Highlights

Bibliometrics

Science with impact

The number of Brazilians among the most cited researchers increased in 2020

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Interview

Silvio Meira: A hopeful realist

Creator of one of the most important ecosystems of innovation in the country, the computer scientist discusses the emergence of the digital era in Brazil

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Cover

An expanding market

In Latin America, remunerated caregiving work accounts for 16% of jobs, with 47 million people working in the area

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COVER

The economics of caregiving

Increase in population life expectancy and new family arrangements produce higher demand for caregivers and complicate government decision-making

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COVID-19

The mutation risk

New strains of SARS-Cov-2, such as the one identified in the United Kingdom in December, could make the pathogen more transmissible and virulent

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COVID-19

The era of genetic vaccines

The vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna result from historical investments in messenger RNA technology leading to the creation of new products

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COVID-19

Distribution challenges

Governments need to work with pharmaceutical and logistics companies to overcome obstacles to start the SARS-CoV-2 immunization campaign

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COVID-19

Approval strategy

Amid uncertainty, São Paulo announces state vaccination plan

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COVID-19

First cases of reinfection confirmed in Brazil

On December 9, Brazil’s health authorities officially confirmed the country’s first proven reinfection by SARS-CoV-2

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COVID-19

Butantan develops serum for the novel coronavirus

The Butantan Institute has completed development of a serum to combat SARS-CoV-2

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COVID-19

Unequal access

Even before efficacy data for the vaccine candidates was released, it was clear that there will not be enough supply to immunize the entire global population before the end of next year

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COVID-19

Australia gives up on vaccine candidate

A vaccine being developed by the University of Queensland and biotechnology company CSL, both from Australia, is the first of more than 200 candidates to be discarded

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COVID-19

Vaccines and sharks

A compound extracted from the livers of sharks is used in five coronavirus vaccine candidates

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Zoology

Sound absorbing wings

Microscopic structures on the scaled wings of two moth species are able to absorb many of the ultrasound waves emitted by bats

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Notes

Ten people who made a difference in 2020

In December, the journal Nature published its traditional annual list of 10 science personalities who deserved recognition in 2020

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