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São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) is one of the country's leading agencies for scientific and technological research. FAPESP supports research through grants and fellowships for projects in all areas of knowledge, submitted by researchers from public and private higher education and research institutions, government agencies, and companies based in the state of São Paulo. You can learn more about FAPESP at www.fapesp.br/en

Group creates tool to predict whether multiple sclerosis medication will be effective for patients

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Brazilian researchers, in partnership with French institutions, combine advanced cell image analysis technology and machine learning and discover a morphological marker linked to individuals who do not respond to natalizumab. An estimated 2.8 million people worldwide and 40,000 in Brazil have the disease. Most diagnoses occur in people aged 20 to 50, and women are two to three times more likely to be affected than men.

Journal: Nature Communications
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

24-Sep-2025

Brazilian researchers warn that healthcare for transgender people is under threat

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Article published in Nature Medicine points to the risk of setbacks in research focused on this population. Experts question new rules in Brazil and other countries. Researchers believe that a resolution by Brazil’s Federal Council of Medicine could lead young people to seek out untrained doctors or even self-medicate, putting their health at risk.

Journal: Nature Medicine
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

23-Sep-2025

‘Invisible’ asteroids near Venus may threaten Earth in the future

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Simulations indicate that objects currently undetectable due to their position may collide with the planet within a few thousand years. Observation will only be possible with specific space missions.

Journal: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

22-Sep-2025

Collision between two bodies of similar mass may explain the formation of Mercury

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A study published in the journal Nature Astronomy challenges traditional explanations about the origin of the innermost planet in the Solar System and proposes a more likely scenario. The collision would have stripped away up to 60% of its original mantle, which would explain its extreme metallicity.

Journal: Nature Astronomy
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

18-Sep-2025

Microplastics may affect bone health

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

According to the researchers, many studies indicate that, once in the bloodstream, microplastics can reach the bone marrow, potentially disturbing bone metabolism.

Journal: Osteoporosis International
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

18-Sep-2025

Study identifies candidates for therapeutic targets in pediatric germ cell tumors

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Pioneering research conducted in São Paulo state (Brazil) shows how the immune system reacts to rare types of childhood cancer.By showing that each subtype of germ cell tumor in children has its own immune signature, the study paves the way for personalized treatments that are more effective and less toxic for children.

Journal: Frontiers in Immunology
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

17-Sep-2025

Plant-derived compound has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects against periodontal disease

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Morin-based powder, extracted from guava leaves, apple peel, and figs, can be slowly released with the help of polymers and serve as an alternative to antibiotics. A platform developed at FOAr-UNESP processes morin to obtain it in the form of a fine powder, similar to powdered milk. The final product is intended for use by people with reduced motor skills, such as older adults and patients with special needs, who are unable to brush their teeth properly.

Journal: Archives of Oral Biology
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Latin America News Portal

Latin America News Portal

Latest News Releases from FAPESP

Group creates tool to predict whether multiple sclerosis medication will be effective for patients

Brazilian researchers warn that healthcare for transgender people is under threat

‘Invisible’ asteroids near Venus may threaten Earth in the future

Collision between two bodies of similar mass may explain the formation of Mercury

Microplastics may affect bone health

Study identifies candidates for therapeutic targets in pediatric germ cell tumors

Plant-derived compound has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects against periodontal disease

Study recommends integrated risk assessment for zoonotic and vector-borne diseases