In a recent study, researchers show that sex hormones can stimulate production of telomerase, an enzyme naturally found in the human organism. The strategy was tested in patients with genetic diseases associated with mutations in the gene that codes for this enzyme, such as aplastic anemia and pulmonary fibrosis. The authors say that the results suggest that the approach can combat the damage caused to the organism by telomerase deficiency.

Daily meetings between physicians, implementation of care protocols and the presence of pharmacists are associated with increase in survival rates in ICUs.

According a recent study, teenagers are increasingly experiencing tinnitus, often a symptom of hearing loss, as a result of using ear buds to listen to music for long periods every day, as well as frequenting very noisy places like nightclubs, discos and rock concerts. The researchers observed that most of the teenagers who took part in the study reported risky listening habits, and those who reported experiencing tinnitus displayed less tolerance of loud sounds.

An experimental vaccine against Zika virus developed by Brazilian and US researchers has been tested successfully in trials with mice. The vaccine gave the mice 100% protection. The mice were vaccinated and then infected, and didn't present viremia, demonstrating that the vaccine induces antibody-mediated protection.

The World Food Prize, announced that the 2016 World Food Prize will be awarded to three International Potato Center (CIP) Scientists, Drs. Jan Low, Maria Andrade, and Robert Mwanga and HarvestPlus' Dr. Howarth Bouis in recognition of their combined success in improving nutrition and health through biofortified crops.

According to a Brazilian study published by the journal PLoS One, two relatively simple measures can help to reduce the incidence of Post-operative cognitive dysfunction: administering a small dose of the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone immediately before an operation and avoiding profound anesthesia during the operation.

A paper published by Brazilian researchers in the journal Scientific Reports describes a study showing that a subgroup of olfactory neurons in the nasal cavity express a cellular receptor specializing in the transport of lipid molecules, that may be linked to preference for high-fat food.