Laser therapy enhances treatment of fungus resistant to conventional medication

Optics and Photonics Research Center

Researchers at a FAPESP-supported research center have managed to reduce Candida albicans’ resistance to fungicides by incorporating photodynamic inactivation techniques into the treatment. The results of the study indicate that the technology can be used in both human healthcare and the prevention of food contamination.

AI tool detects invisible brain abnormalities in people with severe epilepsy

Brazilian Research Institute for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology

Publicly available algorithm facilitates lesion identification and surgical planning for patients with focal cortical dysplasia, a malformation associated with a drug-refractory form of the disease.

Systemic Change and Sustainability is the theme of a São Paulo School of Advanced Science

Insper is holding an event supported by FAPESP that will explore key areas for sustainable transformation. Register by August 15.

Decline of seed-dispersing animals hinders fight against climate change

Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change

International team of researchers issues global warning about the need to include frugivores in conservation, forest restoration, and climate change mitigation strategies.

Study points to contraindications for intermittent fasting

In mice, researchers observed increased intestinal stem cell proliferation and organ regeneration in the post-fasting period. However, depending on the diet and genetic profile, this can increase the risk of tumors.

Clinical and genetic data may help predict responses to psychosis treatments

In a study of 141 patients, researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo and collaborators evaluated different models to predict which patients would benefit from risperidone treatment.

Blend of vegetable oils offers a perennial and sustainable option for producing bioplastics

A study conducted at São Paulo State University characterized the properties of a formulation containing chemically modified flaxseed and Brazil nut oils.

Study reveals role of redox protein in hypertension

Center for Research on Redox Processes in Biomedicine

Discovery at the Center for Redox Processes in Biomedicine showed positive results in hypertensive rats and therapeutic potential.

Corals in Brazilian archipelago capture carbon equivalent to the burning of 324,000 liters of gasoline per year

A single species found in the Alcatrazes Archipelago, brain coral, produces around 170 tons of calcium carbonate annually. This represents the retention of approximately 20 tons of carbon in mineral form, which can last for centuries or millennia. A study by the Federal University of São Paulo highlights the potential ecosystem services provided by subtropical corals.

Researchers create “pruning software” to reduce risk of urban tree falls

The technique uses laser equipment to scan and create three-dimensional images; the algorithm optimizes the cut, seeking to maintain the balance and health of the tree.

Study identifies genes that can predict response to immunotherapy in melanoma patients

Brazilian researchers develop precision tool that can predict immunotherapy treatment failure, with the potential to personalize therapies and reduce healthcare costs.

Study proposes a new window for dark matter research

Model considers two DM particles, one stable and one unstable, as well as a vector mediator similar to the photon but with mass, which would promote interaction with ordinary matter particles.

‘By avoiding the loss of resources and increasing the impact of research, metascience benefits society as a whole’

The assessment was made by British researcher James Wilsdon, executive director of the Research on Research Institute, in an interview with Agência FAPESP.

Cell phones are used to determine the origin and authenticity of indigenous coffees in the Amazon

The method is part of a series of international studies on the Canephora species published by Brazilians and can be adapted to identify “fake coffees”.

New examination of fish considered a ‘living fossil’ changes our understanding of vertebrate skull evolution

Researchers reanalyzed the skull musculature of coelacanths, a group of fish that has existed for 400 million years, and concluded that many structures had been incorrectly described. The study was published in Science Advances by researchers from the University of São Paulo and the Smithsonian Institution.

Studies confirm influence of country of origin on trust in COVID-19 vaccines

During the pandemic, a preference for domestic vaccines or those from countries such as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom was observed for the first time. This phenomenon, known in marketing as the country of origin effect, is usually associated with products that require consumer research before purchase or that have a long tradition in certain countries, such as Swiss chocolates. However, it had never been linked to free vaccines.

New method eliminates the need for mammals to assess the toxicity of chemical compounds

The platform, developed at the State University of Campinas, uses the small crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis to determine if a substance can damage sperm DNA and affect fertility.

FAPESP-supported research center publishes article on non-invasive brain stimulation techniques

Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics

Three promising brain stimulation methods used in medical practice and academic research.

Studies assess the economic and social impacts of FAPESP research funding

Some of the results of research in areas such as agriculture, health, technological entrepreneurship, and public policy were presented during a seminar at the Foundation.

Material releases fertilizer to plants in a controlled manner and degrades after 90 days

Film based on algae and nanocellulose created at the Federal University of São Carlos is safe for the environment, reduces nutrient loss, and could replace microplastics in agriculture.

Loss of natural areas and introduction of exotic species reduces fishing yields in the Paraná River in Brazil

An analysis of data collected over 20 years in the upper stretch of the river shows a 50% loss in economic gains from fishing. Native fish have become smaller and smaller. Conversely, invasive species, which have a lower market value, are becoming more abundant. The phenomenon has been accompanied by a loss of vegetation cover on the riverbanks.

Study on “blue economy” shows interdependence between Brazil’s coastal and inland regions

Economic activities that depend directly on marine resources account for 2.91% of gross domestic product and 1.07% of employment. However, when the indirect effects of their linkages with other sectors are considered, the impact increases to 4.45% of employment and 6.39% of the country’s GDP.

Amazon degradation increases by 163% in two years, while deforestation falls by 54% in the same period

“Negative balance” of biome protection recorded between 2022 and 2024 could jeopardize Brazil’s international goals, warn Brazilian researchers and their international collaborators in the journal Global Change Biology.

Electrochemical route allows for the synthesis of giant fullerenes at a lower cost and with less environmental impact

Researchers at the University of São Paulo and Sapienza Università di Roma obtained the material without the need for high temperatures. The product has many potential applications, ranging from electronics to cosmetics.

Researchers obtain patent for formula that induces germination and accelerates plant growth

The solution is produced using chalcone, a chemical substance from the flavonoid family, and has the potential to be used in agriculture and forest restoration.