EurekAlert! Latin America News - News from FAPESP

São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

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

Read FAPESP news releases in Spanish.

Latest News Releases from FAPESP

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 8-Oct-2025 04:11 ET (8-Oct-2025 08:11 GMT/UTC)

Study finds that common bacteria in the mouth can help predict the progression of head and neck cancer

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

By analyzing patient samples, Brazilian researchers identified the species Fusobacterium nucleatum in nearly 60% of cases, with a higher prevalence in oropharyngeal tumors. This microorganism has also been associated with the development of colorectal cancer.

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

Research reveals how hormone accelerates fat burning and promotes weight loss in obese mice

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

An experiment conducted at the State University of Campinas showed that FGF19, produced in the intestine, acts on specific regions of the brain, causing the body to burn energy to produce heat; the discovery paves the way for new drugs.

Journal: Endocrinology and Metabolism
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Fishermen in Maceió, Brazil, have higher-than-average mercury levels

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

Blood and urine analyses of the population living in the Mundaú lagoon complex revealed a greater presence of chemical contaminants and metabolic alterations that can exacerbate chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. These results underscore the need to monitor the health of the inhabitants and control the sources of contamination.

Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Researchers identify protein essential for balancing bone tissue

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

Findings published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules could guide studies aimed at treating diseases such as osteoporosis.

Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Researchers develop ‘vegan meat’ based on sunflower flour

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

The ingredient, extracted from the plant’s seeds, is a good source of protein and has a neutral flavor and aroma, making it easy to use in food products.

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

Droughts can reduce the caloric value of flower nectar by up to 95%, study finds

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

An experiment carried out by researchers from São Paulo State University on zucchini crops indicated that a 30% drop in rainfall would reduce the availability of calories in the sweet liquid that serves as food for pollinators, such as bees, by 34%, while extreme drought practically wipes out the resource. These results are particularly concerning for plants that depend on cross-pollination.

Journal: Scientific Reports
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Article presents innovative drug for controlling weight and blood sugar

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

In animal tests, the molecule developed in South America has been shown to prevent fat accumulation and treat existing obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Initial human studies have confirmed the safety of the compound.

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

Research reveals specific type of rare genetic variation linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder

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

The study compared data from patients and healthy individuals from Brazil, Canada, and the United States. The results help paint a clearer picture of how genetics influences the development of OCD.

Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

6
7
8
9
10