Brazilian researchers develop saliva-based COVID-19 diagnostic test

Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center

Designed by the Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, the novel test may cost a quarter of those based on RT-PCR, considered the gold standard for diagnosis of the disease.

Researchers discover how infection by Zika virus during pregnancy can affect the fetal brain

Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases

The study by more than 30 Brazilian scientists investigated tens of thousands of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic variables, discovering several alterations caused by the virus.

Researchers prepare to screen genes associated with the replication of novel coronavirus

Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases

A study conducted at the FAPESP-funded Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CRID) will identify key processes triggered by SARS-CoV-2 in human cells.

Researchers investigate genetic factors behind resistance or susceptibility to COVID-19

Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center

A study is being conducted by a research center supported by FAPESP to determine whether people who develop severe forms of the disease have risk genes and whether asymptomatic people or patients with only mild symptoms have protective genes.

Colchicine, an anti-inflammatory drug, accelerates recovery of hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases

Benefits were observed in a clinical trial involving 38 volunteers treated at the teaching hospital of the University of São Paulo’s Ribeirão Preto Medical School. The drug is cheap and can shorten ICU stays but should not be used outside hospitals, the researchers warn.

Machine learning makes drug repurposing for psychiatric disorders more effective

Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases

Researchers have correlated information on drugs, genes and diseases to identify potential candidates for psychiatric and neurological treatment. The methodology they developed will be used to search for drugs against COVID-19.

Photodynamic therapy can combat secondary infections in COVID-19 patients

Optics and Photonics Research Center

Researchers at the Optics and Photonics Research Center, supported by FAPESP, advocate the technique as an additional treatment for patients with the disease.

Dreams can reveal how people are adapting to the “new normal”

Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics

Brazilian researchers showed that the degree of suffering caused by the pandemic and social isolation can be measured by interpreting dream narratives with the aid of speech analysis tools.

Social isolation and face covering reduced SARS-CoV-2 spread by 15% in Brazil’s 1st epicenter of COVID-19

Center for Research in Mathematical Sciences Applied to Industry

The reduction resulting from implementation of these measures in São Paulo has been calculated for the period between mid-March and early May using a mathematical model developed by a FAPESP-funded research center. The scientists also estimated that these two public health measures reduced the peak of transmission by 25% in Brasília.

São Paulo-based company develops fabric that eliminates novel coronavirus by contact

Center for Research and Development of Functional Materials

In laboratory tests, the material inactivated 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 in two minutes. The technology developed by the startup, which is supported by FAPESP, will be used to produce face masks and hospital apparel.

System forecasts hospital demand for personal protective equipment

Center for Research in Mathematical Sciences Applied to Industry

The open-access tool was developed in Brazil by researchers at the Center for Mathematical Sciences Applied to Industry to minimize the risk of shortages and overspending.

Researchers seek antiviral molecules for the treatment of COVID-19

Center for Research and Innovation in Biodiversity and Drug Discovery

Synthetic compounds and molecules derived from natural products belonging to Brazil’s biodiversity are being screened by teams at the Center for Innovation in Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, which is supported by FAPESP.

Discovery of immune mechanism involved in COVID-19 paves way for novel therapy

Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases

Study conducted by the FAPESP-funded Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CRID) shows that drug currently used to treat cystic fibrosis can help prevent complications from infection by SARS-CoV-2.

Researchers will study body fat immune cells to understand obesity-associated inflammation

Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center

Brazilian researchers are the only Latin American group to have had a project selected in an international request for applications by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Funding of more USD 175,000 has been awarded to the study, which will be the first in Brazil to use single-cell analysis.

Social inequality makes combating COVID-19 even harder

Center for the Study of Violence

Study shows that São Paulo City has eight distinct urban groups in economic, social and cultural terms, making effective action against the pandemic a challenge.

Study identifies 306 genetic variants linked to brain structure and predisposition to certain diseases

Brazilian Research Institute for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology

Based on quantitative MRI, researchers measured cortical volume in 51,665 participants and correlated the data with genetic markers.

Vulnerability of Brazilian workers evaluated in crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic

Center for Metropolitan Studies

Only 13.8% of the workforce has jobs in sectors not badly hit by social isolation according to a research network set up to propose ways of improving the quality of government policies for dealing with the crisis.

Researchers in Brazil investigate mechanisms that trigger the inflammatory phase of COVID-19

Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases

Scientists affiliated with a research center supported by FAPESP set out to understand the strategies used by immune cells to combat the most severe phase of the disease.

Researchers discover mechanism that makes COVID-19 more severe in diabetics

Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center

Higher blood glucose levels captured by defense cells provide energy for augmented viral replication, triggering overwhelming immune response that kills lung cells.

Study shows advantage of alternating quarantines in cities across the state of São Paulo

Center for Research in Mathematical Sciences Applied to Industry

Strategy would maintain economic activity and protect healthcare services, according to system developed by a research center supported by FAPESP.

Only 1.2% of population of largest city in north of São Paulo State have been infected by SARS-CoV-2

Center for Cell-Based Therapy

Estimate is based on testing of 700 inhabitants of Ribeirão Preto in early May. Another round of testing will be conducted in June. The study is carried out by the University of São Paulo in partnership with the city’s health department.

Startup develops reusable mask with enhanced protection against novel coronavirus

Center for Research and Development of Functional Materials

Developed with FAPESP’s support via its small business program, the N95-type respirator is made of material containing silica-silver microparticles with antimicrobial and antifungal properties that hinder surface adhesion by SARS-CoV-2.

Researchers develop rapid tests to diagnose COVID-19

Center for Research and Development of Functional Materials

Several initiatives are pursuing alternatives to increase the number of diagnostic tests performed in Brazil. Research groups who previously developed low-cost rapid tests for Zika fever and other viral diseases are adapting these models for use in detecting SARS-CoV-2.

Brazilian and Indian scientists produce crystal with many potential applications

Center for Research and Development of Functional Materials

Thanks to its magnetic properties, the material – zinc-doped manganese chromite – can be used in a range of products, from gas sensors to data storage devices.

FAPESP selects 30 projects in call for research proposals to combat novel coronavirus

Center for Research and Innovation in Biodiversity and Drug Discovery

Selected projects aim to repurpose existing drugs for treatment of COVID-19, find novel compounds with therapeutic potential and develop alternative diagnostic methods. The call remains open until June 22.