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.
Researchers predict a low risk of dengue infection among foreign visitors to the Rio Olympics, with estimates suggesting as few as three symptomatic cases and potentially no asymptomatic infections at all. The predictions are based on sophisticated mathematical modeling techniques and data from Brazil's Health Ministry.
Researchers have developed a single-layer organic nanometer-scale transistor that can detect molecules associated with neurodegenerative diseases and some types of cancer. The device uses glutathione and glutathione S-transferase to identify target molecules, offering sensitivity and potential for rapid diagnosis.
A study by researchers at the Heart Failure Center of the University of São Paulo suggests that wearing a respirator mask can lessen the impact of vehicle emissions on people with heart failure. The results also indicate that this type of mask can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease for healthy individuals.
Researchers found that neural circuits in the striatum, a subcortical part of the forebrain, are involved in both pleasure and caloric value perception. The brain prioritizes energy storage over palatability, suggesting a link between sweetness and calorie craving.
Researchers identified new glioma subtypes by analyzing DNA methylation profiles in 1,122 adult glioma samples. These subtypes can help stratify patients more accurately and improve treatment protocols, with some subgroups displaying similarities to pilocytic astrocytomas and better patient survival.
Research finds that elevated CO2 reduces stomatal conductance, increasing water use efficiency and delaying physiological responses to drought. This study provides new insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying sorghum's resilience to climate change.
Researchers have identified the Jagged1 gene as a potential target for therapies to combat Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration. Increasing expression of JAG1 was shown to prevent the development of degenerative disease in zebrafish models.
A study found that reducing Amazon deforestation leads to improved air quality and a decrease in premature deaths from exposure to particulate matter. The research estimated that the 40% reduction in Brazilian deforestation between 2001-12 prevented approximately 1,700 adult deaths annually in South America.
The ALICE experiment confirms a fundamental symmetry between nuclei and antinuclei in terms of charge, parity and time. The measurements were made possible by the ALICE experiment's high-precision tracking and identification capabilities.
A Brazilian antibody developed by Recepta Biopharma with FAPESP support will be used to create a new cancer drug. The technology has been licensed to US-based company Mersana Therapeutics, which will use it to develop an immunoconjugate against target tumor cells.
Agrindus and Nanox developed a technology that extends the shelf life of grade A pasteurized whole milk from seven to 15 days by incorporating silver-based microparticles into rigid plastic bottles. This innovation doubles the shelf life, benefiting logistics, storage, quality, and food safety.
A new nanobiosensor can detect biomarkers for multiple sclerosis and other nervous system diseases. By analyzing the interaction between a patient's cerebrospinal fluid and the device, doctors can rule out or confirm diagnoses with greater confidence.
The new report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current bioenergy landscape, technology, production financing systems, and markets. It highlights opportunities for enhancing energy security and mitigating climate change through advanced biomass conversion technologies.
Brazilian researchers have discovered five new species of marine invertebrates, the ascidians, which are rich in natural compounds with potential uses in medicine. The newly found species contain substances that can eliminate cancer cells but also destroy healthy cells.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism to inhibit proteasomes, a target for cancer therapy, paving the way for more effective and less toxic chemotherapy drugs. A series of molecules based on this mechanism have been developed, and their potential is being tested.
Researchers at University of São Paulo identified INXS RNA, which modulates BCL-X gene and induces programmed cell death. Local injections of plasmid containing INXS reduced subcutaneous malignant tumors by 10-fold in mice.
A 2°C rise in temperature could improve photosynthesis and antioxidant protection in plants like Stylosanthes capitata Vogel. Leaf area index increased by 32%, aboveground biomass production by 16%.