A study has identified priority areas to reduce macaw deaths from electrocution in Brazil. Modifying 10% of high-risk poles could prevent 80% of these deaths, according to the research.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a low-cost, portable biosensor that can quickly identify altered levels of BDNF associated with psychiatric disorders. The device detects extremely low concentrations of BDNF in human saliva, which is crucial for growth and maintenance of neurons and development of brain functions.
A study found that lignin, a polymer from plant cell walls, can improve the performance of nanoparticles with herbicide. Lignin was subjected to a green process and showed distinct properties, making it suitable for customizing different applications. The substance demonstrated potential for sustainable agricultural pest management.
Research in the Amazon reveals that regions with intermediate forest degradation are more prone to malaria transmission due to increased contact between mosquitoes and humans. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions integrating vector control with forest conservation.
Researchers used computational engineering techniques to simulate weight and gravitational stress on sauropod femurs. They found that two South American genera, Uberabatitan and Neuquensaurus, could generally remain standing for extended periods, allowing them to feed on high branches and defend against predators. The simulations sugge...
Brazilian researchers have developed a technique that estimates the force exerted on each grain of sand in a dune from images, enabling the study of previously unmeasurable physical processes. The method uses numerical simulations and artificial intelligence to transform the study of granular system dynamics.
Researchers at Redoxoma found that mitochondrial potassium channels regulate heat production in brown adipose tissue, a process critical for regulating energy expenditure and promoting metabolic health. Closing the channel is necessary for maximum thermogenesis.
Researchers recreated chemical reactions from 4 billion years ago, producing formic acid and acetic acid without enzymes. These findings support the hypothesis that underwater hydrothermal vents played a key role in the emergence of life.
Researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos developed a sensor that can identify sodium nitrite in beverages. The device uses cork, laser-induced graphene, and electrochemical oxidation to detect the substance, which has potential carcinogenic effects. The sensor performed excellently with high sensitivity and good stability.
Researchers have identified a cellular mechanism that transmits mitochondrial DNA mutations, which can cause serious and incurable diseases. A potential treatment is proposed to target the enzyme USP30, reducing the risk of mitochondrial disease transmission.
Two muriqui species, largest primates in the Americas, face significant habitat loss due to climate change. By 2090, up to 61% of their suitable habitats may be reduced, mainly confined to coastal regions of the Atlantic Forest.
A bioactive compound produced by Bacillus licheniformis has antioxidant, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties. Its exopolysaccharide production is beneficial for producing biodegradable materials, and its functional properties surpass those of commercial xanthan gum.
Researchers developed a portable sensor to detect synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarette liquids and biological fluids, allowing for early intervention and harm reduction. The device shows high selectivity and sensitivity, detecting concentrations as low as 0.2 µM and identifying specific peaks that quantify substances present.
Research found that defense cells of trained older adults are more effective against inflammation and metabolically efficient. Regular exercise modulates inflammatory response over time, reducing markers of inflammation and increasing anti-inflammatory markers.
A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo identified high levels of neuroinflammation in young individuals with Down syndrome, contributing to the high prevalence of Alzheimer's disease. The discovery paves the way for disease prevention strategies and personalized treatments.
The study projects an average increase of up to 68% in respiratory rate for animals in the North compared to those in the South. Small ruminants will be more impacted by climate change, with dairy farming in the South being the most vulnerable to heat stress.
Researchers found a correlation between solar storms and an increase in heart attacks, especially among women. Data from São Paulo's public health network showed that women are more susceptible to geomagnetic disturbances, which may be related to changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and circadian rhythm.
Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli clones were found in two colonized birds, a vulture and an owl, at the Santos Municipal Orchid Garden rehabilitation center. The presence of these strains in animals raises concerns about potential impact on wildlife health.
Researchers have developed a tool that can predict how patients with multiple sclerosis will respond to natalizumab treatment, allowing for targeted treatments with fewer side effects. The tool uses high-content imaging and machine learning to analyze cell morphology and identify individuals who are unlikely to respond to the medication.
New Brazilian regulations restrict hormone therapy and research for transgender youth, potentially increasing depression, social isolation, and suicide. Experts question the scientific basis and ethics of these rules, calling for evidence-based care and open discussion.
Researchers have identified undetectable asteroids orbiting Venus that could collide with Earth in the distant future. The asteroids' low eccentricity makes them invisible from ground-based observatories, but simulations suggest they pose a real risk of devastating impacts on large cities.
A recent study suggests that a near-collision between two protoplanets of similar masses could have formed Mercury, contradicting the widely accepted theory. The researchers used smoothed particle hydrodynamics to simulate this event and found that it can reproduce Mercury's composition with high precision.
Researchers have identified distinct immune profiles for different subtypes of pediatric germ cell tumors, which could lead to more targeted therapies. The study found that certain tumor subtypes respond well to immunotherapy and others exhibit an immunosuppressive environment, making them more aggressive.
Brazilian researchers analyzed over 60 scientific articles on microplastics and their impact on bone health. They found that the materials can impair bone marrow stem cells, accelerate cell aging, and promote inflammation, leading to potential bone weakening and fractures.
Researchers developed a powder based on morin, extracted from plants like guava leaves, apple peels, and figs, to combat periodontal disease. The study found that the substance can be slowly released through polymers, providing an alternative to antibiotics for controlling microorganisms.
Researchers conducted a survey of published studies on the transmission risk of 39 pathogens and diseases, finding that only 7.4% consider hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. The study recommends integrating these components for reliable models and guiding public policies.
