Researchers at the University of São Paulo estimated biodiversity and biomass losses in the biome using data from 1,819 forest inventories. In terms of carbon storage, the losses correspond to the destruction of 70,000 km² of forest, representing some USD 2.6 billion in carbon credits.
A study conducted by scientists at São Paulo State University demonstrates that animals like peccaries and tapirs boost soil levels of nitrogen, an essential element to plant growth.
The researchers used modeling to show which areas are suitable in terms of forest cover and climate for occupation by the endangered species, which is endemic to the state of São Paulo. Their study is a contribution to translocation initiatives that move groups of these animals to areas from which the species has disappeared.
Brazilian researchers tested the antichagasic properties of VmCT1, obtained from the venom of Vaejovis mexicanus, a scorpion harmless to humans, and synthesized novel analogs to redesign the native molecule.
Study reveals different forms of interaction between insect groups: while some caterpillar species have bodies covered with molecules identical to those of the plants they inhabit and are ‘invisible’ to ants, others offer ants nectar in exchange for protection from predators.
Study shows that a tree frog endemic to a mountainous region of the Brazilian savanna is unable to disperse and find genetically closer mates when the terrain is rugged, potentially endangering survival of the species. The findings show that topography is an important factor for conservation policy.
Group led by Brazilian ecologist shows defaunation wiped out 40% of the ecosystem services provided or supported by mammals, such as ecotourism, disease control and soil formation. Large-bodied mammals are disappearing fastest.
Simulations using field data suggest focusing on the protection of species that live in rivers and lakes can be more efficient than the approach most used now, which focuses on terrestrial biodiversity. An article at Science is based on the findings.
Brazilian researchers discover that caecilians, limbless amphibians resembling worms or snakes that emerged some 150 million years before the latter, can probably inject venom into their prey while biting.
Dozens of scientists from several countries calculated upper limits to global and local temperatures if tropical forests are to survive.
Researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) isolated molecules present in the larvae of a blue light-emitting fungus gnat that inhabits the Appalachians. The study will help elucidate human diseases and could lead to novel biotech applications.
Frieseomelitta varia is a docile species of economic interest as a pollinator. Its workers are sterile, and some of its genetic sequences are identical to those found in other eusocial bees, pointing to the conservation of ancestral traits.
A study showing how pollen tubes grow into flowers to reach the ovule paves the way for the improvement of food crop varieties as well as a deeper understanding of the growth of fungi and neurons.
The animal was approximately 10 cm long and lived more than 130 million years ago in what is now the state of Minas Gerais. Its morphology differs from that of all other known lizard species.
On average, more than 4% of the studied forest fragments have regenerated naturally in the past 50 years. In certain forests near the Serra do Mar ridge, regeneration has reached 50%. The study used artificial intelligence to compare satellite images and aerial photographs taken in 1962.
Using advanced molecular biology techniques, researchers discover that two frog species widely distributed in Brazil may actually be as many as seven, some exclusive to the Amazon. The change in classification could require new conservation actions.
Agreement between São Paulo State University and American Chemical Society facilitates the compilation of information dispersed across more than 30,000 scientific articles.
Leafcutter ants speed up foraging to collect as much food as possible when they sense a decrease in atmospheric pressure according to a study by researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil
Updated survey of anuran amphibians that live in South America was led by a Brazilian researcher. Results are published in a book with maps of species diversity, ecological functions and endemic species.
In an article published in PNAS, Brazilian researchers stress the need for agricultural management that favors the maintenance of wildlife.
Study suggests these two species of large herbivores have complementary ecological functions, favoring seed dispersal and growth of adult trees.
Larvae of a fungus gnat found in Iporanga, São Paulo State, Brazil, have bioluminescent properties previously observed only in species native to North America, New Zealand and Asia. This study paves the way for new biotech applications.
A report published in PLOS ONE describes key roles of various microorganisms in the development of the larvae of Scaptotrigona depilis. Researchers warn that this symbiotic relationship is threatened by the indiscriminate use of pesticides.
Color differences in the light produced by the larviform beetle are known to be caused by two enzymes with minor structural differences, but the details were hitherto unknown. This discovery has potential for applications in biotechnology.
A study conducted as part of a Thematic Project by Brazilian and US researchers investigates how plants and animals in the Atlantic Rainforest biome have reacted to climate change in past millennia.
