A Brazilian university and Harvard study found that overweight and obesity cause approximately 4% of the country's new cancer cases. The study predicts this number will double by 2025, reaching 29,000 cases.
A new magnetometer network has been installed across South America to study magnetic field disturbances and their potential impact on electronic appliances and power grids. The project aims to improve the understanding of space weather effects on the continent, which could help mitigate damage caused by solar eruptions.
A Brazilian scientist and her co-author found that an extrasolar asteroid has stably occupied a stable path corresponding to Jupiter's orbit for at least 4.5 billion years. The asteroid is believed to have originated from outside the Solar System, likely captured by Jupiter's powerful gravitational field.
The Earth BioGenome Project aims to sequence genomes of every eukaryotic species on Earth, filling the huge knowledge gap in biodiversity research. With a cost estimate of approximately US$4.7 billion, the project will lay the scientific foundation for a new bioeconomy and bring innovative solutions to global problems.
Researchers identified dysregulation of the gene NEUROG2 as a key factor in the development of focal cortical dysplasia, a common cause of drug-resistant epilepsy. The study found that overexpression of NEUROG2 was linked to reduced expression of microRNA hsa-miR-34a, leading to nerve cell differentiation failure.
Researchers from Brazil's National Energy & Materials Research Center (CNPEM) have discovered a key enzyme that can boost the efficiency of sugarcane bagasse saccharification, a crucial step in producing second-generation ethanol. The enzyme, produced by microorganisms living in Lake Poraquê in the Amazon, shows high glucose tolerance ...
Scientists from 12 countries urge caution on climate geoengineering, warning it may do more harm than good. Developing countries are most vulnerable to climate change and geoengineering's unintended consequences, including acidification of the ocean and disruptions to biodiversity.
Researchers developed a miniaturized FTIR spectrometer based on silicon photonics, overcoming technical challenges to monitor greenhouse gases remotely. The device achieved resolutions comparable to commercially available portable spectrometers.
A Brazilian study identifies areas with high genetic diversity and climatic stability for conservation. The researchers used ecological niche modeling to simulate the distribution of forests in past eras, revealing priority areas for action that have suffered least from climate change.
Brazil's new synchrotron light source, Sirius, has selected 23 suppliers from 18 firms to develop its high-tech components. The suppliers were chosen based on their ability to develop world-class advanced technologies and meet the project's strict parameters.
Brazilian researchers use human tissue samples from victims of the Hiroshima bombing to measure radiation dose absorbed by bones. The study confirms the feasibility of this method and opens up possibilities for future research, clarifying details of the nuclear attack.
Researchers discovered Zika virus can infect and destroy human CNS tumor cells, reducing tumor mass and increasing survival rates. The virus shows a greater affinity for CNS tumor cells than healthy neural stem cells.
A Brazilian research team has developed a novel technique to produce high-performance silver nanoparticles with 32 times the bactericidal capacity of existing materials. The new method uses pulsed laser irradiation and reduces production costs, making it economically feasible for large-scale applications.
Researchers discovered that blowflies use a unique mechanism called 'bubbling' to cool down, moving a droplet of saliva in and out of their mouths to promote evaporation. This behavior helps lower the insect's body temperature by up to 8°C below ambient temperature, with a significant impact on its flight muscles and brain.
The Brazilian chip SAMPA will upgrade the detection system in ALICE at the Large Hadron Collider, enabling the detection of thousands of particles per second. The new system will increase the collision rate by a factor of 100, from 500 to 50,000 collisions per second.
A study found that listening to music after taking anti-hypertensive medication improves heart rate variability and reduces blood pressure. The effects were observed for about an hour after medication administration, with classical music shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Researchers have identified key genes involved in enzymatic degradation of sugarcane biomass by three fungal species. The study, supported by FAPESP, provides insights into the genetic mechanisms controlling enzyme secretion and expression, paving the way for more efficient biomass breakdown and production of biofuels.
A study by the Solid State Physics Group at São Paulo State University found that certain materials exhibit exotic behaviors, including a
Researchers have identified seven biomarkers that can predict which glioma patients will progress to a more aggressive form of the disease. A biomarker panel could help physicians decide whether more aggressive treatment is necessary to prevent progression.
A team of researchers has found that a specific bacterium in the microbiota of leafcutter ants produces trail pheromones, which guide the ants to their nests without deviation. The pyrazine-producing bacteria were discovered by chance while investigating the ants' defense against parasitic fungi.
Researchers have proposed a theoretical device that leverages Majorana fermions to act as a thermoelectric tuner, allowing for the filtering of thermal energy. The device consists of a quantum dot connected to a Kitaev wire with ring-shaped majoranas at its edges.
Researchers developed an index measuring similarity between cancer cells and pluripotent stem cells to predict tumor aggressiveness, treatment resistance, and clinical outcome. The index may help identify novel therapeutic targets against cancer by pinpointing the point at which tumor cells acquire stem cell-like characteristics.
A large international study used neuroimaging techniques to analyze the brains of over 3,800 volunteers with different types of epilepsy. The study found that all four epilepsy subgroups displayed atrophy in sensitive-motor cortex and frontal lobe regions.
A new serological test developed by Brazilian scientists detects antibodies against Zika virus in blood serum with high specificity, outperforming existing tests. The test aims to improve prevention policies for pregnant women and provide more accurate diagnoses.
A study at UNICAMP in Brazil has identified genetic factors associated with the severity of acute viral bronchiolitis, a leading cause of hospitalization in infants worldwide. The researchers found links between specific genes and viruses that can cause the disease, which could lead to personalized treatment.
