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Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo


Identified 51 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated mutations that could help diagnose the disease

A recent study has identified 51 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated mutations in mitochondrial DNA that could help diagnose the disease. The mutations, which include 13 that increase the risk of ALS and 38 protective ones, were found to be significantly associated with an increased or decreased risk of developing the disease.

Tardigrades, microscopic animals, are less cosmopolitan and more diverse than has been thought

Researchers at UNICAMP suggest that many species thought to be cosmopolitan may actually be misidentified, leading to a greater diversity of tardigrade species in Central and South America. The study proposes ignoring historical records and focusing on recent descriptions to better understand the species' distribution patterns.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateOct 23, 2024

Brazilian study identifies potential targets for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis

Researchers have characterized a novel class of proteins in the parasite Leishmania infantum involved in regulating its cell cycle, which could lead to the development of more effective drugs against visceral leishmaniasis. The discovery highlights six F-box proteins essential for L. infantum growth and development, providing potential...

Climate change can alter methane emission and uptake in the Amazon

Researchers found that extreme temperatures and humidity projected for the Amazon under climate change may increase methane-producing microorganisms in flooded areas and reduce methane uptake in upland forests by 70%. This could lead to a shift in the balance of greenhouse gas emissions, with significant global impacts.

Effects of environmental factors on Southeast Brazil’s coastal biodiversity surpass those of ecological processes

A study found that environmental factors like sea surface temperature, wave energy, and freshwater discharge have a greater impact on marine organisms' size and abundance than ecological processes. In colder waters, marine organisms are larger, with filter feeders growing up to 130% larger.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMarine Environmental Research·DateOct 9, 2024

Life on Earth was more diverse than classical theory suggests 800 million years ago, a Brazilian study shows

A Brazilian study published in PNAS suggests that life on Earth was more diverse than classical theory suggests 800 million years ago, with multiple lineages of amoebae and ancestors of plants, algae, and animals already established. The study's findings challenge the long-held paradigm for the Neoproterozoic period and provide new ins...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2024

In rats, intrauterine exposure to cannabinoid affected cardiorespiratory function and sleep quality in adulthood

Researchers found that prenatal exposure to synthetic cannabinoid led to cardiovascular problems in female rats and increased respiratory sensitivity to carbon dioxide in male rats. Sleep quality also deteriorated in both sexes, with males experiencing sleep fragmentation due to frequent wakefulness episodes.

Peptide synthesized at University of São Paulo acts as molecular shield to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting cells

Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a synthetic peptide that mimics the ACE2 receptor, blocking SARS-CoV-2 invasion and reducing inflammation in human lung cells and mice. The peptide could be customized for every variant, offering a fast-acting molecular shield against the virus.

Pantanal Study shows how emissions from Brazilian Pantanal’s soda lakes contribute to climate change

The Pantanal's soda lakes, characterized by high pH and salinity, have practically dried up due to rising temperatures and wildfires. The study found that certain types of lakes, such as eutrophic turbid lakes, emit methane due to cyanobacterial blooms and decomposing organic matter.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateSep 30, 2024

Brazil must reinforce protection of forests to meet climate change mitigation goals, study warns

A recent study published in Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation highlights the urgent need for Brazil to reinforce protection of its forests to achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The research emphasizes the importance of strengthening socioenvironmental actions and policies focusing on conserving or restoring f...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPerspectives in Ecology and Conservation·DateSep 25, 2024

New study raises questions about validity of standard model of solar flares

A recent study tested the standard model of solar flares by comparing computer simulations with observational data from the McMath-Pierce telescope. The researchers found a significant delay in the paired chromospheric sources, which challenges the current energy transport mechanism by electron beam. This delay suggests that other fact...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 23, 2024

Vegans’ intake of protein and essential amino acids is adequate but ultra-processed products are also needed

Researchers found that Brazilian vegans' diets consisted mainly of unprocessed foods, with a significant reliance on ultra-processed proteins like textured soy protein to meet their protein needs. The study's findings contradict the stigma surrounding veganism and its ability to provide adequate nutrition.

Natural disasters endanger 10% of the world’s terrestrial vertebrate species

A study published in PNAS estimates that over 3,000 species are at risk of extinction due to earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. The researchers found that 42% of these species live in regions where one or more of the four natural hazards have occurred in the past 50 years.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2024

High-intensity interval training is more beneficial for older women than moderate exercise or resistance training alone, study shows

A study found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with muscle strength exercises was the most efficacious in improving cardiovascular parameters, including waist circumference, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness. HIIT was more beneficial than moderate exercise or resistance training alone.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateSep 9, 2024

Sustainable agricultural systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Scientists at the University of São Paulo found that converting degraded land to climate-smart agricultural practices can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Brazil. The study highlights the need for more data and research opportunities to support the development of carbon markets and green finance mechanisms.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateAug 28, 2024

Brain enlargement is linked to severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, study shows

A study of over 900 children with autism spectrum disorder found that brain overgrowth is associated with increased social and communication symptoms. The research used MRI brain images and mini-brain experiments to show that enlarged brains are linked to altered Ndel1 enzyme activity, potentially affecting brain development.

To subvert immune response, COVID virus stimulates production of proteins without protective function

SARS-CoV-2 uses machinery of defense cells to induce expression of unproductive isoforms of key antiviral genes, disrupting normal protein production and immune response. The study provides fundamental information on potential targets for antiviral medications and immunomodulatory interventions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateAug 20, 2024

Resistance to the main drugs used in Brazil against Leishmania is found in parasite infecting cutaneous leishmaniasis patient

Researchers found a Leishmania amazonensis strain resistant to amphotericin B, a widely used treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis. The study highlights the urgent need for alternative drugs to combat the disease, which affects over 15,000 people in Brazil annually.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 14, 2024