The land crab Johngarthia lagostoma occurs only on four ocean islands, three of which are in Brazil, but little is known of its natural history. Brazilian researchers discovered that a hill and beach on Trindade Island play a key role in the species’ reproductive cycle and survival.
The study analyzed data for 13 Atlantic Rainforest restoration areas involving ten species of native trees that could be commercially useful to the timber industry. Publication of the findings comes during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo and São Paulo state’s Center for Epidemiological Surveillance observed spatial and temporal patterns of occurrence and co-occurrence for the two arboviral diseases in all Brazilian municipalities, alongside the influence of environmental and socio-economic factors.
Representatives of 44 startups based in São Paulo received technical support for a year to develop products and business plans via in-person training, mentoring and workshops run by experts from FAPESP and associations that foster entrepreneurship.
A study published in the journal Science shows for the first time the degree of threat to all tree species in the biome, classifying 65% as vulnerable or endangered to some extent. According to the authors, their findings are conservative – the actual situation could be even more alarming.
Even under the best-case scenario, mathematical models suggest 87% of mammals will be left without a habitat in the Caatinga within three and a half decades. The loss will be worst in the eastern portion of the biome, where its main cities are located.
Research conducted at the University of São Paulo shows how interaction between plant hormone gibberellin and small RNA molecules enables development of ovaries, followed by fruit and seeds. This knowledge serves as a basis for ways to increase tomato yield.
The school will provide a set of intensive courses for postgraduate students and early-career researchers on the recent developments in the economics of technological change and in ST&I policy studies. Registrations are due on January 26, 2024.
Fragments of hemorrhagic toxins that may help treat high blood pressure were found in the venom of the pit viper Cotiara, which inhabits the South of Brazil, and that of the South American bushmaster, a denizen of tropical rainforests. The molecules might one day be used in drugs with fewer adverse side effects.
A survey conducted in a Brazilian state with the country’s second-highest number of ophidic accidents draws attention to the need to train health workers to complete notification forms correctly. Better data will help improve research and antivenom distribution.
Surveys conducted in the Cerrado since the 1990s show falling biodiversity as the agricultural frontier advances in the vicinity of Emas National Park. Species with biotechnological potential are dwindling and even disappearing.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo identified in mice the neurons associated with the anxiolytic effect of growth hormone. Their discovery paves the way for the development of novel classes of medications for neuropsychiatric disorders.
The map is derived from a study conducted by researchers at Brazil’s space research institute and collaborators, and combined airborne laser scanning, satellite imagery and forest inventories. The results will support planning, conservation and sustainable management decisions.
Researchers at São Paulo State University tested the action of nanoparticles loaded with antibiotics and other antimicrobial compounds on cells infected by the bacillus that causes tuberculosis. The results suggest the strategy can overcome multidrug bacterial resistance.
