All The Americas articles
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NewsOropouche virus infections underestimated in Latin America and likely to increase due to climate factors
Environmental factors, such changing temperatures and rainfall, are the main drivers associated with the spread of Oropouche virus (OROV) in Latin America, according to a modelling study.
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NewsFiber consumption protects gut from serious bacterial infection, study suggests
Brazilian researchers have gained better understanding of the role of soluble dietary fibre in the mechanism of immune modulation and fight against gut pathogen Clostridioides difficile that causes severe diarrhoea and colon inflammation.
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NewsResearchers discover way to predict treatment success for parasitic skin disease
Researchers have discovered a way to predict whether a patient suffering from cutaneous leishmaniasis will respond to the most common treatment, potentially saving patients from months of expensive, ineffective and toxic medication.
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NewsEdible biofilm based on pomegranate peel extract extends the shelf life of strawberries
Fruit coated with the material showed 11% less weight loss during storage and took longer to start becoming contaminated by fungi.
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NewsScientists tackle the rising global challenge of Chagas Disease
A study sheds new light on how the Chagas Disease parasite invades human cells—a crucial step towards developing effective treatments for this neglected tropical disease.
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NewsHow Zika virus knocks out our immune defenses
Scientists have made striking discoveries regarding the different infection mechanisms of Zika and dengue virus of the same viral family. These understandings pave the way for vaccine development to combat flaviviruses with similarities.
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NewsWHO calls for urgent action to address worldwide disruptions in tuberculosis services
Since World Tuberculosis Day is only days away, World Health Organization addresses the current challenges faced by countries in TB responses. They urgently call for an united global effort to combat the deadly disease and safeguard the public health from the devastating consequences.
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NewsLeafcutter ants recognize and fight pathogen with social immunity
Various characteristics of social immune memory were observed in colonies of Atta sexdens (lemon leafcutter ants) exposed to different pathogenic fungi. Such information is useful for future development of appropriate pest control.
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NewsPlastic-degrading enzymes from landfills
Researchers identified and analysed the structure and predicted functions of potential plastic-degrading enzymes in collected landfills sample from around the world, in an effort to reduce plastic pollution.
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NewsFirst coronavirus similar to MERS is found in bats in South America
A novel coronavirus, which shares high genetic similarities with MERS-CoV, was identified in bats in the state of Ceará, Brazil. Experiments to find out whether it can infect humans are set to take place in collaboration with Hong Kong University.
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NewsRestoring vegetation cover in Amazon's pasture areas can reduce methane emissions, study reveals
Proper pasture management in the Amazon, aimed at maintaining soil vegetation cover, can reduce methane emissions from livestock farming, according to a new study analyzing emissions and microorganisms in Amazonian soil.
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NewsNew test identifies prior infection by zika virus and all four dengue virus serotypes
An alternative approach is developed to detect and distinguish between antibodies induced by the dengue and zika virus in blood samples. The strategy can be used to orient public health policy and evaluate the efficacy of dengue vaccines.
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NewsResearchers uncover blood metabolites that may influence early childhood development
Researchers have identified small molecules in the blood that may impact early childhood development, showing how dietary exposures, early life experiences, and gut health can influence a child’s growth and cognitive milestones.
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OpinionThe problem of microplastics in the oceans: it’s time for effective solutions
Francielly Bruna Neto Francisco and Ricardo Henrique Krüger, from the University of Brasília (UNB), warn that we urgently need technologies that will effectively eliminate partially or nonbiodegradable polymers from the marine environment.
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NewsRapid diagnostic tests improve diagnosis access to indigenous Paraguayan community for Chagas disease
A study has shown that combining rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) with conventional serological tests proves to be a useful strategy for diagnosing Chagas disease in an indigenous community in the Paraguayan Chaco with its higher prevalence of the disease.
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NewsNew method ‘fishes’ for bacterial STI DNA, revealing how Chlamydia spreads and adapts
Scientists have developed a cutting-edge “target enrichment” technology for bacterial STIs. Using specially designed molecular probes, they “fished” for bacterial STI DNA from clinical samples, enabling high-resolution genome analysis.
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NewsReemergence of dengue serotype 3 may increase severity of outbreaks of the disease in Brazil
From the genomic and epidemiological surveillance of the circulating dengue virus strains, a more severe dengue epidemic may occur in Brazil, due to the re-establishment of dengue virus serotype 3 (DENV-3) and persists alongside with the serotype 1 and 2 (DENV-1 and DENV-2).
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NewsTurmeric teamed with light can help ward off superbugs
In a new study, researchers have evaluated a low-cost yet effective technology called photodynamic inactivation using curcumin to curb bacterial resistance.
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NewsStudy tracks algae species interactions to help predict harmful algae blooms
A study yields new insights into how algae species interact with each other and their environment in coastal waters, aiming to understand how harmful algal species interact with other phytoplankton and environmental factors like temperature and salinity.
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NewsResearchers in Brazil discover a gene that may afford protection against COVID-19
During the pandemic, health worker Maria Tereza Malheiros Sapienza’s curiosity was aroused by her immunity to SARS-CoV-2, even though her husband was infected twice. A new study reveals that an overexpression of IFIT3 protein was responsible.