In a Nature Communications article, international group of scientists affirms the prolongation of an annual deforestation of 7,000 square km can nullify the efforts for reducing GHG emissions. The study brings a new assessment on the importance of tropical forests in world climate regulation, and calculates a 0,8 °C rise on Earth's temperature in a scenario in which they are extinct.

In Brazil, a survey with nearly 3,000 people who have experienced first-episode psychosis concluded that young men, ethnic minorities and people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are more likely to suffer from the typical symptoms.

The confirmation involved one single patient; Brazilian investigators say it suggests the virus may be contagious for a period which stretches longer than previously thought. Scientists especulate whether the use of urine samples could allow for positive diagnosis in asymptomatic patients, who comprise half of the cases of yellow fever's infection.

By analyzing the most common genetic variants, Brazilian scientists aim at improving diagnosis nad treatment for the disease, which presents high resistance to drugs as well as relapse in post-transplant scenario. The work made possible an in-depth study of the proteins involved in the glomerular filtration barrier, a structure which is damaged by the syndrome.

Brazilian scientists compare primitive Earth scenario with satellite Europa's conditions; the jupiterian moon could host microorganisms at the bottom of a huge warm ocean located underneath its frozen crust.

Schizophrenia may be related to neurodevelopment changes, including brain's inability to create the appropriate vascular system, according to new study resulted from a partnership between the D'Or Institute for Research and Education, the University of Chile and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). The results broaden the understanding about the causes of this severe and disabling disorder, which affects about 1 percent of the world's population.

A study conducted in São Paulo, Southern Hemisphere's biggest city, shows that mosquitoes belonging to vector species make up for seven out of the eight most common species found in municipal parks; adapted to urban environment, they benefit from the fragmentation of green areas, a process which leads to the extinction of wild species.