Biology

Public well-being

Public health experts are responsible for creating and implementing ways of protecting the health of the population

Where birds came from

Most species in the tropics emerged in extreme environments, such as deserts and mountains, before establishing themselves in other biomes

Brains shrink to save energy

In adverse conditions, such as when it is cold or food is scarce, the brain of some rodents shrinks in size, helping to conserve energy

Fungus genetics

Researcher from the University of São Paulo earns international recognition for his contributions to the field of microbiology

Underwater stars

When disturbed by a physical bump or a beam of light, the tunicates Pyrosoma atlanticum emit a turquoise light

“I began valuing my personal relationships more during the pandemic”

Understanding biological systems

Brazilian scientist creates new laboratory at US university to study biological systems

Quantum biology

Emerging field demands interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge of both chemistry and physics

Monitoring the evolution of COVID-19

Blood levels of a particular protein can indicate the severity of coronavirus infections and guide the response of the attending health care team

Pond life

Tadpoles are as easy to find as they are difficult to identify

The faithful frog

Saxicolous frogs only reproduce with two or three specific females, behavior never before seen in amphibians

Two species of mata-mata

New analyses have revealed that there are at least two species of mata-mata

A dose of Darwin in taxonomy

New method of classifying living organisms favors evolutionary history and abandons the divisions of the Linnaean system

Venomous amphibians

Caecilians are venomous animals, capable of injecting venom into their prey, say researchers from the Butantan Institute

The living being in the equation

Researcher combines exact and life sciences to measure the SARS-CoV-2 virus's potential to spread

Mutilated courtship

Scorpions of the genus Ananteris can shed their stinger when attacked

Natural guests

Abundant viruses contribute to the genetic diversity of life on Earth and may have emerged four times throughout the planet's history

Gene affects the height of Peruvians

Genetic alterations may partly explain why Peruvians are one of the shortest peoples in the world

The bigger the tusk, the better

Biologists measured the tusks of 245 males collected in Greenland from 1983 to 2018 and concluded that the organ may play a role in sexual selection

How science helps environmental conservation

Biota-Fapesp program reaches its 20th anniversary lending scientific bases to the creation of nature preservation areas and the search for sustainable development in São Paulo state

Dedicated to nature

Researcher switches from business administration to biology and becomes a leading expert in environmental preservation

Carlos Guerra Schrago: The theory and practice of evolution

The discipline that seeks to reconstruct the histories of species is itself evolving, according to UFRJ biologist

Why females live longer

The difference in lifespan between the two sexes, the researchers noted, is not due to different aging rates

Rock ‘n’ roll spiders

Biologist honors musicians from famous bands in descriptions of new spider species

Gene therapy on the horizon

American biochemist Jennifer Doudna, from the University of California, Berkeley, is one of the best-known names behind the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique

A smell and heat detector

A dog’s nose is also capable of measuring nearby heat, according to a new study

Winged invasion

In four decades, 35 alien bird species have colonized deforested areas on experimental properties in Brazil’s Amazon

Graham Dellaire: Science with caution

Molecular biologist says ethical use of gene editing depends on broad consensus and a shift in scientific culture

Legacies of the genome

Magazine followed the evolution of sequencing projects that improved disease diagnosis and led to the development of innovative treatments

Biologists uncover pollinating opossum

Almost 30 years after the suspicion was raised, discovery reduces the mystery of an unusual flower