Researchers from University of São Paulo (USP) and University of Texas at Austin studied the genetic diversity and differentiation patterns of the native pioneer understory tree Miconia affinis. They collected leaf tissue from approximately 30 reproductive trees bearing inflorescences or infructescences in 11 different populations and estimated the influence of geographic distance, elevation and deforestation on the genetic structure. The genetic differentiation of this tree species significantly increased with elevation and geographic distance between populations.

In a recent study, researchers show that sex hormones can stimulate production of telomerase, an enzyme naturally found in the human organism. The strategy was tested in patients with genetic diseases associated with mutations in the gene that codes for this enzyme, such as aplastic anemia and pulmonary fibrosis. The authors say that the results suggest that the approach can combat the damage caused to the organism by telomerase deficiency.

Daily meetings between physicians, implementation of care protocols and the presence of pharmacists are associated with increase in survival rates in ICUs.

According a recent study, teenagers are increasingly experiencing tinnitus, often a symptom of hearing loss, as a result of using ear buds to listen to music for long periods every day, as well as frequenting very noisy places like nightclubs, discos and rock concerts. The researchers observed that most of the teenagers who took part in the study reported risky listening habits, and those who reported experiencing tinnitus displayed less tolerance of loud sounds.

An experimental vaccine against Zika virus developed by Brazilian and US researchers has been tested successfully in trials with mice. The vaccine gave the mice 100% protection. The mice were vaccinated and then infected, and didn't present viremia, demonstrating that the vaccine induces antibody-mediated protection.