16-Apr-2026 Common Asian plant in Brazil shows potential for removing microplastics from water Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication A saline extract obtained from moringa, also known as white acacia, exhibited properties similar to aluminum sulfate in the coagulation process preceding the filtration of water for human consumption. Journal ACS Omega Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
15-Apr-2026 Registrations open for São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Electrochemistry Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Meeting Announcement School at the University of São Paulo (Brazil) aims to strengthen proficiency in advanced electrochemical techniques relevant to next-generation batteries, catalytic interfaces, and sensors. Register by June 15. Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
15-Apr-2026 Poor hygiene and food handling practices increase the risk of bacterial outbreaks in Brazilian households Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication A significant number of Brazilians engage in improper food hygiene and handling practices at home. Examples include washing meat in the kitchen sink and failing to properly wash vegetables. These findings were revealed by a nationwide survey that examined food hygiene, handling, and storage habits in 5,000 households of various income levels across all regions of Brazil. Journal Food and Humanity Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
13-Apr-2026 Clean concrete: How shrimp waste can transform sustainable construction Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral Development of a new sustainable building material made from natural Ecuadorian zeolite and chitosan derived from shrimp waste. This eco-friendly geopolymer not only reduces the environmental impact compared to traditional cement but also exhibits antibacterial properties against microorganisms such as Klebsiella aerogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The results demonstrate that small amounts of biopolymer can improve mechanical strength and provide sanitary functionality, opening new opportunities for safer, more sustainable building materials aligned with the circular economy. Journal Construction and Building Materials
13-Apr-2026 Quantum fluctuations give rise to a new type of topological semimetal Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication Theoretical and experimental work described in Nature Physics expands the repertoire of exotic phases of matter. Journal Nature Physics Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
9-Apr-2026 Tropical trees are more neighborly Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Peer-Reviewed Publication Tropical trees are more neighborly than trees further from the equator, perhaps contributing to higher biodiversity in the tropics. Will warmer temperatures lead to even friendlier interactions among trees? Journal Nature Funder National Natural Science Foundation of China
9-Apr-2026 “Poor man’s Majoranas” can be used as quantum spin probes Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication A theoretical study conducted at São Paulo State University shows that quantum excitations without topological protection, previously considered experimental limitations, can serve as spectroscopic tools for identifying quantum statistics and stabilizing exotic states in superconducting nanostructures. Journal Journal of Physics Condensed Matter Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
8-Apr-2026 Enzyme produced by fungus may replace chemicals in the paper industry Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication Fungal xylanase can be obtained by cultivating the microorganism in sugarcane bagasse or wheat bran. The solution is a non-polluting alternative for bleaching cellulose pulp, which currently uses a toxic chemical. Journal BioResources Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
8-Apr-2026 Although tropical mammals account for most discoveries, studies in temperate regions are more robust Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication A survey of 1,116 new species descriptions published between 1990 and 2025 reveals improved quality, though authors from the Global North use more lines of evidence in their studies. Journal Journal of Systematics and Evolution Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
7-Apr-2026 Loss of microbiota alters the profile of cells that protect the intestinal wall Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Peer-Reviewed Publication Experiments in mice and human tissue indicate that a reduction in bacteria living in the large intestine decreases mucus production and affects nutrient absorption, particularly in older adults. Journal Gut Microbes Funder Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo