In recent years, the Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic that affected Brazil, particularly the Northeast region, drew attention due to cases of microcephaly and other congenital malformations, known as Congenital Zika Syndrome. The high incidence of severe cases in specific regions raised the hypothesis that environmental factors could be exacerbating the effects of the virus. A new study published in Scientific Reports and conducted by researchers from the D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR) in partnership with the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) has revealed the role of saxitoxin (STX), a neurotoxin found in water reservoirs contaminated by cyanobacteria, in increasing neuronal damage caused by ZIKV.

The world’s largest study of the impact of dietary polyphenol intake on the risk of cardiometabolic problems tracked more than 6,000 Brazilians for eight years. The researchers also observed a reduction in the risk of developing hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia.

A study has found that more than half of Brazil’s rivers could suffer a reduction in flow due to the transfer of water to aquifers. Irrigation pumping is one of the main factors. More than 88% of wells operate under illegal conditions.

A paper by scientists affiliated with the University of São Paulo highlights new discoveries regarding the mechanisms of oxidative phosphorylation involved in ATP production. Recent studies have revealed the role of sodium in mitochondrial respiration.

A recent study published in the Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology explored genetic predictors of prostate cancer progression to help identify its clinical outcomes. Conducted by researchers from the D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), the University of São Paulo (USP), and the São Paulo Cancer Institute (ICESP), the study focused on the role of the androgen receptor (AR), its variant AR-V7, and the p160 gene family.

A study of 153 people between the ages of 60 and 89 suggests modifications to a well-established clinical test for assessing balance in the elderly to make it more efficient, accessible, and predictive.

By creating a new metric, researchers envision the possibility of diagnostic and treatment advances for the disease, which is estimated to affect about 4 million people worldwide.

A recent Brazilian study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research has highlighted promising pathways for preventing and treating atrial fibrillation, a condition that significantly raises the risks of stroke and dementia. The research was led by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) in partnership with the D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR).