Issue # 347 _ January 2025

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Cover

USP team identifies microplastics in the human brain
Microscopic particles of the material contaminate soil, water, and air and have already been found in several other organs and tissues in the human body By

 

INNOVATION

Deep techs, science-based startups that develop solutions to complex problems, are gaining focus and interest in Brazil

Survey identified 875 companies of this type in Brazil; 55% of them in the state of São Paulo

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GRADUATE STUDIES

Public universities in São Paulo create flexible model for graduate studies

New pathway offers a master's degree with interdisciplinary curriculums and the chance to advance to a doctorate after one year

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PUBLIC HEALTH

Program that empowers pregnant women to make choices reduces unnecessary cesareans

Created 10 years ago, Parto Certificado prevented more than 20,000 surgical births between 2014 and 2019

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interview

“If left untreated, bipolar disorder is a progressive disease,” says psychiatrist Flávio Kapczinski

UFRGS researcher is part of an international group defining the progressive stages of the disorder and is leading a survey of mental illnesses in Brazil

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ECOLOGY

Drought and wildfires reduce forest biodiversity

Although the populations of some plant and animal species are able to recover when rains return, the effects of drought and wildfires can last years

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ENVIRONMENT

Aquifer depletion threatens forests and rivers

Over-exploitation and climate change are damaging environments that depend on underground water reserves

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BOTANY

Plants use pollen bombs to compete for space on hummingbird beaks

Success in competition between male gametes can increase chance of reproduction

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ZOOLOGY

Temperature affects sensory system development in trout

Detailed description of the lateral line, which the fish use to perceive their surroundings, offers an understanding of how the species respond to environmental changes

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INTERVIEW

Anacláudia Rossbach: The quest for more resilient cities

Brazilian director of United Nations program says cities play an important role in the process of adapting to and mitigating climate change

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ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY

Gas in the Amazon rainforest accelerates cloud formation

Trees emit isoprene, which reacts with other molecules and increases the production of cloud condensation nuclei 100-fold

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THERMODYNAMICS

Cold beer for longer

Tall, narrow-based glass with trumpet mouth keeps the beverage cooler during consumption

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NUCLEAR ENGINEERING

AI created in Brazil helps in Angra 1 operational license renewal process

Artificial intelligence software estimates historic temperature of key equipment to extend lifespan of nuclear power plants

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AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

Robot eliminates invasive plants and insects that damage crops

Developed by a Brazilian company, the solution is already being used on rural properties in Brazil, the USA, and Canada

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INTERVIEW

Liane Rossi: Brazilian scientist recognized by Swedish royalty

USP researcher who specializes in sustainable chemistry was awarded King Carl XVI Gustaf Professorship in Environmental Science

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ECONOMY

Community banks stimulate local development

Institutions offer financial alternatives to strengthen the economy in marginalized regions through credit lines and currencies pegged to the real

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VISUAL ARTS

Exhibition and revival of project draws attention to the work of Flávio Império

The artist, architect, set designer, and costume designer worked with the biggest names in Brazilian culture

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LINGUISTICS

Translators and interpreters take center stage

The work of these professionals can help shed light on history and literature

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