Study presents novel therapeutic target for treatment of sepsis

Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases

Researchers affiliated with a FAPESP-funded research center showed that a protein called gasdermin D is involved in septic patients’ organ lesions. The study also proved that a drug originally indicated to treat alcohol dependence can inhibit the molecule’s action and prevent complications.

Treatment with injections of zika virus destroys brain tumors in mice without causing neurological damage

Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center

Experiments conducted at a FAPESP-supported research center showed that besides directly combating tumor cells, zika alerted the immune system to the presence of cancer. The study opens up prospects for the use of virotherapy for central nervous system tumors.

Experimental treatment prevents Alzheimer’s-associated weight gain in mice

Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center

In a study conducted at a FAPESP-funded research center, a bile acid derivative known by the acronym TUDCA reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure in mice, improving quality of life. The results are promising for humans.

Molecules isolated from natural products are strategic to combat neglected diseases

Center for Research and Innovation in Biodiversity and Drug Discovery

The point was stressed by participants in the 6th FAPESP 60 Years Conference, featuring experts from Brazil, the UK and the US who discussed the search for drugs to treat diseases that affect some 2 billion people worldwide.

SARS-CoV-2 increases brain cell energy expenditure in order to replicate

Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases

Experiments with hamsters and cultured astrocytes point to possible causes of neurological complications in COVID-19 survivors.

Only one in four Western Roman emperors died of natural causes

Center for Research in Mathematical Sciences Applied to Industry

In a study of the underlying mathematical pattern associated with the reign of the Caesars, researchers at a FAPESP-supported center concluded that the chances of survival obeyed the 80/20 rule seen in many phenomena, from earthquake magnitudes to numbers of followers on social media.

Innovative electron beam irradiation machine can create semiconductor materials

Center for Research and Development of Functional Materials

Designed and built by researchers at the Center for Development of Functional Materials, the device is much cheaper than the conventional technology.

A magneto-optical fiber to detect extremely weak magnetic fields

Center for Research, Teaching, and Innovation in Glass

Brazilian scientists have developed an innovation that can be used in sensors to monitor brain function with even greater sensitivity than existing devices.

Investing in innovation in the health sector will contribute to national development, scientists insist

Center for Research and Innovation in Biodiversity and Drug Discovery

Participants in a webinar held by FAPESP pointed to disorganization of the research ecosystem, lack of government planning and underinvestment as obstacles to drug development in Brazil.

Experts discuss violence committed by the state, militias, and radical movements

Center for the Study of Violence

The third event in the series FAPESP 60 Years featured three researchers who are leading experts in the area: Donatella della Porta, Sérgio Adorno, and Michel Misse.

Men are the main transmitters of the novel coronavirus, study suggests

Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center

The hypothesis was raised by scientists at a FAPESP-funded research center, on the basis of an epidemiological survey involving 1,744 Brazilian couples where at least one partner was infected.

Researchers identify a novel cell type that makes survivors of sepsis more susceptible to infections

Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases

Many patients suffer from a significant decline in immunity lasting for years after they are discharged from hospital. In an article published in the journal Immunity, Brazilian researchers reveal why this happens.

Discovery facilitates search for drug to sabotage replication of SARS-CoV-2

Center for Research and Innovation in Biodiversity and Drug Discovery

Scientists at a FAPESP-funded research center investigated the mechanism that produces the main enzyme involved in the virus’s replication in cells. The findings are reported in the Journal of Molecular Biology.

Genetic profile of tumor can indicate best treatment for brain cancer patients

Center for Cell-Based Therapy

A study conducted by researchers at the Center for Cell-Based Therapy in São Paulo state, Brazil, identified a genetic signature that can be used to predict whether patients should be submitted to radiation therapy.

First genetic sequencing of Brazilian pit viper is completed

Center for Research on Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling

In an article published in PNAS, researchers affiliated with Butantan Institute describe the genome of Bothrops jararaca and suggest the origin of genes responsible for toxins in its venom.

Study contributes to deeper understanding of brain dysfunctions in patients with schizophrenia

A group at the University of Campinas used protein mapping to show how abnormal levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate impair the functioning of neurons and oligodendrocytes. The findings could serve as a basis for more effective treatment.

Cell-mediated immunity is essential to prevent reinfection by the novel coronavirus, study suggests

Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center

Brazilian researchers studied the case of identical twins in which only one sibling was reinfected and developed complications after a second exposure to the virus. Their analysis showed that the adaptive immune response can be different even between individuals with the same genome.

Study maps immune system genes involved in resistance to SARS-CoV-2

Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center

A study by scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center analyzed genetic material from 86 couples in which only one spouse was infected. The results suggest that more frequent variants in the resistant spouses could lead to more efficient activation of natural killer (NK) cells, which are part of the innate immune system, the first barrier against infection.

Study shows how low-protein intake during pregnancy can cause renal problems in offspring

Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center

In an article published in PLOS ONE, scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center describe the impact of hypoproteinemia on the expression of microRNAs associated with kidney development in rat embryos.

Atlas of human lung helps understand effects of novel coronavirus on alveoli

Center for Computational Engineering and Sciences

Researchers at the University of Campinas in Brazil reveal the mechanisms whereby SARS-CoV-2 disrupts the regulation of inflammation, coagulation and blood pressure when it infects alveolar cells, responsible for gas exchange in the lungs.

Novel water decontamination method combines low-cost composites and solar energy

Center for Research, Teaching, and Innovation in Glass

A simple and affordable solution developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo and a Nigerian collaborator eliminates even multi-resistant bacteria. Clay, papaya seeds and banana peel are among the raw materials used by the group.

Researchers develop a technique to produce transplantable livers in the laboratory

Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center

A method created in Brazil by the Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center could be used for large-scale production of livers for transplantation.

SARS-CoV-2 inhibits removal of dead cells by the immune system, favoring lung damage

Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases

A study by the University of São Paulo has discovered that when macrophages engulf cells infected by the novel coronavirus, they begin producing excessive amounts of pro-inflammatory molecules, and their capacity to recognize and phagocytize dead cells is reduced twelvefold.

Online tool facilitates monitoring of COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil

Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases

The platform developed by researchers from Brazil and Chile lets users view geolocation of cases, deaths and vaccinations over time.

Researchers discover inflammatory mechanism responsible for bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis

Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases

In a study of the effects of cigarette smoking on exacerbation of the disease, scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center identified a novel pathway in the inflammatory process relating to bone damage.