A research group led by scientists at the University of Campinas in Brazil found total parasite biomass to be a better predictor of complications from malaria than parasite burden in the bloodstream. The discovery can help develop treatment and a Plasmodium vivax vaccine.

The finding is reported in an article in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle by researchers in Brazil and the UK, who analyzed data for more than 3,000 people aged 60 and over.

The links between diet-related diseases and Covid-19 is now widely accepted based on scientific evidence. In this regard, obesity has been identified by the CDC as a strong risk factor for severe COVID-19 illness a study led by the Centro Universitario de la Costa, Department of Medical Sciences, Universidad de Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, explored the association between severity of COVID-19 symptoms and found that Covid19 positive individuals, with an increased habitual intake of legumes, grains, bread & cereals food groups, showed decreased overall symptom severity.

A study analyzed more than 4,000 crowdfunding campaigns in Brazil, identifying characteristics that determined whether the goal was achieved by the deadline set.

In a study conducted at a FAPESP-funded research center, a bile acid derivative known by the acronym TUDCA reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure in mice, improving quality of life. The results are promising for humans.