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Brazilian researchers have developed a cell phone application that helps rehabilitate people who have suffered a stroke. Using a sensor (accelerometer) that detects the inclination of the handset attached to the person's clothing, the program can identify posture and advise the user on how to improve body alignment, either through voice commands, vibrations or images. The device works to rehabilitate a problem known as hemiparesis, which is one of the most challenging sequelae of strokes [...]

A recent study published in the Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology explored genetic predictors of prostate cancer progression to help identify its clinical outcomes. Conducted by researchers from the D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), the University of São Paulo (USP), and the São Paulo Cancer Institute (ICESP), the study focused on the role of the androgen receptor (AR), its variant AR-V7, and the p160 gene family. Prostate cancer: a [...]

Brazilian researchers have developed a simple test that almost instantly tells whether a person has been exposed to any of the four dengue virus serotypes, as well as zika virus. The test is an enzyme immunoassay similar to ELISA, a platform widely used in laboratory testing throughout Brazil. The technology can easily be adapted for use in automated systems and rapid point-of-care tests. The study was conducted at the University of São Paulo's Biomedical Sciences Institute [...]

Different types of sedentary behavior impact adolescent mental health, with excessive leisure screen time linked to higher psychological distress, while educational activities appear to have a protective effect. A recent Journal of Adolescent Health study investigates whether different types and contexts of sedentary behavior during the middle stages of adolescence lead to psychological distress later on in adolescence. Rising mental health issues among adolescents A higher prevalence [...]

Some families of caterpillars (larvae of butterflies and moths) have developed a specific kind of interaction with ants. One of these families (Riodinidae) includes two species that interact solely with two species of ants. In a study published in the journal Insect Science, researchers in Brazil affiliated with the University of São Paulo (USP), the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL) show that this interaction is [...]

Crop fertilizers are a major source of pollution, as the chemicals make their way out of the soil and into the natural environment. Scientists are now working on a possible solution to that problem, by developing a sustained-release fertilizer that takes the form of tiny glass beads. Conventional fertilizers are typically applied to the soil as either a liquid, powder, or granules. Whichever the case, the substance usually doesn't have a chance to release all of its nutrients before [...]

Scientists have created a new kind of artificial vision system that is energy-efficient and recyclable, using honey as an electrolyte. This breakthrough could help reduce electronic waste while improving the performance of smart technology. Researchers from the University of Glasgow, São Paulo State University (UNESP), and Hong Kong Metropolitan University worked together to design this innovative system. It mimics the way the human brain processes and remembers colors, requiring very [...]

Eating foods rich in certain natural compounds called polyphenols may significantly lower the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, according to a large study conducted in Brazil. The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, followed more than 6,000 people over eight years and found that those who consumed the highest amounts of polyphenols had a 23% lower risk of developing this condition. Metabolic syndrome is a serious health problem that increases the risk of heart disease, [...]

Adolescents who spend more than three hours a day engaged in sedentary behaviors – including playing video games, reading for leisure or spending a lot of time distracted by screens – have a higher risk of facing psychological distress in the future, according to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. On the other hand, moderate screen exposure (between 60 and 119 minutes per day) invested in educational activities, such as doing homework or attending classes, was [...]