University of Sao Paulo

Researchers have identified the neurons responsible for controlling how growth hormone affects anxiety and the creation of fear memories, a hallmark of post-traumatic stress disorder. The discovery could lead to a new class of anti-anxiety drugs.

Researchers have discovered a previously unknown pathological cellular mechanism underpinning heart failure, which currently has no cure, and identified a drug that can reverse the damaging malfunction, opening the door to a novel treatment.

A study has found that glitter negatively affects the growth of cyanobacteria, an important player in aquatic ecosystems and a key component of marine food webs, highlighting the importance of reining in the use of this stealthy microplastic.

There’s a growing body of evidence that links muscle makeup to cognitive function, particularly in that it may be key to prolonging brain health as you age. And the good news is you don't need to become a mature-age body builder to reap the benefits.

About 18% of the Amazon rainforest has been cut down since the 1970s. Seeking ways to help get some of that lost forestland back, researchers have turned to a rich soil created by the activities of the Amerindians thousands of years ago.

More than 60 million Americans turn to acetaminophen painkillers each week, but accidental misuse can result in liver failure and even death. This device that monitors drug levels in saliva could be a quick, easy way to ensure both efficacy and safety.

Infections of Cryptococcus fungi are potentially fatal, because the immune system has a hard time fighting off the invaders. But now researchers have given it a helping hand by adapting a cancer immunotherapy technique called CAR T cell therapy.

​It goes without saying that the greater the number of organs available for transplant, the better for patients in need of them. A newly-developed technique could help, as it uses light to kill viruses and bacteria that might otherwise make donated organs unsuitable for use.

Uterus donors are so far limited to willing volunteers, which has made the procedure possible in only a handful of cases. Now, scientists have reported the first successful birth of a child after a uterus transplant from a deceased donor.

As far as most laypeople know, all amoebas are soft-bodied creatures. In fact, though, amoebas of the Thecamoeba genus have a hard outer carapace. In the case of a recently-described new species of Thecamoeba, that shell resembles the wizard's hat worn by Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings.

​As much as some people fear getting dental fillings or root canals, what many of them are really afraid of is the needle that delivers the anesthetic into the mouth tissue. Before long, however, a shot of electricity could make those needles unnecessary.​

Scientists from Brazil's University of São Paulo have created what they claim is a better acoustic levitator – a device that can suspend small objects in mid-air. It's less fussy about the exact orientation of its components, making it more feasible for use in practical applications.