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Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo


Study puts the Neotropics on the map of the world's food production centers in antiquity

A new study reveals that sambaqui societies living in coastal Atlantic Forest areas between 8,000 and 1,000 years ago consumed a range of plants and had a more diversified economy than previously believed. Analysis of their middens shows evidence of plant cultivation and high consumption of carbohydrates.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateDec 3, 2018

Defense against intestinal infection in organism is affected by prostaglandin E2

Experimental inhibition of prostaglandin E2 enhanced the ability of mice to combat infectious colitis, resulting in increased migration of defense cells and production of antimicrobial peptides. Inhibiting PGE2 also favored the expression of defensins, considered natural antibiotics, in the colon.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2018

Bioluminescent substance discovered in Brazilian cave worm larva

Researchers identified luciferin in a non-luminescent Brazilian cave worm larva, sparking interest in its potential biochemical functions. The discovery is the first of its kind in the Neotropics and opens up new avenues for research on the molecule's applications in biotechnology, medicine, and pharmaceuticals.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhotochemical & Photobiological Sciences·DateNov 1, 2018

Cappuccino made with jackfruit seed flour has chocolate aroma

A study conducted in Brazil found that roasted jackfruit seeds can replace between 50% and 75% of cocoa powder in milk and coffee used to make cappuccino without impairing flavor or aroma. The researchers developed an instant powder containing coffee with milk and chocolate, which can be a potential substitute for traditional cappuccino.

Four extremely young asteroid families identified

Researchers affiliated with São Paulo State University have identified four extremely young asteroid families using a numerical simulation method. The newly discovered families are estimated to be less than 7 million years old and were dated using the backward integration method, which is precise for young families.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 24, 2018

Climate change may drive 10 percent of amphibian species in the Atlantic Rainforest to extinction

A Brazilian study found that climate change could lead to the extinction of up to 10% of frog and toad species endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest biome within the next 50 years. The researchers used spatial distribution data and ecological niche models to predict which areas would be favorable for each species.

Experiment obtains entanglement of six light waves with a single laser

Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Physics Institute have successfully entangled six light waves using an optical parametric oscillator. This achievement could lead to faster processing speeds and improve the feasibility of quantum computing by enabling the creation of systems with multiple entangled components.

Patent mining indicates promising routes for research

A patent mining method developed by Brazilian scientists uses big data tools to identify technological routes, trends, and partnerships in various knowledge areas. The method has been validated in an analysis of studies on hemophilia, revealing a promising molecule called XTEN that can extend the half-life of recombinant factor VIII.

In test with rats, cannabidiol showed sustained effects against depression for 7 days

Researchers found that a single dose of cannabidiol eliminated symptoms of depression in rats and maintained benefits for up to seven days. The study's findings suggest that cannabidiol rapidly triggers neuroplastic mechanisms to repair damaged neuronal circuitry, providing new hope for treating broad-spectrum depression.

A new, highly effective and selective molecule is developed to fight malaria

A novel laboratory-synthesized molecule based on natural compounds found in marine gliding bacteria is capable of killing even the strain that resists conventional antimalarials. In tests, it displays low toxicity and high selectivity, acting only on the parasite and not on other cells of the host organism.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateAug 9, 2018

Identified RNA molecules that regulate action of male hormone in prostate cancer

A study has identified 600 novel long noncoding RNA molecules that regulate the effects of androgens and androgen receptors on gene expression in prostate tumors. These lncRNAs are powerful regulators of gene expression and interact with and magnify the effect of regulatory proteins, suggesting a new target for treatment.

Treatment prevents symptoms of schizophrenia in tests with rats

Researchers found that sodium nitroprusside prevented behavioral alterations associated with schizophrenia in rats, suggesting a potential preventive treatment for young people at risk. The study used an animal model that mimics the condition in children and adolescents considered at risk for development of the disease in adulthood.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics·DateJul 12, 2018