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Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo


A population of asteroids of interstellar origin inhabits the Solar System

Scientists at São Paulo State University identify 19 Centaurs of interstellar origin with highly inclined orbits, suggesting they formed around other stars and were later captured by the Solar System. This discovery sheds light on the formation of the Solar System and the chemical enrichment of the Sun.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 16, 2020

Protein derived from tick saliva proves effective in the treatment of equine skin cancer

Researchers have successfully treated horse melanomas using Amblyomin-X, a protein derived from tick saliva. The treatment resulted in tumor shrinkage and remission in some cases, with no adverse reactions reported. Further analysis of signaling pathways revealed activation of the innate immune system's rapid response.

Blood cells could serve as a 'thermometer' to detect breast cancer

Researchers have discovered that patients with breast cancer develop alterations in monocytes, a type of leukocyte, early in the disease course. This finding paves the way for enhanced diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, potentially allowing for earlier identification of aggressive tumors and personalized immunotherapy strategies.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalClinical & Translational Immunology·DateMay 12, 2020

Highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes could replace solvents used in batteries

A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo has identified a promising technological alternative to solvents used in batteries. Highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes offer significant advantages over conventional methods, including being nontoxic and cheaper. However, challenges such as hygroscopicity and corrosion need to...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCurrent Opinion in Electrochemistry·DateApr 24, 2020

Extreme rainfall days in metropolitan São Paulo have risen four-fold in seven decades

The study found that extreme rainfall days have increased significantly in metropolitan São Paulo, with a four-fold rise over the past seven decades. The researchers also observed an increase in consecutive dry days, suggesting that heavy rainfall events are becoming more concentrated in shorter periods.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2020

Novel blood test points to risk of weight gain and diabetes

Researchers developed a computer program analyzing molecules in blood plasma to identify individuals at risk of becoming overweight and developing obesity-related diseases. The test is 90% accurate in detecting whether the subject will gain weight without intervention, also predicting diabetes and other health risks.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateMar 10, 2020

Novel biotechnological route developed to obtain fine chemicals from agricultural waste

A novel simplified biotechnological route has been developed to convert sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw into fine chemicals. The new process uses a cascade of three catalytic enzymes to release ferulic acid from lignocellulosic biomass and convert it directly into coniferol, resulting in high conversion yields.

Novel genetic signature that can predict some kinds of breast cancer is identified

Researchers have identified a genetic signature associated with the degree of pathological angiogenesis in breast cancer tumors. The study combined gene expression profiles from public databases with analysis of retinopathy models to uncover key genes involved in pathological angiogenesis, providing a new tool for breast cancer treatment.