Issue # 171 _ May 2010
S&T Policy
Computer Sciences
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International exposure
Researchers from Microsoft Research-FAPESP Institute show their projects in the USA
By Fabrício MarquesScience
Neurophysiology
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The paths of fear
Fear due to different reasons activates different parts of the brain
By Ricardo ZorzettoOceanography
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Polluted paradise
Canal opened in 1855 has made it easier for heavy metals to spread along southern São Paulo coast
By Francisco BicudoPhysics
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Flashing dust
Study explains why electrical discharges occur in clouds of sand or volcanic ash
By Marcos PivettaTechnology
Electrical engineering
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Plastic from light
Luminous polymers are being quoted as substitutes for LCD screens
By Evanildo da SilveiraNanotechnology
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Squeezing electricity
Researchers develop a material that generates electricity under pressure
By Evanildo da SilveiraNew materials
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Bactericidal fiber
Mixture of sugar cane pulp and chitosan results in a fiber that has medicinal properties
By Yuri VasconcelosNew materials
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Concrete made from ash
Waste from burning sugar cane bagasse may substitute part of the sand used in civil construction
By Yuri Vasconcelos