Issue # 300 _ February 2021
COVID-19

A more balanced game
Immunizations begin in Brazil with CoronaVac, the first available vaccine; experts explain the controversies around its data
By Yuri VasconcelosCOVID-19

vaccine. Now what?
The introduction of vaccines in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic raises new challenges
By Frances JonesButantan – 120 years

Renewed momentum
The São Paulo institute strengthened itself, mobilized competencies, and integrated teams to face the pandemic
By Carlos FioravantiButantan – 120 years

Among venoms, not just from snakes
Researchers investigate the action and possible uses of toxins
By Carlos FioravantiButantan – 120 Years

Constant metamorphosis
Scientific discoveries call attention to quality control in the production of serums and vaccines
By Carlos FioravantiFunding

No break for science
Brazil’s primary funder for scientific research, FNDCT, has been restructured but government vetoes blocking freezes to their resources
By Rodrigo de Oliveira AndradeEntrepreneurship

Supply-side research constraints
Small local manufacturers struggle to gain foothold in Brazilian scientific supplies market
By Rodrigo de Oliveira AndradeTeaching

Opening up the world of science
Journalistic science texts, such as those of Pesquisa FAPESP, can stimulate students and help elementary school teachers introduce new subject matter
By Carlos FioravantiOceanography

Deep heating
Sensors installed up to 4,700 meters below the ocean’s surface record increased temperatures in abyssal regions of the South Atlantic
By Ricardo ZorzettoGeology

Coastal mountains moving
Subject to constant erosion, they are slowly advancing inland, and within a few million years could form a vast coastal plain
By Carlos FioravantiOrnithology

Where birds came from
Most species in the tropics emerged in extreme environments, such as deserts and mountains, before establishing themselves in other biomes
By Eduardo GeraqueAstrophysics

The world’s largest space telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope is due to be launched in late December; Brazilian astronomers will lead two observation programs and collaborate on another nine
By Marcos PivettaEnvironment

Drones map Brazilian forests
Unmanned aerial vehicles are being used to quickly and efficiently monitor rainforests in great detail
By Tiago JokuraAerospace engineering

Amazonia in space
Earth observation satellite built entirely in Brazil to be launched in February
By Yuri Vasconcelos