University of Sao Paulo

The research aims to find a way to restore some of the thousands of acres of Amazonian rainforest that have been cut down throughout the last several decades

Science

Amazonian dark earth could bring life back to decimated forestland

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.

A new device can track drug levels for proper dosage

Medical

Simple, portable gadget could prevent misuse of everyday painkillers

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.

CAR T cell therapy involves removing T cells from the body and supercharging them against a target like cancer or now, potentilly, fungal infection

Medical

Cancer immunotherapy adapted to fight dangerous fungal infections

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.

The technology has so far been utilized on lungs, but is being adapted for use on other organs

Medical

New process uses two kinds of light to make organs safer for transplant

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.

Researchers have reported the first successful birth after a mother received a uterus transplant from a deceased donor

Medical

First baby born from the uterus of a deceased donor

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.

Arcella gandalfi's shell looks like it's straight out of a Tolkien tale

Biology

Wizard-hat amoeba gets named after Gandalf

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.

Before too long, this may no longer be necessary

Health & Wellbeing

Painless electrical zaps may replace dental anesthesia needles

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.

The University of São Paulo's non-resonant acoustic levitator

Physics

New acoustic levitation device goes out of alignment to expand potential applications

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.