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.
Despite advancements in disease research, neglected tropical diseases and others continue to require attention, with only a small proportion of new drugs addressing these conditions. Novel treatments like bedaquiline and tafenoquine offer hope, but much work remains to be done.
Researchers have discovered that atorvastatin, a drug typically used to control cholesterol, can also treat cachexia, a condition characterized by rapid weight loss and muscle atrophy. In mouse studies, treatment with atorvastatin attenuated adipose tissue remodeling, leading to rapid weight loss and muscle atrophy.
Researchers used C. elegans to investigate the importance of NDEL1 genes in treating schizophrenia. They found that suppressing these genes may be linked to resistance to certain antipsychotic drugs.
Researchers discovered a way to regulate the beta-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling pathway using a chemically synthesized compound. The inhibitor reduces AAK1's frequency in endocytosis, blocking arbovirus invasion and potentially treating breast and cervical cancer.
Brazilian scientists have found that the strong odor released by some amphibian species is produced by bacteria, assisting in the animal's mating process. The study suggests that the odor serves to permit mutual recognition between males and females of the same species for mating purposes.
The researchers developed a molecule called SAMβA that not only stabilizes but regresses heart failure in rats. The molecule improves the heart's capacity to pump blood and reduces oxidative stress in heart cells.
Researchers developed 13 bioluminescence sensors to measure intracellular signaling pathways and detect pharmaceutical action. The biosensors provide a complete answer, or 'signaling profile,' allowing for more accurate drug testing and development.
A recent study reconstructed the evolutionary history of amoebae, showing that life on Earth was more diverse than previously thought, with ancestors of Thecamoebians evolving at least 750 million years ago. This discovery changes our understanding of current climate change and provides new insights into the evolution of life.
Researchers have developed a hybrid material combining molybdenum disulfide and azobenzene that exhibits unique optical and transport properties. The structure makes the material attractive for building compactable and malleable quasi-two-dimensional transistors powered by light.
A study published in Scientific Reports identifies changes to neutrophils that increase vulnerability of obese and diabetic individuals to infection. Alterations to neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, lead to impaired activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs), weakening the immune system's ability to combat pathogens.
Researchers have discovered that Lake Pebas, a massive wetland in western Amazonia, existed until 8.5 million years ago, contrary to previous assumptions. The lake's presence was confirmed through geochronology of mineral zircon specimens from two paleontological sites, providing new insights into the region's geological history.
A study published in Nature Climate Change finds that climate change can redistribute the strength of ecological interactions between predator and prey species. Higher temperatures lead to more intense predation pressure, while increased climate instability weakens predators' effectiveness in controlling pests.
Researchers identified specific genes in three Salmonella serotypes that enable the bacteria to survive in poultry and infect humans. The study aims to develop a vaccine by generating mutant forms of these bacteria.
A new photometric telescope, Sun-THz, will measure solar flares on the International Space Station. Developed in Brazil, it will work alongside a Russian instrument to take consistent measurements.
The X-Arapuca is an enhanced version of the light detector developed by Brazilian researchers, providing greater efficiency and introducing minor modifications. The device will be installed in the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), a project searching to discover new properties of neutrinos.
Researchers from São Paulo and the UK presented advances in new battery development to address increasing demand for energy storage. Lithium-air batteries have great potential for use in transportation, power distribution networks, and can store energy for up to 24 hours at a low cost.
Researchers are studying animal venoms to identify molecular targets for diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. The study found promising antitumoral effects and potential new compounds that can be used as medicines.
Researchers at the Research Center for Gas Innovation are developing a carbon capture storage system that can separate CO2 and methane in oil and gas exploration. The technology involves injecting CO2 and CH4 into salt caverns, with the potential to produce clean energy from fossil fuels.
Researchers found that low-calorie diets can protect the brain from neuronal cell death associated with diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cerebral vascular accident. Caloric restriction also improved insulin secretion and increased mitochondria efficiency in cells.
A Brazilian project aims to assess how patients awaiting kidney transplants react to porcine blood, with the goal of reducing the country's transplant waiting list. The initiative uses gene-edited pigs and CRISPR-Cas9 technology to make organs compatible with human bodies.
Researchers studied genome sequences of various species to understand the genetic factors behind limb loss in snakes. By analyzing gene regulatory elements, they found that only one gene was lost in snakes, but not its associated regulatory element, suggesting a more complex process.
A study of 223 restaurant meals in six countries found 94% exceed recommended daily calorie intake. Popular meals like Brazil's rice and chicken dish contain up to 1656 kcal.
A new study found that physically active men with a high waist-stature ratio are more likely to develop heart disorders than those with lower ratios. The researchers suggest that the waist-stature ratio is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than body mass index.
Researchers at COSINE-100 failed to confirm the existence of dark matter using sodium iodide crystals, unlike previous DAMA/LIBRA experiment. The detection is considered crucial due to the similarity in experimental setup and material used.
A recent study found significant correlations between the population structure of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and urbanization levels in São Paulo City. The researchers discovered that environmental pressures due to urbanization lead to the selection of phenotypes better adapted to the conditions, resulting in wing shape variability.
Experiments with Bose-Einstein condensates and optomechanical cavities reveal an increase in irreversibility due to quantum fluctuations. This counterintuitive discovery challenges current understanding of entropy production.
A new study reveals that large dams in developing countries ignore climate change impacts, displacement of communities, and economic damages. The researchers argue that these effects should be factored into the total cost of hydropower projects.
Brazilian researchers used biogeographic analysis to study trilobites, arthropods that became extinct over 252 million years ago. They found paleobiogeographic patterns among trilobites and inferred their ancestral range in the southern hemisphere.
Researchers found rutin reduces clotting and protects against snake venom's clotting action, minimizing bleeding and inflammation. Rutin inhibits tissue factor activity, a key player in the clotting process, to prevent secondary complications of viper bites.
A new clause in Brazil's Forest Code could result in the loss of protection for up to 15 million hectares of tropical rainforest in the Amazon. This would compromise efforts to regularize legal reserves and lead to huge losses of biodiversity, water supply, and greenhouse gas emissions.
A study found that four mammalian lineages coexisted with the dinosaurs and survived the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. Some species were more resilient than others, while others diversified rapidly in response to new environmental conditions.
Researchers at São Paulo State University synthesized a compound called GA-Hecate that effectively inhibits the replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in multiple stages. The compound also displays activity against bacteria, fungi, and cancer cells, and is being tested against Zika and yellow fever viruses.
A study by the University of São Paulo's Biomedical Science Institute shows that sofosbuvir can eliminate both chikungunya and yellow fever viruses without damaging human cells. This finding has significant implications for public health, particularly in Brazil where a chikungunya epidemic is forecasted.