A study by Brazilian scientists predicts that climate change will significantly impact the country's underground reservoirs, reducing groundwater supply across Brazil. This will increase the risk of water shortages in several regions, especially the Southeast and South.
A study found that ants can scare away pollinators like bees when defending plants with extrafloral nectaries, which are secretions that attract ants but not pollinators. However, plants with these glands on other locations had increased reproductive success.
A study published in eBioMedicine identified a specific immune response that controls Oropouche virus infections and prevents neurological damage. B cells produce antibodies quickly, helping to neutralize the virus and prevent its spread to the central nervous system.
A recent study found that green tea extract improved glucose sensitivity and insulin resistance in obese mice, preserving muscle morphology. The treatment reduced body weight by up to 30% and increased the expression of genes related to glucose metabolism, suggesting a selective effect on excess body fat.
Non-compliance with law facilitated by errors in environmental licensing has led to the loss of over 580,000 hectares of native vegetation. Cerrado wetlands perform crucial hydrological functions and are essential natural reservoirs that maintain river flow through groundwater.
Researchers developed an AI tool to assess tambaqui fish stress levels based on their lower half body coloration. The study found that stressed fish became darker, and the trait is heritable, impacting animal welfare and farming practices.
Research in Brazil found that glycemic delta, a measure of blood sugar variability, is associated with the size of the heart attack and the strength of heart contractions. The study suggests that high glycemic delta may be a biomarker for worse outcomes in patients who have experienced their first acute myocardial infarction.
A study by São Paulo State University found a direct association between adults' levels of physical activity and their children's sedentary behavior. Children of inactive parents tend to be more sedentary, but when mothers and fathers maintain an active routine, their children usually follow suit.
Research with rats found that maternal diet lacking protein during pregnancy and lactation can compromise reproductive health of male offspring. Changes in epididymis structure and function lead to impairments in motility, viability, and sperm concentration.
A large-scale study found that genetic variants and ancestry play a significant role in colorectal cancer risk in Brazil. The study identified nine genetic variants associated with disease risk, including four that contributed to the risk independently of other factors.
Researchers found that deforestation is responsible for a significant reduction in rainfall and increase in temperature in the Amazon during the dry season. The study quantifies the impact of forest loss and global climate change on the biome, highlighting the importance of preserving standing forests to maintain climate resilience.
A synthetic molecule called Pep19 has been shown to reduce visceral fat and improve sleep quality in overweight adults, with no side effects observed. The study involved 24 volunteers who took either a placebo or Pep19 in capsules, and found a 17% reduction in visceral fat and improved sleep quality in those who received the molecule.
Brazilian researchers have developed a ceramic clay that is lighter than traditional materials by adding algae from the Sargassum genus. The addition of sargassum reduced the apparent density of lightweight ceramic clay aggregates, improving thermal comfort and reducing environmental harm.
A new species of bacteria of the genus Bartonella has been found in the Amazon National Park, Brazil. The DNA is similar to that of two other Andean species, B. bacilliformis and B. ancashensis, which cause Carrión's disease. No evidence suggests this new species can cause disease, but further studies are needed.
Researchers found signs of osteomyelitis in sauropod fossils from the Cretaceous period, suggesting a fatal bone disease that killed animals quickly. The study identified three previously unknown manifestations of osteomyelitis and provides insights into the environment that favored pathogens.
A study involving over 2,000 Brazilian students found that changing school shifts does not significantly improve academic performance for students with ADHD. However, afternoon classes only improved the performance of students with few or no symptoms of ADHD.
The COVID-19 virus replicates using cellular machinery responsible for testosterone production, altering lipid metabolism and potentially leading to lower testosterone levels. This study reveals the mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 targets testicular cells, offering insights into male vulnerability to COVID-19.
A new Zika virus vaccine developed by Brazilian researchers has been shown to be safe and effective in tests with mice, inducing an immune response and protecting against brain and testicular damage. The vaccine uses a technology known as 'virus-like particles' (VLPs) without genetic material from the pathogen.
An international team of researchers established standardized guidelines for analyzing oxylipins, bioactive lipids related to inflammation and disease. The guidelines aim to improve reproducibility in laboratories and facilitate the transfer of scientific discoveries to clinical practice.
An ethnobotanist from the Pataxó Hã-Hã-Hãi Indigenous Land in Brazil has revived ancestral healing knowledge to treat diseases like parasitic worms, diabetes, and hypertension. He discovered 43 medicinal plants used for these diseases, with 79% consistent with recent scientific literature.
Researchers developed a fermentation method using unripe fruit beans, producing high-quality beverages comparable to those made from ripe fruits. The process, known as self-induced anaerobic fermentation, adds value to the product while minimizing its defects, making it attractive to domestic and foreign markets.
Researchers have successfully increased the susceptibility of Candida albicans to drug treatment through light-activated therapy. Combining photodynamic inactivation with antifungal amphotericin B reduced fungal growth by up to 87.5% and demonstrated potential as an alternative to combat antimicrobial resistance.
The decline of seed-dispersing animals, including birds and mammals, hinders the fight against climate change by altering forest composition and reducing carbon absorption. Researchers warn that major global efforts underestimate the importance of frugivores in conservation and restoration strategies.
A single species of coral in the Alcatrazes Archipelago retains about 20 tons of carbon per year, equivalent to the carbon emissions from burning 324,000 liters of gasoline. This stored carbon can last for centuries or millennia, making subtropical coral reefs like Alcatrazes potential greenhouse gas sinks.