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Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo


Brazil has lost 1.4 billion tons of soil carbon due to the conversion of natural areas to agriculture

Researchers estimate that recarbonizing one-third of Brazil's agricultural land could meet the country's Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement. Sustainable practices like crop rotation and no-till farming can increase soil carbon storage, with potential increases of up to 15.3% in some biomes.

Fires, droughts, and windstorms reduce the diversity of Amazonian vegetation

Researchers found that even in degraded forests, tree species can regenerate quickly, but vulnerable species are replaced by more resilient generalists, leading to a loss of diversity. The recovered areas are vulnerable to extreme events and climate change impacts, highlighting the need for forest conservation strategies.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2026

The cold virus ‘hides’ and multiplies in the tonsils and adenoids, even in people without symptoms

A study reveals that the rhinovirus, causing the common cold, can infect immune cells in the tonsils and adenoids, remaining dormant for extended periods without symptoms. This persistence allows for unexpected transmission and triggers new outbreaks, particularly among children, who are a primary mode of transmission to grandparents.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·DateApr 16, 2026

Poor hygiene and food handling practices increase the risk of bacterial outbreaks in Brazilian households

A nationwide survey of 5,000 Brazilian households found that many engage in improper food hygiene and handling practices, increasing the risk of bacterial outbreaks. The study revealed concerning gaps in behavior, with only 38% of participants properly sanitizing vegetables, and higher-income families tending to use safer methods.

Enzyme produced by fungus may replace chemicals in the paper industry

A new enzyme from a fungus cultivated in sugarcane bagasse or wheat bran can promote cellulose pulp bleaching. The xylanase facilitates the removal of xylan fractions associated with residual lignin, increasing brightness and efficiency in subsequent stages of pulp processing. This non-toxic alternative reduces chemical load and has gr...

Study maps regions with the greatest potential for green hydrogen production and use in Brazil

A study analyzing municipal data identifies seven high-potential production clusters and ten consumption clusters in Brazil, highlighting the need for infrastructure investments to connect energy and industrial hubs. The research reveals a spatial disparity between production and consumption sites, posing a challenge for developing the...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateApr 7, 2026

Aquatic plant reduces antibiotics in water and genetic damage in fish

A study found that the aquatic plant Salvinia auriculata can act as a sink for antibiotics in the Piracicaba River, reducing bioaccumulation and genotoxicity. The plant was able to remove high concentrations of enrofloxacin and chloramphenicol from the water, but its effectiveness varied depending on the compound.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Sciences Europe·DateMar 19, 2026

The complete genome of the golden lancehead reveals how genes responsible for venom toxins evolved

The study's findings reveal the evolution of venom toxins in the golden lancehead, a venom-rich species isolated from its mainland counterparts. The genome sequencing data can inform conservation policies and potentially lead to the development of anticoagulant drugs or blood pressure-lowering treatments.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateMar 11, 2026

Green turtle nests may bury ‘plastic rocks’ and endanger the species

Researchers from São Paulo State University detected plastic rocks on Trindade Island, Brazil's easternmost territory, where green turtle nests are conducive to plastic accumulation and burial. The study highlights the need for public policies to manage plastic waste and coordinated actions to clean up beaches.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateFeb 26, 2026

Parents’ alcohol and drug use influences their children’s consumption, research shows

A Brazilian study analyzing 4,280 adolescents and their guardians found that parental attitudes play a significant role in preventing alcohol and drug use among young people. The 'authoritative' parenting style, which combines acceptance and monitoring, is the most effective in mitigating the risk of repeated consumption patterns.

Deforestation in the Amazon raises the surface temperature by 3 °C during the dry season

A study using satellite data found that deforestation in the Amazon increases surface temperature by 3°C during the dry season, with a 25% decrease in rainfall. This leads to greater forest degradation, increased tree mortality, and susceptibility to forest fires, threatening biodiversity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateFeb 13, 2026