Friday, August 09, 2024

 

Cucumber's genetic core: new insights into centromere structures



Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science
Alignment of CENH3 homologs and localization of CsCENH3 protein and ChIPed DNA on cucumber chromosomes. 

image: 

Alignment of CENH3 homologs and localization of CsCENH3 protein and ChIPed DNA on cucumber chromosomes. a Multiple alignment of CsCENH3 (C. sativus), NtCENH3 (Nicotiana tabacum), AtCENH3 (A. thaliana), OsCENH3 (Oryza sativa) and ZmCENH3 (Zea mays). The protein structure is shown below the sequence. The peptide sequence used to generate anti-CsCENH3 is highlighted in a red box. bg Immunostaining localization of CsCENH3. Interphase nuclei and metaphase chromosomes (blue) were stained with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). Immunofluorescence signals (c and df and g) are visible within the nucleus (d) and in the centromeric regions of the chromosomes (g). hj FISH signal of DNA precipitated by ChIP using anti-CsCENH3 antibody. Somatic metaphase chromosomes (h and j) that were hybridized to CsCENH3 ChIPed DNA probes. FISH signals (i and j) are visible in the centromeres (j). Scale bars: 10 μm.

view more 

Credit: Horticulture Research



The study provides significant insights into cucumber centromeres by identifying key centromeric satellite sequences and retrotransposons. Researchers found notable differences in centromeric DNA between wild and cultivated cucumbers, highlighting the impact of domestication. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and sequencing, the study mapped CsCENH3-binding domains and discovered active genes with low transcription in these regions. This comprehensive characterization of cucumber centromeres advances our understanding of genome evolution and provides valuable information for improving genetic maps and breeding programs, potentially enhancing cucumber cultivation and genetic research.

Centromeres are crucial for chromosome segregation during cell division and consist of repetitive DNA sequences. Their structure and evolution vary widely among species, making them a significant research focus. In cucumbers, understanding these variations can provide valuable insights into genome organization and evolution. Due to these complexities and the lack of comprehensive studies in this area, a detailed investigation of cucumber centromeres is necessary to enhance our knowledge of their function and evolutionary dynamics, ultimately contributing to advancements in plant genetics and breeding strategies.

Researchers from the State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement at Nanjing Agricultural University published a study (DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae127) on May 7, 2024, in Horticulture Research. The study investigates the centromeres of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) techniques, uncovering centromeric satellite sequences and the prevalence of Ty1/Copia retrotransposons.

The study identified key components of cucumber centromeres, including the centromeric satellite sequence CentCs and Ty1/Copia long terminal repeat retrotransposons. Using ChIP sequencing, researchers mapped CsCENH3-binding domains and uncovered significant differences in centromeric DNA between wild and cultivated cucumbers. They found that the domestication process amplified centromeric DNA, as evidenced by higher CentCs content in cultivated varieties. Additionally, active genes with low transcription levels were identified within CsCENH3 nucleosome regions, marking the first comprehensive characterization of cucumber centromeres. These findings provide new insights into the evolutionary mechanisms of centromeres in the Cucumis genus and enhance our understanding of genome structure. The research also has practical implications, offering valuable information for improving genetic maps and breeding programs, which could lead to the development of superior cucumber varieties with desirable traits.

Dr. Qunfeng Lou, the corresponding author, stated, "This study marks a significant advancement in our understanding of cucumber centromeres. The identification of centromeric sequences and their variations between wild and cultivated cucumbers provides valuable insights into genome evolution and the domestication process. These findings have the potential to inform future research and breeding strategies."

The findings from this study have several important implications. The detailed characterization of cucumber centromeres enhances our understanding of genome structure and evolution, which is critical for genetic mapping and breeding programs. Additionally, the identification of centromeric sequences can aid in the development of new genetic tools and resources, facilitating the improvement of cucumber varieties with desirable traits. This research also contributes to the broader field of plant genomics, providing a framework for studying centromeres in other species.

###

References

DOI

10.1093/hr/uhae127

Original Source URL

https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhae127

Funding information

This work was financially supported by National Key R&D Program of China (2021YFD1200200), the Province Key Research and Development Program (BE2021357), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32272730), and the Fund for Seed Industry Revitalization Project (JBGS (2021)070) and the Project Funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions.

About Horticulture Research

Horticulture Research is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and ranked number one in the Horticulture category of the Journal Citation Reports ™ from Clarivate, 2022. The journal is committed to publishing original research articles, reviews, perspectives, comments, correspondence articles and letters to the editor related to all major horticultural plants and disciplines, including biotechnology, breeding, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, inter-species interactions, physiology, and the origination and domestication of crops.

 

Medical issues experienced by women and children after returning from Hamas captivity




Wiley




Among the 250 individuals who were kidnapped during the Hamas terror attack on Israeli towns in October 2023, 19 children and 7 women were released and admitted to Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel after approximately 50 days in captivity, during a cease-fire deal. A new study published in Acta Paediatrica reports on the physical and psychological state of these returnees upon their return.

The most common clinical findings included significant weight loss, psychological trauma, complications of poor hygiene (such as head lice), and complications of recent shrapnel injuries. Tests revealed that returnees also often had gastrointestinal pathogens and various infectious diseases.

URL upon publication: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/apa.17355

 

Additional Information
NOTE: 
The information contained in this release is protected by copyright. Please include journal attribution in all coverage. For more information or to obtain a PDF of any study, please contact: Sara Henning-Stout, newsroom@wiley.com.

About the Journal
Acta Paediatrica is a peer-reviewed monthly journal at the forefront of international paediatric research. Published on behalf of the Foundation Acta Paediatrica, it covers both clinical and experimental research in all areas of paediatrics.

About Wiley
Wiley is a knowledge company and a global leader in research, publishing, and knowledge solutions. Dedicated to the creation and application of knowledge, Wiley serves the world’s researchers, learners, innovators, and leaders, helping them achieve their goals and solve the world's most important challenges. For more than two centuries, Wiley has been delivering on its timeless mission to unlock human potential. Visit us at Wiley.com. Follow us on FacebookXLinkedIn and Instagram.

 JUST ASKING

Do dieticians have weight biases towards themselves and others?




Wiley





In a survey-based study, UK dietitians exhibited significant weight stigma, both towards themselves and towards others.

The study in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics involved an online survey completed in 2022 by 402 registered dietitians aged 20–70 years old. Most respondents reported personally experiencing weight stigma prior to (51%) and after becoming (59.7%) registered dieticians, and nearly a quarter (21.1%) felt that their weight influenced their own ability to perform as a dietitian.

Weight stigma was experienced across the weight spectrum. Participants reported explicit (or conscious) weight bias attitudes, moderate beliefs that obesity is controllable, and implicit (or unconscious) anti-fat bias.

“The study highlights the need to address weight stigma and its implications within the dietetic profession,” the authors wrote.

URL upon publication: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jhn.13337

 

Additional Information
NOTE: 
The information contained in this release is protected by copyright. Please include journal attribution in all coverage. For more information or to obtain a PDF of any study, please contact: Sara Henning-Stout, newsroom@wiley.com.

About the Journal
The Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics publishes articles related to nutritional science, clinical nutrition, dietetics practice, and public health nutrition. The scope of the journal recognises the breadth and multidisciplinary nature of nutrition and dietetics research and will consider material from all facets of the discipline.

About Wiley
Wiley is a knowledge company and a global leader in research, publishing, and knowledge solutions. Dedicated to the creation and application of knowledge, Wiley serves the world’s researchers, learners, innovators, and leaders, helping them achieve their goals and solve the world's most important challenges. For more than two centuries, Wiley has been delivering on its timeless mission to unlock human potential. Visit us at Wiley.com. Follow us on FacebookXLinkedIn and Instagram.

 

Can nanomaterials enhance plant tolerance to high soil salt levels?



Wiley





Soil salt concentrations above the optimal threshold for plant growth can threaten global food security by compromising agricultural productivity and crop quality. An analysis published in Physiologia Plantarum examined the potential of nanomaterials—which have emerged over the past decade as a promising tool to mitigate such “salinity stress”—to address this challenge.

Nanomaterials, which are tiny natural or synthetic materials, can modulate a plant’s response to salinity stress through various mechanisms, for example by affecting the expression of genes related to salt tolerance or by enhancing physiological processes such as antioxidant activities.

When investigators assessed 495 experiments from 70 publications related to how different nanomaterials interact with plants under salinity stress, they found that nanomaterials enhance plant performance and mitigate salinity stress when applied at lower dosages. At higher doses, however, nanomaterials are toxic to plants and may even worsen salinity stress.

Also, plant responses to nanomaterials vary across plant species, plant families, and nanomaterial types.

“Our analysis revealed that plants respond more positively to nanomaterials under salt stress compared with non-stressed conditions, indicating the ameliorative role of nanomaterials,” said corresponding author Damiano R. Kwaslema, MSc, of Sokoine University of Agriculture, in Tanzania. “These findings pave the way for considering nanomaterials as a future option for managing salinity stress.”

URL upon publication: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ppl.14445

 

Additional Information
NOTE: 
The information contained in this release is protected by copyright. Please include journal attribution in all coverage. For more information or to obtain a PDF of any study, please contact: Sara Henning-Stout, newsroom@wiley.com.

About the Journal
Physiologia Plantarum advances the understanding of primary mechanisms of plant development, growth, and productivity, as well as plant interactions with the biotic and abiotic environment.

About Wiley
Wiley is a knowledge company and a global leader in research, publishing, and knowledge solutions. Dedicated to the creation and application of knowledge, Wiley serves the world’s researchers, learners, innovators, and leaders, helping them achieve their goals and solve the world's most important challenges. For more than two centuries, Wiley has been delivering on its timeless mission to unlock human potential. Visit us at Wiley.com. Follow us on FacebookXLinkedIn and Instagram.

 

Turning unused signals such as Wi-Fi into energy for electronics


Tohoku University
Figure 1 

image: 

Schematic illustration of a wireless network with energy-harvesting modules. RF signals that are unused by electronic gadgets and would otherwise go to waste are used to generate usable DC power to drive sensors and devices. 

view more 

Credit: ©Shunsuke Fukami & Hyunsoo Yang




We are constantly surrounded by electromagnetic waves such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals. What if we could turn the unused excess into usable energy? Researchers at Tohoku University, the National University of Singapore, and the University of Messina developed a novel technology to efficiently harvest ambient low-power radiofrequency (RF) signals into direct-current (DC) power. This ‘rectifier’ technology can be easily integrated into energy harvesting modules to power electronic devices and sensors, enabling battery-free operation.

The results were published in Nature Electronics on July 24, 2024.

The downside of this method is that the source of the signal typically has to be in close proximity to the electronic device in question. Existing technologies, such as the Schottky diode, face challenges in terms of low RF-to-DC conversion efficiency for faint ambient RF signals (typically less than -20 dBm).

To address these challenges, the research team has developed a compact and sensitive rectifier technology that uses a nanoscale spin-rectifier (SR) to convert ambient wireless RF signals that are less than -20 dBm to a DC voltage. The SR consists of a nanoscale magnetic tunnel junction made of CoFeB/MgO, that is used in a nonvolatile memory technology.

The team optimized the SR devices, taking particular attention to the material’s magnetic anisotropy, device geometry, and tunneling barrier properties. Then, the RF-to-DC conversion performance was tested for two configurations: 1) a single SR-based rectenna operational between -62 dBm and -20 dBm, and 2) an array of 10 SRs in series. Integrating the SR-array into an energy harvesting module, they successfully powered a commercial temperature sensor at -27 dBm.

Collecting and then converting ambient energy sources into usable energy is referred to as “harvesting.” Small devices can harvest the energy, which can reduce battery dependency, extend device lifetimes, and minimize the environmental impact. Instead of having to physically travel to devices in remote regions to constantly replace batteries, the device can be powered remotely by ambient energy sources such as everyday RF wireless signals.

The researchers are now exploring the integration of an on-chip antenna to improve the efficiency and compactness. The team is also developing series-parallel connections to tune impedance in large arrays of SRs, utilizing on-chip interconnects to connect individual SRs. This approach aims to improve how RF power is harvested. The study of this technology may lead to the adoption of a self-sustaining, green alternative energy choice that could solve many issues in the future.

(a) Schematic of the spin rectifier device (magnetic tunnel junction) and its scanning electron microscopy image. (b) Demonstration of energy harvesting. The generated voltage output by an array of spin rectifiers is connected across a capacitor to a DC-to-DC booster converter. The amplified voltage output by the converter powers the temperature sensor. The multimeter displays the output voltage of the spin rectifier array (24.1 mV) and the temperature sensor displays the room temperature (23.4 ℃). 

Credit

©Shunsuke Fukami & Hyunsoo Yang

 

Florey research finds association between prenatal exposure to plastics and autism in boys



Common plastic associated with autism in boys



University of Melbourne





Florey researchers have found evidence of higher levels of the plastic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in pregnant mothers who gave birth to sons with autism.  

Research published in Nature Communications, led by Florey scientists Dr Wah Chin Boon and Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby, supports the hypothesis of a possible link between autism and exposure to plastic chemicals in the womb. 

Professor Ponsonby said the researchers analysed two large birth cohorts – the Barwon Infant Study (BIS) in Australia and the Columbia Centre for Children’s Health and Environment in the USA.  

“Exposure to plastic chemicals during pregnancy has already been shown in some studies to be associated with subsequent autism in offspring,” Professor Ponsonby said.  

“Our work is important because it demonstrates one of the biological mechanisms potentially involved. BPA can disrupt hormone controlled male fetal brain development in several ways, including silencing a key enzyme, aromatase, that controls neurohormones and is especially important in fetal male brain development. This appears to be part of the autism puzzle.” 

The study examined children with lower levels of the enzyme aromatase, which in the brain converts testosterone to neuroestrogen, Professor Ponsonby said. 

The link between BPA presence and autism was particularly evident in the top fifth of boys with vulnerability to the endocrine-disrupting properties of this chemical. That is, those with lower levels of the enzyme aromatase. The study found boys in that group, who were born to mothers with higher urinary BPA levels in late pregnancy were: 

  • 3.5 times more likely to have autism symptoms by age 2 years.  

  • 6 times more likely to have a verified autism diagnosis by age 11 years than those whose mothers had lower levels of BPA during pregnancy. 

  • In both birth cohorts, mechanistic evidence demonstrated higher BPA levels were associated with epigenetic (gene switching) suppression of the aromatase enzyme overall. 

In laboratory work, Dr Boon studied the impact of prenatal BPA on mice. 

“We found that BPA suppresses the aromatase enzyme and is associated with anatomical, neurological and behavioural changes in the male mice that may be consistent with autism spectrum disorder,” Dr Boon said. 

“This is the first time a biological pathway has been identified that might help explain the connection between autism and BPA,” she said. 

Professor Ponsonby said BPA, similar bisphenols and other plastic chemicals with endocrine-disrupting effects are now widespread and almost impossible for individuals to avoid.  

“We all ingest plastic chemicals in many ways – through ingesting plastic food and drink packaging, inhaling home renovation fumes, and through the skin from sources such as cosmetics. There are so many ways these chemicals enter our bodies, so, it’s not surprising that BPA was present in a large proportion of the women’s urine samples we studied. It’s important for us to understand how these plastics affect our health,” Professor Ponsonby said. 

These findings are now feeding into public safety regulators which update safety recommendations on manufactured chemical exposure, including plastic chemicals, during pregnancy and early life. 

The team also looked for ways to reduce the adverse effect of BPA on the aromatase system. 

Dr Boon added that a type of fatty acid called 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid tested in mice could be worth further investigation.  

“10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid shows early indications of potential in activating opposing biological pathways to improve autism-like characteristics when administered to animals that have been prenatally exposed to BPA. It warrants further studies to see whether this potential treatment could be realised in humans.”  

 

 

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by diet and exercise even in individuals with a high genetic risk



University of Eastern Finland




A new study from the University of Eastern Finland is the first in the world to show that a healthy diet and regular exercise reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes even in individuals with a high genetic risk. In other words, everyone benefits from lifestyle changes, regardless of genetic risk.

Type 2 diabetes is a global problem. According to the International Diabetes Federation, IDF, one in eleven adults worldwide has diabetes, with type 2 diabetes accounting for 90 per cent of the cases. To date, researchers have identified more than 500 genetic variants that predispose individuals to type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle factors, too, affect the risk of developing the disease. Significant lifestyle-related risk factors include overweight, low intake of dietary fibre, high intake of saturated fats, and lack of exercise. Previous studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be effectively prevented by lifestyle changes, but it has not been explored whether the disease can be prevented even in individuals carrying numerous genetic variants that predispose them to type 2 diabetes.

The T2D-GENE Trial was a three-year lifestyle intervention that involved nearly 1,000 men aged 50 to 75 in eastern Finland. All those invited to the study had elevated fasting glucose at baseline. The lifestyle intervention group included more than 600 men, and the rest served as a control group. Men in the intervention group received guidance on health-promoting lifestyles in group meetings, and they were supported by a web portal designed for the study. Those invited to the study belonged either to the lowest or the highest tertile in terms of genetic risk, i.e., they had either a high or a low risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Genetic risk was determined based on 76 gene variants known to predispose to type 2 diabetes. During the intervention, neither the study participants nor the researchers knew to which genetic risk group the participants belonged. All those who participated in the intervention received the same lifestyle guidance.

Men participating in the lifestyle intervention were able to significantly improve the quality of their diet. They increased their intake of dietary fibre, improved the quality of fats in their diet and increased their consumption of vegetables, fruits and berries. Weight loss was also observed, although this was not an actual weight loss study. The participants were physically very active already at baseline, and they managed to maintain their good exercise habits throughout the study. With these changes, it was possible to reduce the deterioration of glucose metabolism. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes was significantly lower in the lifestyle intervention group than in the control group. The effects of lifestyle changes were equally significant for individuals regardless of whether they had a low or a high genetic risk.

“These findings encourage everyone to make lifestyle changes that promote health. Furthermore, they demonstrate the effectiveness of group- and internet-based lifestyle guidance, which saves healthcare resources,” says University Lecturer, Docent Maria Lankinen of the University of Eastern Finland, the first author of the study.

 

Common tree in São Paulo (Brazil) tolerates extreme drought and can help mitigate adverse effects of climate change



A study conducted at the University of São Paulo shows that Tipuana tipu grows faster at higher temperatures and can contribute to the city’s resilience



Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Common tree in São Paulo (Brazil) tolerates extreme drought and can help mitigate adverse effects of climate change 

image: 

The researchers concluded that photosynthesis accelerates in tipuana trees when temperatures rise, both in different urban microhabitats and during droughts

view more 

Credit: Evelyn Pereira de Camargo




One of the three main tree species in São Paulo city, Brazil – the largest mega-city in the southern hemisphere – is the Tipuana (Tipuana tipu), also known as rosewood or tipu, a tall tree with a large spreading canopy. It is tolerant of extreme drought and can be considered an option to promote urban climate resilience, according to a scientific paper published in the journal Urban Climate.

The study assessed the impact of the 2013-14 drought on trees in the city’s streets and parks. The period was chosen because of the extreme drought that occurred in the summer, normally a rainy season when tree growth is vigorous. 

Based on an analysis of the width of growth rings and processes relating to the carbon cycle, the authors concluded that photosynthesis by tipuana trees accelerates at high temperatures both in different urban microhabitats and during droughts, so that growth rates also rise even under restrictive weather conditions.

“We need cities to be increasingly resilient in the context of global warming. One way to get there is by planting trees and taking good care of existing trees. We must be pragmatic at times, choosing species capable of responding well to extreme weather so as not to lose the provision of ecosystem services, such as carbon capture and temperature regulation,” said Giuliano Locosselli, a professor at the University of São Paulo’s Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA-USP) and corresponding author of the paper. The study was supported by FAPESP via two projects (17/50341-0 and 19/08783-0). 

Urban areas are expected to be home to 68% of the world population by 2050, according to a report issued by UN Habitat, with a rise of 2.2 billion in the number of city dwellers from current levels. On the other hand, cities are increasingly vulnerable to drought and extreme events owing to the shrinkage of permeable green areas and expansion of heat islands. 

In light of these trends, discussion of resilient cities, territorial planning, preparedness, and rapid response and recovery in face of climate challenges is growing. On May 5, in honor of World Environment Day, the Brazilian government published a decree that instituted Resilient Green Cities, a program to increase the resilience of cities nationwide in the face of climate change. It main aims are integrating policies and fostering sustainable practices to valorize the ecosystem services provided by urban green areas.

“The composition of urban plant cover including species that are resistant to different situations makes the entire city resilient to any extreme event. Our study adds an element that extends its biodiversity. We’re also researching other native species,” Locosselli said.

In partnership with Marcos Buckeridge, full professor at the Institute of Biosciences (IB-USP) and last author of the article, and a group of scientists at other institutions, Locosselli has conducted studies on nature-based solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and pollution by optimizing the ecosystem services provided by urban forests.

In one of these studies, using the tipuana tree as a model, they showed that air pollution stunts tree growth and restricts the environmental services trees provide (read more at: agencia.fapesp.br/30552). 

Besides the tipuana tree, considered an exotic (non-native) species in São Paulo, the other most common tree species in the city are Ligustrum lucidum (glossy privet, a small tree or shrub that can reach a height of 3 m and bears white flowers) and Caesalpinia pluviosa (sibipiruna in Brazil, momoqui in Bolivia, reaching 28 m, with a rounded crown and yellow flowers). The number of trees lining public streets in São Paulo is estimated at some 652,000.

“There’s always a very pertinent and important discussion about the need to cultivate native versus exotic species. Native species, which occur naturally, have a key cultural significance, and the environmental legislation contains incentives to plant and protect them. However, the urban environment is unique and we need to look for resilient alternatives,” Locoselli said. 

The characteristics of the urban environment that affect plant health include concrete structures, impervious soil, air pollution, and varying microclimates, with heat islands and the impact of global warming exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions. The average temperature in São Paulo city is 4 °C higher than in the past.

The tipuana tree originated in Bolivia and northern Argentina, but it has been ubiquitous in São Paulo for over a century. The species is can also be seen lining streets in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia.

Carbon isotope analysis

In the study, the scientists analyzed growth rings in street trees and park trees, focusing on δ13C (pronounced “delta C 13”), a measure of stable carbon isotopes that reflects processes relating to the carbon cycle. Tree rings help estimate the past variability of ecosystem services based on wood microdensity, hydraulic architecture, and carbon and oxygen isotopes, serving as a reliable proxy to assess physiological processes and development over time.

They fed the data into a regression tree, a type of algorithm often used in urban forest analysis as its output is easily interpreted to support decision-making. One of the results showed a rise of δ13C during the drought, boosting tipuana tree growth.

“Tipuana trees are part of São Paulo’s heritage, and a purely negative view of exotic species can therefore be overhasty. We showed that these species can indeed be a valuable part of urban biodiversity. Having tipuana trees in the city is a significant advantage,” Locosselli said.

It remains to be seen whether the species will be able to maintain its tolerance of water stress if a sequence of extreme events occurs, he added. 

About São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) is a public institution with the mission of supporting scientific research in all fields of knowledge by awarding scholarships, fellowships and grants to investigators linked with higher education and research institutions in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. FAPESP is aware that the very best research can only be done by working with the best researchers internationally. Therefore, it has established partnerships with funding agencies, higher education, private companies, and research organizations in other countries known for the quality of their research and has been encouraging scientists funded by its grants to further develop their international collaboration. You can learn more about FAPESP at www.fapesp.br/en and visit FAPESP news agency at www.agencia.fapesp.br/en to keep updated with the latest scientific breakthroughs FAPESP helps achieve through its many programs, awards and research centers. You may also subscribe to FAPESP news agency at http://agencia.fapesp.br/subscribe.