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Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo


Agricultural certification stimulates compliance with environmental legislation by coffee farms in Brazil

A study in Brazil found that agricultural certification can encourage compliance with environmental laws, but doesn't necessarily reduce deforestation or increase natural regeneration. Certified coffee farms showed a general tendency for increased compliance, particularly in protected areas like the Atlantic Rainforest.

Resistance training improves sleep quality and reduces inflammation in older people with sarcopenia

A recent study found that resistance training significantly improved muscle strength and reduced inflammation in older adults with sarcopenia. The research, conducted by Brazilian researchers, also showed that physical exercise can improve sleep quality and reduce chronic inflammation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 2, 2023

Study reinforces potential use of zika virus to combat prostate cancer but points to possible side-effect

Researchers analyzed zika virus effects on tumor cells and healthy cells, discovering its potential to treat prostate cancer but also triggering a persistent inflammatory process that damages the male reproductive system. The study's findings suggest long-term treatment could lead to recurrence of prostate cancer.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 1, 2023

Novel method of analyzing microplastic particle pollution can facilitate environmental impact assessment

Researchers propose a novel approach to analyzing microplastic particles, highlighting the importance of particle size and shape in determining environmental impact. Studies show that even samples with similar numbers of particles can have varying levels of plastic pollution based on mass, volume, and specific surface area.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateFeb 28, 2023

Yeast used in production of cachaça can prevent asthma, study shows

A Brazilian study found that a strain of brewer's yeast can act as a preventive against asthma in male mice. Daily administration of the probiotic at a dose of 10 billion CFU/mL significantly reduced bronchial hypersensitivity and inflammation. However, airway and lung inflammation was not significantly reduced by lower doses.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProbiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins·DateFeb 22, 2023

Novel technique distinguishes between types of oral bone lesion based on MRI scan image texture

Researchers used MRI scans and texture analysis to differentiate between two types of benign oral bone lesions, ameloblastomas and odontogenic keratocysts. The study found that certain pixel and voxel organizational parameters in the MRI images were statistically significant, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Sugar consumption and early interruption of breastfeeding are risk factors for dental caries in infancy

A Brazilian study found that early sugar consumption and interruption of breastfeeding are key factors contributing to dental caries in infants. Extended breastfeeding was shown to protect babies' teeth as long as they didn't receive sugary food, with the risk declining with falling sugar consumption.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCommunity Dentistry And Oral Epidemiology·DateFeb 7, 2023

Identified mechanism involved in development and intensification of cancer treatment-related pain

A study found that immune checkpoint inhibitors enhance chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain by blocking interaction between macrophages and neurons via PD1-PDL1 synergy. This discovery could lead to the development of therapeutic alternatives to prevent pain while maintaining anti-neoplastic effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateJan 30, 2023

Loss of muscle mass in acute stage of COVID-19 is associated with persistent symptoms, study shows

A study by researchers in Brazil found that loss of muscle mass during COVID-19 hospitalization is associated with the development of persistent symptoms such as weakness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The study also showed that patients who lost more muscle mass had higher healthcare costs six months after discharge.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateJan 30, 2023

Exotic water ice contributes to understanding of magnetic anomalies on Neptune and Uranus

Researchers used density functional theory to investigate the mechanical properties of superionic ice XVIII, which is thought to make up a large part of Neptune and Uranus. The study found that dislocations in the crystal lattice produce shear, leading to macroscopic deformations and potentially influencing the planets' magnetic fields.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2023

Increase in marine heatwaves expected to affect organisms at bottom of food chain, study suggests

Researchers found that larvae of the Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab survived less in warmer water and underwent physiological changes due to higher acidity. Marine heatwaves will be harmful to species and those that feed on them, with potential economic losses to fisheries. Further research is needed to understand the effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEstuarine Coastal and Shelf Science·DateJan 18, 2023

Survey reveals physical and mental problems among health workers during pandemic

A study by researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos found that 86% of health workers reported burnout and 81% suffered from stress. They also experienced depression, slept badly, and complained of aches and pains. The study aimed to assess the effects of long working hours and burden on physical and mental health.

Aggressiveness of pet dogs is influenced by life history and owner’s characteristics, study suggests

A study of 665 pet dogs found that life history, owner gender, and breed can influence canine behavior. The results highlight the importance of environmental interactions in shaping animal behavior, suggesting that traits like weight, height, and cranial morphology impact the dog-owner relationship.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·TypeSurvey·DateJan 12, 2023

Study proves that antivenom reduces risk of skin necrosis in patients bitten by brown recluse spider

A six-year study involving 146 patients found that antivenom reduced the risk of skin necrosis in those bitten by brown recluse spiders. Administration of the substance was safe with minimal adverse effects, particularly when given within 48 hours of the incident.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

Multidisciplinary, cross-border collaboration and stable levels of funding extend knowledge of the oceans

Researchers analyzed 300 oceanographic projects funded by FAPESP, revealing a shift from USP to other institutions. FAPESP's support for long-term projects and collaborative research has significantly increased knowledge of Brazilian oceans. Deep-sea research remains a gap to be filled, requiring further collaboration and funding.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiota Neotropica·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 4, 2023

Researchers succeeded in developing a light source that produced two entangled light beams

Scientists successfully created a light source that produced two entangled light beams using rubidium atoms. The entanglement was achieved by adding new detection steps to measure the quantum correlations in the amplitudes and phases of the fields generated, enabling applications in quantum computing, encryption, and metrology.

Researchers analyze performance of bacterium in combating coffee rust

A study analyzed the potential of a bacterium to combat coffee rust, a major challenge for Brazilian coffee growers. The researchers found that the bacterium produces antibacterial and antifungal compounds, as well as proteins associated with protection against water stress, making it a promising candidate for biological control.

Religion is not the factor that most influences rejection of evolutionary theory in schools, study says

A survey of 5,500 Brazilian and Italian students aged 14-16 found that nationality, social perceptions of science, and household income were more influential than religion in rejecting evolutionary theory. The study published in PLOS ONE reveals a significant gap in understanding geological time between Italian and Brazilian Catholics.

Effects of antidepressants taken during pregnancy are poorly understood, scientists note

A review of over 100 scientific articles suggests that the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy is endorsed by science, but their effects on fetal neurodevelopment are poorly understood. Brazilian researchers propose using lab-grown mini-brains to investigate this impact and identify potential alterations.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalSeminars in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 13, 2022