Researchers discovered how chemical ripeners increase sucrose storage in sugarcane by stimulating ethylene production. This process enables plants to accumulate more sugar, leading to higher yields and improved profitability for plantation owners.
Researchers developed a silicon photonic device that can exploit the scattering of light by mechanical vibrations, called Brillouin scattering. The device uses two silicon microdisks with tiny cavities, enabling light and mechanical waves to interact at high frequencies.
A census of medium and large mammals found in 22 forest remnants surrounded by sugarcane plantations in São Paulo State, Brazil revealed that 90% of expected species were recorded. The study found rare animals such as the giant armadillo not present, but generalist species like white-eared opossums adapted to disturbed environments.
A new study uses a hydrodynamic model to predict specific patterns in hadrons' angular distribution, shedding light on the structure and dynamics of quark-gluon plasmas. The results suggest that the plasma is not a gas but a liquid with extremely low viscosity.
Researchers found that guard bees are significantly larger and more robust than foragers in 10 out of 28 stingless bee species analyzed. The evolution of guards with increased size likely relates to the risk of attack by parasitic robber bees, which is a common threat to many stingless bee species.
Researchers at the Center for Cell-Based Therapy found that patients with more autoreactive lymphocytes before treatment have a shorter therapeutic effect. In contrast, those with fewer autoreactive lymphocytes experience a longer-lasting response to stem cell therapy.
Numerical simulations by Everton Santos Medeiros provide a better understanding of the characteristics of tipping points in natural and social systems. The study highlights the persistence of system dynamics after irreversibility, masking the transition itself.
Researchers have discovered that doxycycline can reduce α-synuclein aggregation and improve symptoms in animal models of Parkinson's disease. This could lead to a potential treatment option for the degenerative condition.
Researchers have discovered and characterized 82 massive binary star systems in the Tarantula Nebula, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. The study provides new insights into the properties of these systems, which are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the chemical evolution of the universe.
A Brazilian research team developed an optomechanical device that boosts the coupling between light waves and mechanical waves to higher levels than similar devices. This enables the creation of highly customizable sensors for detecting force and motion, as well as potential applications in telecommunications as optical modulators.
Researchers have observed and interpreted a cosmic phenomenon resulting from the acceleration of gas clouds by black holes and reacceleration by shock waves. The study reveals the connection between double acceleration and radio emission in galaxy clusters.
Researchers developed a model to predict which patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy will respond to drug treatment. The study analyzed genetic material and clinical data for 237 individuals, achieving accuracy rates of up to 82% in predicting patient response.
The creation of a Bose-Einstein condensate in nickel chloride enables the calculation of macroscopic properties, such as magnetic moments, by treating atoms as waves. This breakthrough uses a single wave function to describe the behavior of a large group of atoms.
Researchers found that phototherapy improved behavioral responses and recovered myelin sheaths in rat models of diabetic neuropathy. The treatment also reduced the migration of astrocytes to the site of injury, which release inflammatory mediators.
A new invasive species, Anolis porcatus from Cuba, has been identified in the São Paulo coast of Brazil near the Port of Santos. The species, a generalist predator, competes with native lizards for resources and could potentially harm local ecosystems.
Researchers identified biological substrates of bacterial enzyme Ohr, which enables bacteria to neutralize oxidizing substances released by the defense system of host organisms. The study's findings suggest that Ohr plays a central role in bacterial anti-oxidant defense and offer potential for novel therapeutic approaches.
A study analyzing 24,000 blood samples from migratory and resident birds in the Americas found 79 malaria parasite lineages. The researchers discovered that prevalence varies between localities and species, with some areas having infection rates as high as 37%.
Only about 300 jaguars remain in Brazil, with fragmented habitats and frequent human contact posing major threats. GPS tracking data reveals jaguars' limited mobility, with males having larger home ranges than females.
Scientists have identified the central nucleus of the amygdala as the key brain region organizing the hunt, with two distinct neural networks controlling prey pursuit and capture. The findings provide novel details on the neural control of craniofacial muscles and may contribute to understanding pathologies affecting this region.
A new species of testate amoeba, Arcella gandalfi, has been identified in South America with a unique funnel-shaped carapace resembling Gandalf's hat. Its color ranges from light yellow to brown and is considered large for a single-celled organism.
Researchers found that vampire bats are feeding on the blood of feral pigs and wild boars in Brazil and the Americas, increasing the risk of rabies transmission. The study highlights the alarming link between invasive feral pig populations and the spread of diseases among livestock.
Children living in slums in Brazil and East Lubbock, Texas, experience similar cognitive and behavioral effects due to toxic stress. The research project aims to identify chronic toxic factors common to both regions and promote cross-border scientific partnerships.
A study of cocoa varieties grown in Bahia for over 200 years found that they are genetically similar and vulnerable to disease. Researchers identified resistant trees with greater genetic diversity, offering hope for combating witch's broom.
Researchers identified L-asparaginase in yeast that efficiently kills leukemia cells with low toxicity to healthy cells. The enzyme depletes asparagine, a crucial amino acid for cancer cell survival, leading to apoptosis and inducing programmed cell death.
The Brazilian census details 958 distinct morphological types of jellyfish, including their habitats, occurrences, and ecological data. The most toxic species belong to the class Cubozoa, while the class Scyphozoa includes a common Brazilian species.
