21-Jan-2021 Advances in modeling and sensors can help farmers and insurers manage risk The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture Peer-Reviewed Publication A review of index insurance for smallholder farmers shows the potential of high-resolution satellite imagery to help poor farmers be compensated for potentially devastating losses. Journal Nature Reviews Earth & Environment Funder Risk and Resilience, Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Markets, United States Agency for International Development
21-Jan-2021 The downward trend: Nature's decline risks our quality of life The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture Peer-Reviewed Publication Scientists conducted a sweeping review of nature's contributions to humans in order to present a clear breakdown of global trends since 1970. Not surprisingly, the results are grim
20-Jan-2021 Inflammation caused by scorpion venom should be blocked immediately, study shows Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication In an article published in Nature Communications, Brazilian researchers show for the first time that in severe cases of scorpion envenomation it is the neuroimmune reaction triggered by the venom that leads to death. Journal Nature Communications Funder São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab
19-Jan-2021 Lack of physical exercise during COVID-19 confinement may lead to a rise in mortality Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication In a review article published in Frontiers of Endocrinology, Brazilian researchers estimate a reduction of 35% in levels of physical activity and a rise of 28% in sedentary behavior in the initial months of confinement imposed by the pandemic. Journal Frontiers in Endocrinology Funder São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab
15-Jan-2021 Large mammals make soil more fertile in tropical forests Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication A study conducted by scientists at São Paulo State University demonstrates that animals like peccaries and tapirs boost soil levels of nitrogen, an essential element to plant growth. Journal Functional Ecology Funder São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab
13-Jan-2021 Smithsonian scientists reduce uncertainty in forest carbon storage calculations Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Peer-Reviewed Publication Helene Muller-Landau, staff scientist was invited to write an authoritative review about carbon storage in forests. Her team combed through existing studies and came up with some novel conclusions of their own. Journal New Phytologist
13-Jan-2021 Researchers at Brazil's space institute discover why lightning branches and flickers Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication Analysis of the first super slow motion recordings of upward flashes suggests a possible explanation for the formation of luminous structures after electrical discharges split in the atmosphere. Funder São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab
12-Jan-2021 Scientists study use of abundant enzyme in tumor cells to monitor cancer treatment Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication After 14 years studying the action of the enzyme LMWPTP in tumor cells, Brazilian researchers conclude that the molecule is associated with chemotherapy resistance and metastasis. Journal Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences Funder São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab
7-Jan-2021 Study reveals structure of protein and permits search for drugs against neglected diseases Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication Discovery by Brazilian scientists paves the way for the study of more potent molecules capable of directly destroying parasites underlying elephantiasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis, with fewer adverse side-effects. Journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases Funder São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab
5-Jan-2021 Novel method identifies areas most suitable for conservation of black lion tamarin Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication The researchers used modeling to show which areas are suitable in terms of forest cover and climate for occupation by the endangered species, which is endemic to the state of São Paulo. Their study is a contribution to translocation initiatives that move groups of these animals to areas from which the species has disappeared. Journal American Journal of Primatology Funder São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab