The quality of colostrum is essential for the successful transfer of passive immunity and the early development of the immune system in newborns. This research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the agreement between measurements from different equipment: colostrometer, digital Brix refractometer and optical Brix refractometer, using fresh colostrum samples maintained at 21°C. Colostrum samples were collected from two farms (n1 = 31 and n2 = 193). Farm 1 included females from second to ninth lactation, comprising 15 Holstein Friesian (HF), 5 Jersey and 11 Holstein × Jersey crossbreeds. Farm 2 had HF heifers and cows from first to seventh lactation. Immunoglobulin content was assessed indirectly with a colostrometer and both types of Brix refractometers (digital and optical). For the correlation analysis, Pearson's product-moment method was used to assess the linear association between the equipment, followed by a Student's t-test and comparison of the obtained values with specific correlation coefficients (50%, 70%, 90% and 99%). There was a 98% correlation between the refractometers on Farm 1, which was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than the commonly used reference values for weak (50%), moderate (70%) and strong (90%) correlations, and statistically equivalent to a 99% correlation. This indicates a very high, positive linear association between the digital and optical Brix refractometers. On Farm 2, a 97% correlation was found between the refractometers, which was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than the specific reference values of 50%, 70% and 90%, but significantly lower than a 99% correlation.

Studies on tillering dynamics are essential to understand the aspects underlying the persistence and adaptation pathways of grass communities, especially in more complex multispecific pastures. This study aimed to assess the tillering dynamics and population stability of Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina (PG), Megathyrsus maximus cv. Massai (MG) and Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Piatã (PP) grown as monocultures and as a mixture. The treatments corresponded to three grasses described above. Sixteen 180 m2 plots were randomly assigned and managed intermittently under manual harvest at pre- and post-harvest heights of 35 and 17.5 cm, respectively, for two years. During autumn/winter/early spring, when resource availability is limited by abiotic factors, pasture population stability was ensured by the conservation strategy of all species, mainly through the high tiller survival rate (85.5 ± 0.32). In late spring and summer, the capture strategy was prioritized for all species, with stability ensured through high tiller appearance rates (30.3 ± 0.80 and 40.4 ± 1.47, respectively), which compensated for the high tiller death rate (28.7 ± 1.10) and resulted in greater species turnover during these both seasons. The association among PG, MG and PP in a mixture allows species to coexist with relatively stable populations and tillering dynamics, similar to their monocultures. These findings represent a step forward in our understanding of mixed swards stability and indicate that such associations could be viable alternatives to palisadegrass monocultures in tropical regions. Further research should test this mixed sward under grazing, during medium to long-term.

Solar geoengineering offers a speculative means to cool the planet by reflecting solar radiation into space. While some research suggests that awareness of solar geoengineering could reduce public support for decarbonization through a moral hazard mechanism, other studies indicate that it could serve as a “clarion call” that motivates further action. Using a pre-registered factorial design, we assess how sharing balanced information on solar geoengineering affects attitudes toward decarbonization policies and climate attitudes among 2,509 US residents. We do not find that solar geoengineering information affects support for decarbonization on average, though it may increase support among initially less supportive subgroups; moreover, this information tends to increase the perception that climate change is a daunting problem that cannot be resolved without decarbonization. Our results suggest that concerns about moral hazard should not discourage research on solar geoengineering – as long as the public encounters realistic messages about solar geoengineering’s role.

Fields of sandy paleodunes have been identified in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana north of the South American continent. In this study, geochronological data obtained by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) for paleodunes in the Middle Rio Negro region (Brazil) allowed the identification of two stages of dune deposition: the older from 169.74 ± 1.01 ka to 124.38 ± 0.91 ka and the younger from 18.89 ± 0.88 ka to 14.75 ± 0.77 ka. The older interval is the first reported in the Amazon; no correlated sediment has been documented. In contrast, the more recent depositional interval correlates to the interval of paleodune fields of the region called “dry corridor” in the Late Pleistocene–Holocene. In this study, we associated the genesis of paleodunes with the reworking of alluvial deposits from the Negro and Demini rivers, driven by river seasonality during the Pleistocene–Holocene, as evidenced by characteristic microtextural data.

The “Critically Endangered” Cherry-throated Tanager Nemosia rourei is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil, and extremely rare for reasons that are not yet fully understood. We monitored reproductive activities of the only known individuals of the species, at two sites, between October 2018 and November 2023. The birds foraged in social groups of 5–8 individuals. Ten nests, built in trees at heights of 12–26 m, were monitored through continuous direct observation. Most reproductive activity occurred between October and end of November, with one further nest found in March. Clutch size was 3–4 eggs, the incubation and nestling periods were 16 days, and the chicks were fed mainly on invertebrates. Up to six nest helpers, likely young from previous seasons, assisted with the collection of nest material, feeding the chicks, and defending the nest. Reproductive success was 50%, with losses due to climatic conditions (rain and cold) and predation, but may have been enhanced by the efforts of the researchers in scaring away potential predators including Spot-billed Toucanet Selenidera maculirostris and Black Capuchin Sapajus nigritus. These findings reinforce the value of detailed observation of social groups and their nests, and continuing efforts to deter predators. Further research could address how parental care and nest helpers affect reproductive success. The availability of large trees with abundant lichens may be a limiting factor for the reproductive success of species in the long term, and so protecting and restoring habitat with such features is crucial for the long-term conservation of this species.

The aim of the study was to evaluate calcium anacardate (CAn), associated or not with citric acid (CAc) in laying hen diets on performance, egg quality, serum biochemical profile, serum lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and catalase (CAT) in reproductive tissue. A total of 432 laying hens from 63 to 74 weeks of age, were distributed in nine diets: Control; 0.25% CAn; 0.25% of CAn associated with 0.25% CAc; 0.50% CAn; 0.50% CAn associated with 0.25% CAc; 0.50% CAn associated with 0.50% CAc; 0.75% of CAn; 0.75% CAn associated with 0.25% CAc; 0.75% CAn associated with 0.50% CAc. There was no effect of CAn or CAc on laying hen performance. Yolk colour showed greater pigmentation for 0.75% CAn and its associations with CAc (0.25% and 0.50%). Lower egg yolk oxidation was observed for an isolated dose of 0.75% CAn. Higher values of TBARs were observed in eggs from birds fed control diet; 0.25% CAn; 0.50% CAn associated with 25% CAc and 0.75% CAn associated with 0.25 and 0.50% CAc. Dietary inclusion of CAn (0.75%) and its association with CAc (0.50% CAn with 0.50 CAc) for late-phase laying hens reduce serum peroxidation. CAn from 0.50% associated with CAc increases catalase in magnum. The addition of 0.75% CAn increases yolk pigmentation, reduces lipid oxidation in the yolk and blood plasma and increases CAT activity in the magnum in late-stage laying hens. These benefits can also be obtained with the combination of 0.50% CAn and 0.50% CAc.

The Santa Marta Sabrewing Campylopterus phainopeplus is listed as a “Critically Endangered” hummingbird endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM) in Colombia. Prior to 2022, there were only three documented sightings of the sabrewing since it was described in 1879, including only one record between 1946 and 2022. As a result, this “lost” species has long been one of the most poorly known birds in Colombia. We located a resident population of Santa Marta Sabrewing along the Guatapurí River near the Chemesquemena and Guatapurí villages in July 2022, and at its type locality, San José, in January 2023. Based on historical data and newly collected field observations, we assess the species’ status and describe aspects of its natural history and ecology. Our review indicates that the species has been frequently misidentified in the past, and that to date, documented evidence of its presence is limited to four localities, all of them restricted to the south-eastern slope of the SNSM, along the mid Guatapurí River basin. Consequently, this bird appears to represent a case of microendemism. This species is likely to remain listed as Critically Endangered until conclusive evidence suggests otherwise. Field observations indicate that the species is highly associated with watercourses, where males hold year-round territories and form leks. We obtained records of males in mid-elevation habitats (1,150–1,850 m) for 16 consecutive months between July 2022 and October 2023, suggesting that the species might not be an elevational migrant, as previously speculated. More information is needed to understand the species’ ecology so that effective conservation actions can be designed in collaboration with the indigenous communities with which the species coexists.

This paper reports the methods and preliminary findings of Germina, an ongoing cohort study to identify biomarkers and trajectories of executive functions and language development in the first 3 years of life. 557 mother-infant dyads (mean age of mothers 33.7 years, 65.2% white, 48.7% male infants) have undergone baseline and are currently collecting data for other timepoints. A linear regression was used to predict baseline Bayley-III using scores derived from data-driven sparse partial least squares utilizing a multiple holdout framework of 15 domains. Significant associations were found between socioeconomic/demographic characteristics (B = 0.29), epigenetics (B = 0.11), EEG theta (B = 0.14) and beta activity (B = 0.11), and microbiome functional pathways (B = 0.08) domains, and infant development measured by the Bayley-III at T1, suggesting potential interventions to prevent impairments.

Whey, a greenish-yellow liquid resulting from curd separation in cheese manufacturing, was historically considered economically insignificant in the dairy industry and often discarded into the environment without proper oversight. However, recognizing its high nutritional value, whey has become a valuable ingredient in the food industry. Unprocessed whey (raw material) is highly susceptible to contamination, as it can serve as a substrate for the multiplication of a range of microorganisms, including spoilage, spore forming, pathogenic and toxin producing bacteria, particularly if stored at inappropriate temperatures. Staphylococcus aureus is one of these potential pathogenic bacteria often associated to dairy, that can also persist in the environment through biofilm formation and, once reaching the food matrix, can grow and produce enterotoxins. During the processing of whey powder production, there are points where S. aureus might find its way into the final product. Here we demonstrate critical contamination steps, and we highlight the need for more research to assess the microbiological integrity of whey powder, especially in Brazil, where its production has been growing in recent years. Considering the increasing use of whey powder as an ingredient for various formulations, continuous surveillance for the presence of spoilage microbiota and potentially pathogens, including S. aureus and associated enterotoxins is indispensable to prevent food poisoning outbreaks.