All The Americas articles – Page 5
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NewsPeptide acts as molecular shield to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting cells
The synthetic peptide was inspired by ACE2, the protein to which the virus that causes COVID-19 binds to invade human cells. The results point to a route for the development of novel antivirals.
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NewsBacterial contamination and microplastics threaten Colombia’s largest and most productive coastal lagoon
A study warns of the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in microplastics extracted from water, sediments and the digestive tract of fish in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, the largest and most productive coastal lagoon system in the Colombian Caribbean.
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NewsStudy shows how emissions from Brazilian Pantanal’s soda lakes contribute to climate change
Characterized by high pH and salinity, these soda lakes have practically dried up because of rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and wildfires. The study shows how the local microbial community influences greenhouse gas emissions.
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NewsLess tea, vicar - fruit juice offers a fresh take on kombucha
Researchers studying kombucha brews made from apple and passion fruit juices found that the apple beverage contained high levels of bioactive compounds called flavonoids and ranked highly among taste testers, signaling its promise as a kombucha alternative.
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NewsPresence of bacteria in soil makes flowers more attractive to pollinators
Bacteria that live in soil and help roots fix nitrogen can boost certain plants’ capacity to reproduce by enhancing the attractiveness of the plant’s flowers to pollinators via a relationship known as mutualism that is widespread in plants and animals.
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NewsThousands of donkeys vaccinated against rabies
The Donkey Sanctuary is collaborating with local government agencies and partner organisations, to support vaccination programmes in two key communities that rely on donkeys for their livelihoods.
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NewsCoral colony from Fiji reveals warmest temperatures in more than 600 years
The sea surface temperature in the Fijian archipelago is now at its maximum for more than 600 years, reveals an international research team’s evaluation of a new coral record providing further evidence for unprecedented warming in the western Pacific Ocean.
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NewsPropagated corals reveal increased resistance to bleaching during fatal heatwave of 2023
During the devastating heatwave in the Caribbean in 2023, young, bred corals that had been seeded in a reef restoration effort stayed healthy while most of the remaining wild corals bleached and many died in the aftermath.
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NewsScientists awarded $90m to prep for future pandemics from understudied viruses
Scientists are laying the groundwork to rapidly respond to potential future pandemics caused by viruses from five understudied families, developing strategies and tools to produce vaccines and antibody-based therapies.
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NewsFungus uses surface protein of its spores to weaken human immune system
An international research team discovered a special enzyme on the surface of the spores of Aspergillus fumigatus apparently suppresses the release of pro-inflammatory substances by immune cells, making it easier for the pathogen to spread in the tissue.
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NewsResearchers discover key gene regulating virulence of fungus that causes severe lung infections
Scientists have found a potential target for novel therapeutic strategies to combat fungal infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus and are now looking for a molecule that inactivates the protein expressed by the gene as a basis for a drug.
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NewsMeet the Global Ambassadors: Our Q&A with Sergio L Alves jr
The Microbiologist chats with our new Global Ambassador for Brazil, Sergio L Alves jr, Associate Professor at the Federal University of Fronteira Sul (UFFS).
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NewsSevere COVID-19 can involve either exacerbated lung inflammation or high viral replication
Researchers report a study based on autopsies of 47 patients who died after being infected by the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2. The findings will support clinical decisions on the treatment of critical cases.
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NewsDormancy defence systems show us why phages may not be the answer to everything
Toxin/antitoxin defence systems in bacteria need to be better understood if the potential of phage therapy is to be realised, a new review in Sustainable Microbiology suggests.
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NewsResearch group identifies novel probiotics in traditional Brazilian cheeses
Researchers have identified lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that have probiotic properties and are beneficial to human health in samples of traditional Brazilian cheeses.
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NewsMen infected with high-risk types of HPV could struggle with fertility
Men infected with high-risk HPV genotypes show evidence of sperm death from oxidative stress and an impaired immune response, a new study suggests.
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NewsNew method pinpoints virus that targets Ecuador fruit crop
Scientists in Ecuador have developed a new method to detect and diagnose a virus that devastates crops of babaco, a fruit plant of economic importance to local farmers.
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NewsResistance found in parasite infecting cutaneous leishmaniasis patient
Researchers who analyzed samples from a 46-year-old patient in Brazil found an amphotericin B-resistant strain of the parasite Leishmania amazonensis circulating for the first time in the country.
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NewsLens-free fluorescence instrument detects deadly microorganisms in drinking water
A new approach promises low-cost, real-time water quality monitoring for developing countries, disaster areas and rapid testing needs at events like the Paris Olympics.
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CareersThe role of fungi in the Amazonian bioeconomy
The term bioeconomy is entering the mainstream and has brought discussions on sustainable development into the spotlight, in particular for the Amazon region.