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.

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 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.

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”.

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Researchers at the University of São Paulo create more complex mini-brains to study the key to healthy aging

Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center

Organoids were developed from the blood cells of centenarians who are part of a project conducted at the Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center to discover genes that protect the brain from the effects of aging.

‘Africa needs to be recognized as a producer of knowledge and interpretations of the world’

Eurídice Monteiro, the former Secretary of Higher Education in Cape Verde, delivered the 5th FAPESP 2025 Conference. She argued that science is a tool for liberation, grounded in African contributions, cognitive justice, and South-South integration.

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.

Historical and current population DNA reveals that there are at least 12 species of rocket frogs, three of which are already extinct

Researchers at the University of São Paulo extracted genetic material from animals kept in museums for a hundred years and from others living in the wild and concluded that they are a new genus with at least a dozen species. The group is working quickly to identify them all and direct conservation efforts in the Atlantic Forest, where they live.

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.

AI-based tool can ‘measure’ cancer aggressiveness and paves the way for new therapies

Developed at the University of São Paulo, the model uses protein expression to create a stemness index that analyzes the similarity of tumors to pluripotent stem cells. The article was published in Cell Genomics.

Reduction in supply of prey was decisive factor in extinction of saber-toothed tigers, study finds

Cross-referencing climate data and fossils from around 15 million years ago shows that the decline in prey availability may have played a role in the extinction of these felines. Another study cites competition with elephants and an increase in predators as factors that reduced the once diverse antilocaprids to a single species today.

Forest cover and type of environment shape functional diversity of insectivorous birds in the Atlantic Forest

According to a study conducted by researchers in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, more deforested areas have fewer species that are more similar to each other and perform the same ecological functions. The authors say this phenomenon compromises the resilience of the ecosystem.

Brazilian researchers identify bacteria that can transform plastic waste into bioplastics

Called BR4, the microorganism breaks down PET and produces PHB, a high-quality biopolymer that can be used to manufacture sustainable packaging and for biomedical applications.

Technology that enables ethanol-powered electric cars could accelerate the energy transition

In a review article, researchers highlight the challenges that must be overcome to increase the performance and lifetime of MS-SOFC fuel cells while reducing the cost and environmental impact.