Study of twins exposed to Zika virus during pregnancy was conducted at the University of São Paulo's Human Genome & Stem Cell Research Centre in Brazil. Results are published in Nature Communications

Study published in Science reveals that pollution particles from cities substantially affect storm cloud formation over tropical forest. The determinant role played by nanoparticles in the process of convection signals hints at the revision of widely accepted climactic models, whose concepts were developed in countries located in temperate areas of the globe.

In studying the West Nile virus, which caused outbreaks in North America this century, scientists from Brazil and Senegal identified the gene responsible for the diminished virulence of the lineage known for causing mild effects.

A study by Brazilian researcher helps scientists understand and control physical processes that are essential to the success of ITER, a fusion reactor designed to reproduce on a small scale the process that generates energy in the sun. A future fusion reactor would feature advantages when compared to nuclear fission technology: in addition to the absence of radioactive waste, its system works by a self-control physical process that prevents overheating problems.

Technology developed by a Brazilian startup consists of a porous silica magnetic microparticle which has affinity with different molecules, a feature that enables its application on various industries; this solution aims at simplifying established industrial processes, thus reducing costs.

Research shows that expression of 52 microRNAs falls as the disease becomes more aggressive. Restoring levels of these molecules in the tumor could be a novel therapeutic strategy.

Scientists from Brazil, China and Italy have reached a model to map out the phases in which silica (SiO2) transforms into coesite rock, by analyzing how the inelastic scattering of light among molecules changes according to pressure variation. Computer simulation was required in the study of coesite, found on a crater produced by a comet or asteroid that hit Mexico and led to extinction of the dinosaurs.

Material developed in Brazil measures temperatures in the range of 80-750 kelvin (-193 °C to 476 °C) and, as described in Scientific Reports, could be used in manufacturing and biological processes. Besides being an optical device, which makes unnecessary to have contact with the object, the sensor is equipped with a detector that can gauge how temperature affects the wavelength of light.

Markers of infection found in blood of patients enabled Brazilian researchers to elucidate cellular signaling pathway involved in both defenses against this virus and formation of new neurons. Also found in these samples were much larger doses of peptides known for controlling blood pressure, which may be involved in the autophagy of infected cells.