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Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo


International scientific collaboration helps reduce regional disparities in tackling climate change

Experts at the Global Research Council's annual meeting emphasize the need for equal opportunities and local context-specific challenges to address climate change impacts. The assessment highlights the importance of global research collaboration, tailored solutions, and partnerships between countries to mitigate and adapt to climate ch...

Research project analyzes medical, nutritional and environmental applications of new Antarctic bacteria

Researchers discovered two new psychrophilic species of bacteria with cold-adapted enzymes, which can be used in biotechnology to produce refrigerated foods, improve detergent quality, and remove pollutants from cold environments. The study was conducted in collaboration with Uruguayan scientists and supported by FAPESP.

Leishmania parasite manipulates organism’s defense system to continue replicating, study shows

Researchers at USP in Brazil discovered that Leishmania parasites manipulate the protein gasdermin-D to prevent the immune system from killing them. This allows the parasite to continue replicating and causing disease. The findings offer hope for developing novel treatments for leishmaniasis, a disease affecting 30,000 people annually.

Study points out errors in illustrations of one of the most famous scientific experiments

A study by researcher Breno Arsioli Moura investigated the depictions of Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiment in illustrations published in the 19th century. The study found several inaccuracies, including the incorrect location where the experiment was performed and the method used to harness electricity from the clouds.

Brazilian researchers test technique that can make analysis of male fertility potential more accurate

Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a new technique for analyzing male fertility potential using flow cytometry, which can detect and analyze chemical and physical characteristics of human sperm simultaneously. This technique has the potential to enhance the accuracy of fertility prediction and treatment.

Researchers find compound that combats multidrug-resistant bacteria in less than one hour

Researchers have discovered a compound that can combat multidrug-resistant bacteria within one hour, including the ESKAPE group of pathogens. The compound, Pln149-PEP20, is a synthetic peptide inspired by molecules secreted by Lactobacillus plantarum and has been found to be highly active against MDR bacteria.

COVID-19: institutional politics was crucial to success of vaccine technology transfer in Brazil

Researchers found that Fiocruz's partnership with AstraZeneca was crucial to the success of COVID-19 vaccine production in Brazil. The partnership demonstrated the importance of technology transfer agreements, regulatory support, and political skill. Bio-Manguinhos facility played a significant role in producing vaccines, making over 5...

Exposure to cannabinoids in pregnancy increases newborn mortality and respiratory problems

A Brazilian study found that prenatal exposure to cannabinoids increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, breathing difficulties, and impaired control of breathing. The study suggests that consumption of cannabis or derivatives during pregnancy can have severe effects on the fetus's neural and physiological functions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateApr 25, 2023

Sino-Brazilian study proves compatibility of two fundamental principles of quantum theory

A Brazilian-Chinese research team has demonstrated the coexistence of non-locality and contextuality in a quantum system. The study paves the way for new quantum information processing and communication protocols by reconciling two fundamental principles of quantum theory that were thought to be mutually exclusive.

Researchers cultivate microalgae for biofuel production

The study analyzed the growth and productivity of Botryococcus terribilis under different cultivation systems. Stress increased the production of lipids and hydrocarbons by 49% and 29%, respectively, while proteins decreased. The microalgae's metabolites have potential applications in biofuel synthesis, cosmetics, and food.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiomass Conversion and Biorefinery·DateApr 19, 2023

A simple, portable sensor monitors paracetamol levels in saliva in real time for personalized treatment

Researchers developed a simple sensor to monitor paracetamol levels in saliva in real-time, enabling personalized treatment and reducing toxic side effects. The device is low-cost, portable, and uses non-invasive collection methods, making it an attractive alternative for therapeutic drug monitoring.

Scientists create model to predict depression and anxiety using artificial intelligence and social media

Researchers at the University of São Paulo used artificial intelligence and Twitter to develop a database and models that can detect depression and anxiety before clinical diagnosis. The study found that BERT performed best in predicting depression and anxiety, with a statistically significant difference from LogReg.

Undermining of institutions and lack of local policies hinder fire management in Amazonia

The study reveals that a lack of community involvement and inadequate governance are major contributors to wildfire management in the Amazon region. Local stakeholders identified deficiencies in institutions, staff cuts, and underinvestment as significant vulnerabilities.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateApr 5, 2023

Strength training reduces BP when practiced with moderate to vigorous intensity two or three times a week

A systematic review of clinical trials found that strength training with moderate to vigorous intensity, two or three times a week, can significantly lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The study analyzed over 21,000 scientific articles and concluded that effective results appeared around the twentieth training session.

Study elucidates at cellular level how regular exercise preserves physical fitness during aging

A study found that regular exercise increases mitochondrial fusion, benefiting muscle cells and maintaining physical fitness even in old age. Daily sessions of exercise throughout life delay the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria and decline in physical fitness.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2023

Post-bariatric surgery exercise modulates brain regions associated with regulation of food intake

Exercise training after bariatric surgery alters brain networks associated with food intake and energy regulation. The study found that exercise increased connectivity between the hypothalamus and sensory areas, while decreasing links to the default mode network and salience network.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 23, 2023

Emerging deforestation frontier in southwestern Amazon sees increase in burnings

A recent study found that the Amazon Rainforest in southwestern Brazil has experienced a significant increase in deforestation and burning, with 4,141 km² of forest destroyed between 2003 and 2019. The region's agricultural activities and infrastructure have contributed to this trend, posing a threat to conservation units and Indigenou...

News coverage highlights some threats to deer conservation but may mislead or omit key information

A study analyzed news reports on Brazilian deer species between 2011 and 2021, finding that news coverage gave different weights to threats compared to the IUCN Red List. News items properly identified main threats like poaching and habitat loss but underestimated livestock diseases and overestimated road kill.

Unique image obtained by Brazilian scientists with high-speed camera shows how lightning rods work

Brazilian researchers used a high-speed camera to capture an image of lightning rods trying to connect to nearby buildings, revealing details of the connections. The image shows that even with multiple lightning rods in place, the strike connected to a smokestack on top of one building, highlighting the importance of proper installation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 13, 2023