A study found that triclosan inhibits target genes in the malaria parasite during two crucial stages of its lifecycle in humans. Triclosan also performed well in tests against resistant parasites, making it a potential dual specificity antimalarial.
A Brazilian study found a strong association between vitamin D insufficiency and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women. The researchers detected MetS in 57.8% of the women with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, while only 39.8% had sufficient levels.
Scientists warn that Amazon deforestation rates between 20% and 25% could irreversibly alter the region's hydrological cycle, leading to degraded savannas and low biodiversity. Researchers advocate for a safety margin of less than 20% deforestation to prevent this tipping point.
A study using MRI scans found variations in the volume of the insula brain region in transgender women, which may be linked to body dysphoria and discrimination. The research suggests that these differences may begin during gestation and cannot be explained by hormone treatment.
A study found that none of nine analyzed toothpastes mitigated enamel surface loss, a key factor in tooth erosion and dentin hypersensitivity. Researchers stress the importance of proper dental treatment, diet, and lifestyle changes to prevent these problems.
A system developed by I.Systems uses AI to control pressure and reduce leak losses in water distribution networks. The Leaf system has already reduced water waste due to leakage by 2% in a region comprising seven municipalities in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.
The Brazilian savanna has significant natural regeneration potential, but its resilience is limited to tree regrowth. Human management, including exotic grass eradication and native plant reintroduction, is necessary to restore degraded areas to typical Cerrado with rich biodiversity.
Brazilian researchers design a non-invasive system that identifies different stages of fruit ripening with an accuracy rate of 95%. The system uses algorithms and digital imaging to analyze the biochemical stage of fruit maturation, providing essential information for precise papaya harvesting.
A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that deforestation could lead to a significant rise in global temperatures if not addressed. The research, led by Paulo Artaxo, used computer modeling and found that the loss of tropical forests would intensify global warming by 0.8°C on average.
A study of six countries found that young men, ethnic minorities, and people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are more likely to experience first-episode psychosis. The study also showed that environmental factors play a crucial role in the variation of incidence rates across urban and rural areas.
Researchers detected yellow fever virus in urine and semen samples from a patient who survived the disease almost a month after infection. The discovery suggests the virus may be contagious for a period longer than previously thought, potentially allowing asymptomatic individuals to transmit the disease.
A study identified 149 variants in 22 genes, classifying them as pathogenic or likely pathogenic, and found NPHS2 was the most common mutated gene. The researchers hope to understand the correlation between genotype and phenotype to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with nephrotic syndrome.
A Brazilian study found that silky anteaters are comprised of at least seven different species, contrary to the long-held assumption of a single species. Genetic analysis and geometric morphometrics revealed distinct differences in DNA and morphology among the six newly identified species.
Researchers compared the conditions on Europa with those of a terrestrial environment, finding similarities with a deep subterranean mine where bacteria survive without sunlight. They propose that radioactivity in Europa's crust could lead to chemical imbalances and potentially support life.
A study in São Paulo found that mosquitoes that transmit diseases are adapting to urban environments, thriving in smaller green spaces where other species disappear. The research highlights the need for further study on how habitat loss affects vector insects and disease transmission.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection causes death of glioblastoma cells, a common and aggressive type of brain tumor. The study suggests that genetically modifying Zika virus to produce the digoxin molecule could be an alternative treatment for glioblastoma.
Researchers developed mathematical models to analyze the connections between pest patterns of dispersal in crops and diversified intercropping systems. The models showed that spatial configurations can favor or inhibit pest dispersal, and identified the best refuge configuration to delay Bt crop resistance in pests.
Researchers isolated two proteins from rattlesnake venom, phospholipase and crotapotin, which showed promising antiviral activity against the hepatitis C virus. These findings offer a new approach to combat this infectious disease.
Researchers have identified a pheromone from the Asian citrus psyllid that transmits citrus greening disease. The discovery enables the synthesis of the substance and use in traps to lure and kill the insect, reducing HLB incidence.
A Brazilian startup has developed an AI-powered pest control system that uses IoT technology to help farmers apply agrochemicals at the right time and in the right amount. The system, which integrates integrated pest management techniques with machine learning algorithms, is expected to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Researchers found that genes in neural progenitor cells of affected babies were more active or less active in key signaling pathways, contributing to the development of congenital Zika syndrome. The study used twins and induced pluripotent stem cell technology to replicate the virus's effects in vitro.
A study published in Science reveals that ultrafine aerosol particles can intensify rainfall in the Amazon region by enhancing cloud formation and thunderstorms. The presence of these nanoparticles, which are too small to play a significant role in polluted areas, has a substantial impact on the hydrologic cycle in the Amazon.
Scientists from Brazil and Senegal discovered the gene responsible for the mild effects of West Nile lineage 8, which could be used to develop a vaccine against more virulent lineages. The researchers found that the substitution P122S induces mutations linked to low replication rates, making it an ideal candidate for a vaccine.
A Brazilian researcher's study has elucidated the conditions necessary for self-sustaining nuclear fusion in tokamaks. The findings provide crucial information for the successful operation of ITER, a fusion reactor prototype designed to reproduce the sun's energy generation process.
A Brazilian startup has developed a porous silica magnetic microparticle that can selectively adsorb different molecules, allowing for efficient purification of substances in various industries. This technology reduces production costs by skipping filtration or centrifugation stages, resulting in lower costs and shorter production times.