Issue # 146 _ April 2008
S&T Policy
Research Funding

New frontier
Expansion of Brazil's ethanol production depends on investment in basic and applied science
By Claudia IziqueBio-security
In waiting mode?
Minister from Federal Supreme Court, in historical vote, supports research on embryonic stem cells
By Revisor and RedaçãoScience
Genetics

Kidnapping the mailman
By interrupting cell communication, artificial RNA kills the parasite that causes schistosomiasis
By Ricardo ZorzettoCell Biology

The deconstruction of Proteins
Compartments that deconstruct proteins identified in the cell nucleus
By Carlos FioravantiPharmacology

War in the cells
Discoveries show how to help the immune system fight generalized infections
By Maria GuimarãesCivil engineering

Green concrete
Agricultural waste can reduce the use of cement and CO2 emissions
By Marcos de OliveiraZoology

Unexpected vessels
Mysteries of the Portuguese man-of-war challenge physicians and biologists
By Maria GuimarãesTechnology
Metallurgy

Better quality
Unicamp and steel mill partnership design plasma torch to improve steel quality
By Fabrício MarquesChemical Engineering

Clean lighting
Company develops system for recycling components in fluorescent lights
By Yuri VasconcelosPhysics

Seeing what is invisible
Carbon nanotube increases the microscope's resolution
By Ricardo ZorzettoNanotechnology

Well-grounded Beauty
Group of researchers and companies prepare nanocosmetics with a variety of uses
By Dinorah ErenoHumanities
Anthropology

Motherland, feminine noun
Research questions the real reason for and the results of policies against the trafficking of women
By Carlos Haag