Agência FAPESP

Underwater thermal vents may have given rise to the first molecular precursors of life

Paleobiology

2025-10-22

Underwater thermal vents may have given rise to the first molecular precursors of life

To test the hypothesis, researchers from Brazil, the United States, and Japan built bench-scale reactors that simulate the interaction between hydrothermal fluids and primitive ocean water.

Research reveals possibility of new drug therapy for hereditary diseases

Biomedicine

2025-10-15

Research reveals possibility of new drug therapy for hereditary diseases

A study published in Science and involving a Brazilian researcher unveils a cellular mechanism involved in transmitting mutations in mitochondrial DNA. These mutations can cause serious, incurable diseases.

Physical exercise can ‘train’ the immune system

Immunology

2025-10-08

Physical exercise can ‘train’ the immune system

In an article published in the journal Scientific Reports, an international team of researchers describes how the defense cells of older adults with a history of endurance training are more effective against inflammation.

Malaria risk in the Amazon is higher in regions with intermediate forest degradation

Public health

2025-10-23

Malaria risk in the Amazon is higher in regions with intermediate forest degradation

Research shows that areas with 50% deforestation near residential areas or fragmented vegetation allow greater contact between mosquitoes and humans. Amid the discussions for COP30, the study helps us understand the link between forest destruction and the spread of the disease.

Microbiology

2025-10-22

Study paves the way for new therapeutic strategies against obesity

Research conducted by Redoxoma, a FAPESP Research, Innovation, and Dissemination Center, found that mitochondrial potassium channels regulate heat production in brown adipose tissue.

Geophysics

2025-10-22

Technique allows estimation of the force acting on each grain of sand in a dune

Possible applications of a study conducted at the State University of Campinas range from controlling river silting and beach erosion to studying the evolution of the surface of Mars.

Paleontology

2025-10-22

South American long-necked dinosaur could easily stand on two legs

Using computational engineering techniques to simulate weight and gravitational stress on sauropod femurs, researchers from Brazil, Germany, and Argentina have demonstrated that these giant quadrupeds could generally remain standing for feeding, mating, and defense.

Center supported by FAPESP stands out for its research to improve fish for human health

Science for Development

2025-10-22

Center supported by FAPESP stands out for its research to improve fish for human health

In the nearly three years since its creation, the Fish for Health Research Center has achieved significant results in understanding the nutritional value and consumption habits of fish in the state of São Paulo, received new investments, and is preparing to expand its network of associated researchers.

Climate change

2025-10-22

Palm trees are the Amazon’s ‘water tanks’

The plant family can store twice as much water as trees such as ipê, mahogany, and eucalyptus, according to a study conducted at São Paulo State University. Preliminary results were presented during the Brazil-France 2025 Forum “Forests, Biodiversity, and Human Societies”.

Innovation

2025-10-20

Device assesses skin tone to create personalized facial foundations

Spin-off of startup supported by FAPESP develops technology based on artificial intelligence to create individualized beauty products.

Obesity

2025-10-15

A high-fat diet induces inflammation in the brain, attracting immune cells from all over the body

In tests with rodents, researchers observed that the immune system attempts to mitigate damage to the hypothalamus caused by food, which can lead to obesity in the long term. Animals whose migration of these cells was inhibited experienced greater weight gain, increased fat accumulation, and worsened metabolic markers.