The Higgs boson-top quark coupling has been observed at the LHC, confirming theoretical predictions of the Standard Model. The detection was made possible by an increase in the collider's energy, allowing for the distinction between two points as small as 10-18 m apart.
A Brazilian research project has identified six genomic regions linked to weight gain in Nelore cattle, a breed adapted to tropical climates. The study, led by Diercles Cardoso, used DNA analysis to pinpoint genes associated with growth and weight gain, offering potential for improvement of the breed's food efficiency.
A recent study published in the journal Genetics found that the fungus Trichophyton rubrum exhibits asexual reproduction as its primary method of reproduction. The research suggests that mating between individuals is rare and requires highly specific conditions, resulting in low genetic variability within the population.
The new system uses round aluminum tanks floating on rafts of PET bottles, reducing manual labor and mortality rates. With the help of an automatic feed dispenser controlled by a solar-powered timer, fish are fed correctly 48 times per day.
A new phylogeny of the Pleurodira suborder, including the Yellow-spotted Amazon River turtle, provides insights into the evolutionary history and biogeographical distribution of side-necked turtles. The study found that Pleurodira fossils are scattered across continents, with the oldest species dating back to 125 million years ago.
Research suggests that moderate doses of alcohol activate the ALDH2 enzyme, which helps protect heart cells from damage. The study found that hearts exposed to ethanol before ischemia-reperfusion injury showed reduced cell death compared to control groups.
Researchers identified 29 Antarctic fungi with proven action against Xanthomonas citri, the bacterium causing citrus canker. The isolated compounds inhibited bacterial growth by up to 98%, offering a promising alternative to copper-based control methods.
A Brazilian team developed a platform that combines mass spectrometry with AI to diagnose viral, bacterial, fungal, and genetic diseases. The method shows high accuracy in detecting Zika infection even after the acute phase.
The discovery of Brasilestes stardusti, the oldest known mammal in Brazil, is a significant find that sheds light on the evolution of mammals during the Mesozoic Era. The species was named after British rock star David Bowie and is believed to be a placental mammal.
The startup's tool identifies behavioral patterns and establishes a driving profile with high accuracy, enabling fleet owners to provide personalized guidance to dangerous drivers. The system also detects anomalies associated with drug use, drowsiness, or cellphone use while driving, allowing for prompt intervention.
Researchers developed a new model to control chaos in particle accelerators, enhancing efficiency and reducing initial velocity requirements. The transport barrier mechanism, inspired by tokamaks, shows promising results in simulations.
A study has revealed that pyraclostrobin, a widely used fungicide, impairs silk production in silkworms by increasing caterpillar mortality up to three times and reducing cocoons size. This finding suggests that pesticide poisoning may be one of the causes of the decline in Brazilian silkworm cocoon production.
Researchers in Brazil have discovered that sun coral can regenerate at a faster rate as water temperature increases, making it a formidable invasive species. The study's findings suggest that the genus Tubastraea, which comprises seven species, including two invasive ones, can thrive in various marine environments.
Researchers discovered that the root spittlebug produces a thermal insulator-foam to maintain an optimal body temperature during development. The foam, composed of palmitic acid, stearic acid, proteins, and carbohydrates, protects nymphs from temperature fluctuations in the external environment.
Scientists have successfully enhanced the capacity of PETase, an enzyme that degrades polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of plastic commonly used in bottles. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient biodegradation of PET and reduce ocean plastic waste.
A group of Brazilian researchers have discovered an ultrafast way to magnetize matter using minimal energy. Using a technique called magnetization by light, they were able to align the spins of 6,000 electrons in just 50 picoseconds with a single photon.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism used by Xanthomonas citri to resist amoebae, which is controlled by a signaling pathway that enhances its resistance. The study confirms the bacterium's arsenal of mechanisms to withstand environmental competitors and predators.
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.