a degree of eccentricity is required for resonance to act on particles. They identify stable, circular orbits compatible with the ring, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers developed a peptide called FRW that binds specifically to endothelial cell junctions in the blood-brain barrier, paving the way for novel diagnostic imaging strategies and therapies. The new technique also reveals differences between the blood-retina and blood-brain barriers.
A study by Brazilian researchers shows that the Tietê River's water quality improves steadily as it flows through a series of dams along its 1,100 km course. The filtration process retains matter in suspension, affecting light absorption and ultimately making the river transparent at its downstream end.
Researchers describe violacein's mechanism of action against bacteria, including its ability to kill drug-resistant pathogens and disrupt membrane organization. The study's findings suggest violacein's potential as a target for future antimicrobial research.
Researchers found that mechanically stretched carbon nanotubes can extract heat efficiently, making them a promising material for cooling flexible electronic devices. This technology could be an efficient alternative to traditional vapor-compression refrigerators, reducing ozone depletion and global warming.
Researchers found curcumin has potential to prevent or treat stomach cancer by inhibiting histone modifications. Compounds like cholecalciferol, resveratrol and quercetin also show promise in modulating histone activity.
A new study suggests that the Cerrado biome in Brazil connected the Andean and Atlantic tropical forests, which are now over 1,000 km apart. The research used genomic and biogeographical data to support this hypothesis.
Researchers found that growth hormone signaling promotes neuroendocrine adaptations during food deprivation, leading to increased appetite and reduced energy metabolism. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms behind weight loss and regain, highlighting the importance of GH in maintaining energy balance.
Researchers developed a biophotonic technique that uses ultraviolet and red light irradiation to eliminate bacteria and viruses from organs before transplantation. The method significantly reduced viral load in eight patients and completely eliminated the virus in two others.
Researchers found evidence of a giant exoplanet orbiting an evolved binary system, with a mass approximately 13 times that of Jupiter. The discovery was made possible by analyzing variations in eclipse timing and orbital period using Kepler Space Telescope data.
Researchers isolated cyphomycin from leafcutting ant microbiota, killing fungi resistant to existing drugs. The compound was tested against Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida species, showing promise as a novel antibiotic
Scientists have identified genes involved in sugarcane root cell separation, a process that can be applied to other parts of the plant. The development of transgenic varieties with soft cell walls similar to papaya could increase sucrose extraction and reduce enzyme cocktails for ethanol production.
Researchers found signature of 16 disease-related microbial species associated with colorectal cancer and identified Fusobacterium nucleatum and choline trimethylamine-lyase gene in fecal samples. The study paves the way for non-invasive predictive tests for different populations.
A microscopic fungus has caused a significant decline in amphibian populations, with at least 501 species affected. The chytrid fungus has led to a 93% decline in anuran species, which account for 89% of all amphibian species, and is thought to have spread from Asia to Central America via human transportation.
Liposomes, small artificial structures with lipids and aqueous cores, have been engineered to transmit light or electrical signals. By incorporating magnetic nanoparticles and fluorescent molecules, the vesicles can be controlled by magnets and used for Boolean logic operations, enabling on/off signal transmission.
A new study reveals the microbial food web in Amazonian waters, consisting of 20% of the whole Amazon, produces 10 times more CO2 than the classical food chain by decomposing organic matter. This accounts for most of the carbon circulating in lakes, floodplains, and wetlands.