10-May-2021 The formation of the Amazon Basin influenced the distribution of manatees Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication Whole mitochondrial DNA sequencing of the three extant species of the aquatic mammal shows that they first split from their common ancestor after geological events isolated the South American region from the sea. The African species may have originated in migration borne by marine currents. Journal Scientific Reports Funder São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab
10-May-2021 Informed tourists make whale watching safer for whales Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Peer-Reviewed Publication How does whale watching affect whale behavior? Who watches whales in Panama's Las Perlas Archipelago? Researchers from STRI and ASU hope to recommend innovative data-based conservation strategies. Journal Frontiers in Marine Science
7-May-2021 Soybean and linseed oils added to cows' diet improve the quality of milk Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication Brazilian researchers show that feed supplementation improves fatty acid profile of milk and promotes a healthier omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Journal PLOS One Funder About São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)
5-May-2021 Study shows how low-protein intake during pregnancy can cause renal problems in offspring Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication In an article published in PLOS ONE, scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center describe the impact of hypoproteinemia on the expression of microRNAs associated with kidney development in rat embryos. Journal PLOS One Funder São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab
4-May-2021 Forest fires drive expansion of savannas in the heart of the Amazon Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication Researchers analyzed the effects of wildfires on plant cover and soil quality in the last 40 years. The findings of the study show that the forest is highly vulnerable even in well-conserved areas far from the 'deforestation arc'. Journal Ecosystems Funder São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab
4-May-2021 Phase transition inside the nucleus provides oncogenic function to mutant p53 in cancer Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB) Peer-Reviewed Publication Researchers at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), in Brazil, have found a crucial link between phase transition (aggregation) of mutant p53 protein and cancer pathology. The study opens new paths for the development of novels drugs against the disease. The results have been published in advance in the scientific journal Chemical Science. Journal Chemical Science Funder Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support in the State of Rio de Janeiro, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, National Council for Scientifc and Technological Development
28-Apr-2021 El Niño can help predict cacao harvests up to 2 years in advance The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture Peer-Reviewed Publication New research published in the Nature journal Scientific Reports shows that ENSO, the weather-shaping cycle of warming and cooling of the Pacific Ocean along the Equator, is a strong predictor of cacao harvests up to two years before a harvest. Journal Scientific Reports
27-Apr-2021 Physical activity reduces cardiovascular risk in rheumatic patients Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication People with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are more likely to have heart attacks, angina, and strokes. A review of the scientific literature on the subject shows that regular exercise improves vascular function in these patients Journal Rheumatology Funder São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab
23-Apr-2021 High dose of vitamin D fails to improve condition of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication A clinical trial was conducted with 240 patients who were given 200,000 IU of vitamin D3 on admission to hospital. The supplementation did not reduce length of stay or affect the proportion requiring intensive care Journal JAMA Funder São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab
20-Apr-2021 Study could lead to production of more efficient optoelectronic devices Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication Resonant-tunneling diodes are used in high-frequency oscillators, wave emitters and detectors, logic gates, photodetectors, and optoelectronic circuits. The study was a collaboration between Brazilian and German researchers. Journal Physical Review Applied Funder São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab