Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo


Childhood obesity causes early vascular damage, according to a study of children in São Paulo (Brazil)

A study found that childhood obesity can lead to premature vascular damage in children as young as six, increasing the risk of diseases such as atherosclerosis and heart attack. The research identified early signs of inflammation and dysfunction in the endothelium, highlighting the need for public policies to prevent childhood obesity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateFeb 11, 2026

Synthetic oxytocin may prevent anxiety caused by social stress, according to a study in an animal model

A study published in Progress in Neurobiology found that synthetic oxytocin carbetocin can prevent anxiety-related behaviors in laboratory rats exposed to social stress. The researchers observed that carbetocin had a preventive effect on anxiety without having direct anxiolytic effects.

Seabirds ingest large quantities of pollutants, some of which have been banned for decades

A recent study analyzed seabird carcasses and blood from six species in Brazil, finding similar concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) among species with different diets. The researchers discovered that the great shearwater had the highest levels of PCBs and mirex, possibly due to its migratory routes and feeding habits.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment·DateFeb 6, 2026

Lack of information hinders regulation of ‘green’ nanopesticides

New formulations of nanopesticides with natural ingredients have appeared in specialized literature, but there is no consensus on what constitutes a green pesticide. Researchers warn that terms such as 'sustainable' must be used correctly and that the natural components of these products do not eliminate environmental concerns.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalSustainable Materials and Technologies·DateFeb 4, 2026

Registrations open for São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Immigration, Environmental Violence and Colonialism

The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Immigration, Environmental Violence and Colonialism is an interdisciplinary laboratory fostering critical training and collective knowledge production. Up to 100 students will be selected for the course, which will feature internationally renowned researchers as speakers.

Advances in liquid biopsies as a tool for detecting lung cancer mutations

A study published in Molecular Oncology developed a liquid biopsy panel that can detect specific gene mutations in lung cancer patients, offering a potential solution for early detection and guiding patient treatment. The test showed promising results, detecting mutations in 65.6% of samples, including those in frozen samples without s...

Potentially toxic elements in bananas grown in the Mariana disaster region exceed FAO limits

The study found that consuming bananas grown in soil impacted by iron mining waste poses a possible health risk to children aged six years or younger. The team correlated the risk to human health with the transfer of toxic elements from the soil to the plant, revealing high concentrations of cadmium, chromium, and other metals.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health·DateDec 19, 2025

Four years after the Mariana mining disaster in Brazil, river fish remained contaminated

A comprehensive analysis of 503 fish found high levels of 13 heavy metals and toxic substances, making consumption inadvisable due to health risks. The study highlights the persistence of contamination in the Doce River basin, with ongoing mineral exploitation and industrial activities contributing to pollution.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalTotal Environment Advances·DateDec 19, 2025

Latin American research indicates a lower prevalence of a type of head and neck cancer

A recent study analyzing over 1,400 cases of squamous cell carcinoma found that more aggressive histopathological variants occur at a rate of 4.6%, significantly lower than previous estimates. The researchers highlight the importance of considering regional differences in tumor origin and behavior to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAnnals of Diagnostic Pathology·DateDec 18, 2025

Descriptions of mollusks in the Global South are still, for the most part, the result of ‘parachute science’

A study of over 3,200 terrestrial mollusk species found that nearly half were described by non-local researchers, highlighting a neocolonial practice. This 'helicopter science' or 'parachute science' harms local researchers and can lead to less robust studies.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London B Biological Sciences·DateDec 10, 2025

Study proves the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic actions of a plant used in folk medicine

Researchers from Brazil confirm the safety and efficacy of Alternanthera littoralis (Joseph's Coat) in reducing inflammation and modulating inflammatory mediators. The study's findings support the plant's medicinal potential and suggest a safety profile at therapeutic doses.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Ethnopharmacology·DateDec 10, 2025

Lemon shark caught preying on invasive freshwater fish in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Researchers recorded lemon sharks preying on jaguar cichlids, an invasive species introduced to Fernando de Noronha, in Sueste Bay. The bay's saltwater environment allows for the interaction due to freshwater inflows after heavy rains. This observation suggests that sharks may play a role in controlling invasive species populations.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Biology of Fishes·DateDec 3, 2025

Researchers warn of the need for Brazil to turn promises into practical actions at COP30

Researchers warn that Brazil's domestic policies must align with international commitments on forest conservation and climate justice. The country must take concrete actions, such as reversing anti-environmental policies and protecting indigenous peoples' rights.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Environmental Agreements Politics Law and Economics·DateNov 20, 2025

Gene editing produces plants that are indigestible to pests

Researchers have made significant advances in genetically modified plants that produce alpha-amylase inhibitor proteins, making them indigestible to pests like bedbugs, beetles, weevils, and woodworms. Gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR, offer a promising solution to combat insect pests without compromising human consumption.

Rainfall and temperature shape mosquito fauna in Atlantic Forest bromeliads, including malaria vectors

A recent study found that rainfall and temperature significantly impact the water volume in bromeliad tanks, which in turn affects mosquito development and species diversity. This knowledge can be useful for predicting malaria transmission risk and estimating the effects of climate change on disease outbreaks.

Mindfulness improves the health of women with chronic jaw pain

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo found that mindfulness can help reduce pain sensitivity and improve emotional regulation in women with TMD. The research involved 53 women who participated in an eight-week mindfulness program, showing significant improvement in pressure pain threshold and reduction in painful points.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Oral Rehabilitation·DateNov 4, 2025