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Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo


Researchers in Brazil discover a gene that may afford protection against COVID-19

A study on six serodiscordant couples found that women who were immune to SARS-CoV-2 had elevated expression of the gene IFIT3 compared to their male partners. This suggests that overexpression of IFIT3 may offer protection against COVID-19 by inhibiting viral replication and preventing cell invasion.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateJan 29, 2025

Bioactive compounds with possible industrial applications are identified in extremophilic bacteria from the Andes

Biofilm produced by Pseudomonas alcaligenes has unique structural properties and thermal stability, exhibiting antioxidant, emulsification and flocculation activity. The EPS can be used as a natural additive for the pharmaceutical and food industries with potential applications in developing sustainable or ecofriendly additives.

Social bonds are essential for capuchin monkeys to learn new skills, study shows

Researchers found that capuchin monkeys in Brazil's Serra da Capivara National Park learn from each other's actions and that social tolerance is crucial for this process. The study showed that partners in collective activities, such as searching for parasites and playing games, are more likely to learn new skills from their companions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2025

COVID-19 vaccine developed at University of São Paulo presents promising results in animal trials

Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Medical School have developed a COVID-19 vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs), which proved highly protective, safe, and versatile in animal trials. The vaccine can be easily updated to combat variants of concern without requiring an adjuvant.

Compound derived from Brazilian plant exhibits action against parasite that causes visceral leishmaniasis

Researchers have synthesized a molecule inspired by Nectandra leucantha and found it to be four times more potent than the prototype, killing Leishmania infantum selectively. The compound's bioavailability was improved, allowing it to circulate in the rat's organism for longer periods.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJan 7, 2025

Substances extracted from the Annona squamosa leaf have analgesic and anti-arthritic potential, study reveals

Researchers found that methanolic extract and palmatine from Annona squamosa leaves exhibit analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperalgesic properties. Palmatine may be responsible for the plant's anti-arthritic effects. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and assess their therapeutic potential.

Capybaras found dead from rabies on island in São Paulo state (Brazil) warn of need to monitor virus

A study on capybaras infected with a rabies variant linked to vampire bats has been published in the journal Veterinary Research Communications. The research found that the viral strain was transmitted by vampire bats, which likely fed on the capybaras' blood during habitat disturbance.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalVeterinary Research Communications·DateDec 18, 2024

El Niño exacerbates effects of drought on Amazon groundwater and increases fire risk, study finds

Researchers found a link between El Niño events and increased fire risk in the Amazon region, particularly where groundwater storage is compromised. The study highlights the critical role of groundwater in sustaining vegetation during droughts, emphasizing the need for prevention efforts during extreme climatic conditions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateDec 12, 2024

Study maps risk and protective factors associated with suicidal behavior

A study of 2,788 participants with impulse control disorder found that people with ICD are more likely to exhibit both overt and covert suicidal behavior. The study identified shared and specific risk factors for each type of behavior, including depressive symptoms and low self-direction.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·DateDec 9, 2024

Researchers map genetic variants associated with pancreatic cancer in Brazilian patients

A pioneering study of 192 Brazilian patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma identified genetic variants associated with the disease. The researchers found that 6.25% had pathogenic germline variants in genes predisposing to pancreatic cancer, and 13% had variants in genes associated with limited or previously unknown associations.

Gourds made by Indigenous women supplied the European luxury market in the 18th century

Indigenous women in the Amazon region of Brazil created varnished gourds with complex decorations inspired by local flora and fauna as well as European and Asian embroidery patterns. The craft was recognized at the beginning of the 18th century and was mainly produced for the European market, participating in a process of globalization.

Photodynamic therapy with annatto colorant found to be effective against bad breath

A study published in PLOS ONE found that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using annatto colorant was effective in treating halitosis in mouth-breathing children. The researchers used a LED light source to target the annatto, which generated reactive oxygen species that killed bacteria on the tongue, leading to improved oral health.

Bringing genomics into public policy requires greater awareness, professional training, and investment

The WHO's Technical Advisory Group on Genomics published an article outlining challenges and actions to promote the use of genomics in public health. The group aims to increase awareness and provide technical guidance to accelerate access to genetic technologies, enabling preventive measures and targeted treatment for various diseases.

Researchers use high-resolution images to create model that predicts landslide risk in coastal areas

A team of researchers has created a model that predicts landslide risk in coastal areas, using high-resolution images to identify over 1,000 landslide points in São Sebastião, Brazil. The new methodology aims to provide more precise results and will be ready by the end of 2025.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBrazilian Journal of Geology·DateNov 13, 2024

Studies point to correlation between preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnant women

Research highlights correlation between preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnant women, identifying biomarkers for differential diagnosis. The review article emphasizes the pathophysiological similarities between the two conditions, including shared pathways involving the renin-angiotensin system and ACE2.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAmerican Journal Of Reproductive Immunology·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 7, 2024

Study shows how high blood sugar increases risk of thrombosis

Researchers from Brazil's Center for Research on Redox Processes in Biomedicine found that high blood sugar can cause thrombosis by altering endothelial function and promoting platelet adhesion. They identified a specific molecular mechanism involving protein disulfide isomerase A1 as a key regulator of this process.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateNov 6, 2024