Melanin, a natural compound found in mammals, has been successfully synthesized using a novel route that enables its use in sensors and other applications. This breakthrough material is promising for developing miniaturized implantable devices capable of altering and controlling electrical signals in the human body.
A specific group of genetic variants in the human leukocyte antigen genomic region is linked to enhanced protection against HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. The study found eight loci associated with susceptibility to oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer, including seven that had not been previously linked to mouth or throat cancer.
Research highlights the role of oceans in climate variability and how year-to-year weather variations are impacted by anthropogenic factors. The study suggests that reduced predictability will hinder seasonal weather forecasts, affecting agriculture and energy sectors.
Researchers have discovered that capuchin monkeys in Brazil produce sharp-edged conchoidal flakes with smooth rounded facets, resembling the shape of scallop shells. These unintentionally produced flakes exhibit identical characteristics and morphology to intentionally produced hominin tools, dating back to 2.6 million years ago.
Researchers found that administering amlodipine alongside chelation therapy effectively reduces cardiac iron in patients with thalassemia major, potentially combating heart failure and fatal arrhythmias. The treatment is considered safe and inexpensive, with no significant side effects.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a platform that analyzes clinical samples to diagnose infection by 416 viruses found in tropical regions. The tool is designed for reference laboratories and can detect pathogens with the potential to cause epidemics in humans.
An international team of astronomers has imaged the Eta Carinae star system in unprecedented detail, revealing a region where extremely high-velocity stellar winds collide. The observations provide valuable insights into the basic parameters of the binary system and its internal structure.
A study published in Nature reveals that atmospheric aerosols above the Amazon rainforest originate from nanoparticles formed in the upper atmosphere. These particles are transported to the ground by clouds and rain, forming new populations of aerosol particles that act as cloud condensation nuclei.
Brazilian researchers have identified a new species of dragonfly named Erythrodiplax ana, characterized by its brown spot on each wingtip and bluish waxy body coating. The discovery highlights the importance of urban areas as habitats for biodiversity, with the species found near a spring used to draw off water in an urban area.
Excessive calcium influx in brain cells can cause excitotoxicity, damaging and killing neurons. Caloric restriction increases mitochondrial calcium retention, protecting against this condition. SIRT3 protein modification inhibits cyclophilin D, allowing mitochondria to retain more calcium.
Three different candidate Zika vaccines have been found to protect rhesus monkeys against the disease in trials. The vaccines, tested in preclinical trials, were found to be effective at warding off infection by the Zika virus strain circulating in Brazil and Puerto Rico.
New research published in Clinical Infectious Diseases reveals that infection with Zika virus during pregnancy can lead to brain damage in infants born prematurely. In another study, scientists found Zika virus in patients receiving organ transplants, highlighting a new complication of the disease.
Researchers discovered that three citrus plants - Citrus reticulata, Swingle citrumelo, and Murcott mandarin - produce essential oils that repel Diaphorina citri, the insect that transmits huanglongbing. These compounds may act as repellents, making the plants less attractive to D. citri for ovipositing purposes.
Experts warn of severe threats to ecosystems due to nitrogen deposition from fertilizer use and sewage. A global network is needed to monitor and address this issue in Latin America and BRICS nations, which are the largest users of nitrogen fertilizer.
A Brazilian study found that some cases of Zika virus may be misreported as dengue, leading to an underestimate of the epidemic's size. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 800 people treated for suspected dengue and found over 100 positive for Zika.
Researchers have identified interleukin-17A (IL-17A) as a crucial cytokine in the immune response against visceral leishmaniasis. Stimulating IL-17A production can help reduce parasite load and prevent organ lesions, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers found guarana to have higher antioxidant capacity than green tea due to its high catechin content. The study showed guarana reduced oxidative stress and improved lipid profiles in healthy volunteers.
Researchers found that swimming was as beneficial as walking in reducing pain intensity and improving quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia. Both swimming and walking improved scores on clinically validated questionnaires, indicating significant improvements in physical function and mental health.
Researchers found that Miconia affinis maintains high genetic diversity and facilitates gene flow between forest fragments. The study suggests that this species' colonization capacity promotes ecosystem recovery despite human-altered landscapes.
Researchers found that inhibiting RMEL3, a non-coding RNA, reduces melanoma cell proliferation by up to 95%. The study suggests RMEL3 is expressed in most cases of melanoma and offers promising therapeutic and diagnostic potential.
Researchers found that treating patients with a male hormone increased telomere length and improved hemoglobin mass. The study suggests a possible approach to combat diseases caused by telomerase deficiency.
A study warns that teenagers are increasingly experiencing tinnitus, a symptom of hearing loss, due to frequent earphone use and exposure to loud places. This can lead to chronic hearing loss by age 30-40 if not addressed.
A vaccine developed by Brazilian and US researchers has been successfully tested in mice trials, preventing viral replication and inducing a protective immune response. The vaccine targets the premembrane protein and external envelope protein of Zika virus, offering hope for humans in the near future.
Researchers found that administering a small dose of the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone before surgery and avoiding profound anesthesia can help reduce the incidence of POCD. After six months, pre-operative cognitive status was restored in all patients in the study.
Researchers have discovered a subgroup of neurons in the nasal cavity that express CD36, a lipid metabolism regulator, linking it to a preference for high-fat food and potentially odorant detection. The study suggests a possible role of CD36 in perception of smells and social interactions.