A study published in PLOS ONE found that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using annatto colorant was effective in treating halitosis in mouth-breathing children. The researchers used a LED light source to target the annatto, which generated reactive oxygen species that killed bacteria on the tongue, leading to improved oral health.
The WHO's Technical Advisory Group on Genomics published an article outlining challenges and actions to promote the use of genomics in public health. The group aims to increase awareness and provide technical guidance to accelerate access to genetic technologies, enabling preventive measures and targeted treatment for various diseases.
The Guarani Aquifer, the world's largest cross-border groundwater reservoir, is being overused in São Paulo state, Brazil. The study found that rainwater is insufficient to replenish the aquifer due to increased water withdrawals for human activities.
Researchers discovered a new component of the peripheral nervous system that acts by increasing energy metabolism in the body. This finding paves the way for simpler and cheaper drugs to control obesity and weight gain.
The São Paulo Advanced School on Disordered Systems will bring together students and researchers in complexity, bio-inspired applications, information science, and quantum materials. The school, supported by FAPESP, aims to establish a common forum for learning and discussing theories of general interest.
Researchers identified a protein that inhibits human defense mechanisms and allows fungal growth. The study suggests that the lack of this enzyme makes the fungus more prone to elimination by the immune system.
A study of paper wasps found that species near the equator tend to be larger than those at higher latitudes. The researchers analyzed 429 specimens from 39 species and found a direct correlation between latitude and body size.
Anthocyanins, widely studied for antioxidant and anticancer properties, break down easily due to environmental conditions. Researchers developed pectin-coated nanoparticles to improve bioavailability, absorption efficiency, and targeted delivery.
Researchers found high levels of contamination on Perequê Beach in Guarujá, Brazil, with plastic and cigarette butts predominating. The study, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, highlights the need for public policies to mitigate litter and protect marine ecosystems.
A study found that monochromatic infrared light combined with physical therapy significantly reduced pain and improved sleep quality in patients with peripheral diabetic neuropathy. The treatment was effective in reducing symptoms and improving functionality for patients with intense pain.
A study of over 4,000 participants found that those with both conditions showed faster memory impairment. The researchers suggest that the combination of joint pain and depressive symptoms can lead to an 'overlap' of information in the brain, causing cognitive decline.
A team of researchers has created a model that predicts landslide risk in coastal areas, using high-resolution images to identify over 1,000 landslide points in São Sebastião, Brazil. The new methodology aims to provide more precise results and will be ready by the end of 2025.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a novel nanotechnology-based solution to remove micro- and nanoplastics from water. The process uses magnetic nanoparticles that bind to tiny plastic particles and can be removed with a magnet.
A multidrug-resistant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae has been detected in Northeast Brazil, with the bacterium being resistant to all available antibiotics. The strain had previously been detected in the US and can potentially spread globally.
Research highlights correlation between preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnant women, identifying biomarkers for differential diagnosis. The review article emphasizes the pathophysiological similarities between the two conditions, including shared pathways involving the renin-angiotensin system and ACE2.
Researchers from Brazil's Center for Research on Redox Processes in Biomedicine found that high blood sugar can cause thrombosis by altering endothelial function and promoting platelet adhesion. They identified a specific molecular mechanism involving protein disulfide isomerase A1 as a key regulator of this process.
A new study warns of potential water shortages in Brazil's agricultural frontier region, MATOPIBA, as climate change exacerbates overuse of water resources. The study predicts that crop irrigation demand may not meet local requirements by up to 40% by 2025-40.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on High-Dimensional Modeling offers minicourses and sessions to enhance data professionals' training in machine learning and finance. Key challenges related to forecasting, asset allocation, and climate econometrics will be addressed through state-of-the-art science and research.
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.
Researchers found that participants with Parkinson's who performed rapid side-to-side eye movements showed reduced body sway and improved posture. In contrast, those with Parkinson's who made vertical saccadic eye movements experienced increased body instability.
Brachycephalus dacnis is the seventh species of flea toad identified in the genus Brachycephalus. The study published by a group at the State University of Campinas provides detailed information about its anatomy, skeleton, and internal organs.
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.
Researchers found that physically fitter patients with metastatic lung cancer live longer and respond better to chemotherapy. The study identified biomarkers in blood plasma that can indicate which patients are most likely to respond to treatment.
A new work plan will facilitate joint funding of research projects in areas like Cultures, Agri-food, Technology, and Health. The first joint call for proposals is scheduled for April 2025.
A Brazilian study found that high blood pressure hardens the bronchi and increases airway resistance, reducing respiratory capacity. Regular physical activity may partially protect against this hardening.
The article discusses how AI tools are transforming the architectural design process, enabling faster production of options for clients. Startups like Arqgen and SleepUp are leveraging generative design techniques to create innovative solutions for interior design and real estate development, respectively.
The school will focus on methods to address structural safety and infrastructure resilience challenges in a climate change context. Key findings include the importance of increasing infrastructure resilience to reduce social wellbeing impacts.
Researchers analyzed mice infected with herpes virus and found that removing STING from nociceptors resulted in significant reduction of pain without affecting inflammation or viral load. The discovery may apply to other viral and bacterial infections, including COVID-19.
Brazilian researchers are transforming Agave sisalana into a sustainable bioenergy source for the semi-arid climate region, requiring less water and fertilizer than sugarcane. The team has developed genetically modified yeasts to metabolize inulin and biostimulants to accelerate agave growth.
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...
Researchers at São Paulo State University used condensed matter physics concepts to describe protein compartmentalization in cells. The study proposes a cellular Griffiths-like phase that may be linked to the origin of life and the emergence of primordial organisms.
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.
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.
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...
A study published in Science reveals that ancient asteroid impact may have led to the evolution of fungus-farming ants, which were able to cultivate fungi due to a shortage of food sources. The findings support the hypothesis that this relationship defines the emergence of agriculture.
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.
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.
In Dominica, Hurricane Maria killed most Purple-throated caribs, allowing other birds to pollinate heliconia plants. Researchers found that specialized pollination systems can become generalized after natural disturbances, showing resilience in ecosystems.
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.
Researchers propose a two-pronged attack on the enzyme glutaminase and protein HuR to combat breast cancer. Simultaneous inhibition of both is shown to significantly reduce breast cancer cell growth and invasion by increasing dependence on glutamine.
A study found that nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soil enhance flowers' attractiveness to bumblebees. Plants with these bacteria grew significantly taller and larger than those without, and their flowers became more vibrant and attractive to pollinators.
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...
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...
Researchers at the University of São Paulo have discovered a way to detect peroxymonocarbonate, a potent oxidant derived from CO2, in human cells. The novel method uses fluorescent molecular probes and has implications for understanding the impact of high CO2 levels on human health.
A study by University of São Paulo shows that expansion of cattle ranching to meet growing domestic demand has contributed more than any other driver to Amazon's original vegetation degradation. Domestic markets exert far greater pressure on deforestation, according to the study.
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.
Researchers confirm 15 new species in Characidium genus, including genetic distance smaller than 2% between species with significant morphological differences. The study highlights the need for reevaluation of species classification and evolutionary history.
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.
A study published in Metabolism revealed a new mechanism for glucose production in the liver during stress. CREB and CRTC2 proteins were found to be involved in activating gluconeogenesis, a key metabolic function of the liver that helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.
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.