News
FAPESP-supported research news on COVID-19 and coronavirus Versão em português
| FAPESP-SUPPORTED RESEARCH NEWS ON COVID-19 AND CORONAVIRUS |
Herd immunity to novel coronavirus can be reached when up 20% are infected, study suggests (August 12, 2020)
Herd immunity to novel coronavirus can be reached when up 20% are infected, study suggests Researchers from Portugal, the UK and Brazil produced the estimate using a mathematical model that takes into account variations in the risk of catching the disease within different population groups. Despite being good news, the finding does not diminish the importance of non-pharmaceutical interventions to contain transmission, the authors stress.
University of São Paulo-bred mechanical ventilator already in use at the institution’s general hospital (August 12, 2020)
Ten units of the device developed at the university’s Engineering School (POLI-USP) began operating at Hospital das Clínicas in July.
Novel coronavirus also causes death from heart failure (August 05, 2020)
Autopsies performed on COVID-19 patients treated at the largest hospital complex in Latin America show that some died mainly as a result of cardiovascular alterations.
COVID-19 had already spread in Brazil when measures to contain it were implemented (August 05, 2020)
Study determined how the disease was transmitted using genomic data for SARS-CoV-2 obtained by sequencing almost 500 viral isolates from Brazilian patients and cross-referencing this with air travel data and deaths from the disease in the period.
Photodynamic therapy can combat secondary infections in COVID-19 patients (August 05, 2020)
Researchers at the Optics and Photonics Research Center, supported by FAPESP, advocate the technique as an additional treatment for patients with the disease.
Specialists discuss contact tracing as a tool to plan action against COVID-19 (August 05, 2020)
Researchers from Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria and the US took part in a webinar organized by FAPESP to discuss privacy and data security and how people’s behavior shapes the pandemic.
Machine learning makes drug repurposing for psychiatric disorders more effective (August 05, 2020)
Researchers have correlated information on drugs, genes and diseases to identify potential candidates for psychiatric and neurological treatment. The methodology they developed will be used to search for drugs against COVID-19
Experts indicate avenues to combat pandemic in second-half 2020 (July 29, 2020)
The contagion curve in Brazil appears to have plateaued and is set to remain at the current level until at least the end of 2020. Investing in the identification and isolation of infected people and their close contacts, keeping schools closed and improving the quality of the information offered to the public are measures governments should take to make sure the situation does not become even worse.
Adipose tissue may be a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2, Brazilian researchers suggest (July 29, 2020)
A study showed that the novel coronavirus can infect human adipocytes and that the viral load is three times higher in aged adipose cells. The results may help us understand why people with obesity and those who are older are more at risk of developing the severe form of COVID-19.
Over 50% of adults in the state of São Paulo have experienced anxiety frequently since the pandemic began (July 29, 2020)
Online survey with 11,863 respondents also shows that feeling sad or depressed became routine for 39%, while overall health worsened for 26%.
Deep-seated changes triggered by pandemic could speed up adoption of bioenergy (July 29, 2020)
Novel forms of societal behavior and political priorities during the coronavirus crisis may become permanent, creating even more favorable conditions for increased use of renewables, as discussed in a webinar hosted by the FAPESP Bioenergy Research Program.
Social isolation and face covering reduced SARS-CoV-2 spread by 15% in Brazil’s 1st epicenter of COVID-19 (July 22, 2020)
The reduction resulting from implementation of these measures in São Paulo has been calculated for the period between mid-March and early May using a mathematical model developed by a FAPESP-funded research center. The scientists also estimated that these two public health measures reduced the peak of transmission by 25% in Brasília.
Experimental drug reduces replication of zika and prevents microcephaly in mice (July 22, 2020)
The compound inhibited the action of a protein activated by the virus to suppress the host’s immune response. The therapy also proved effective against dengue virus and will be tested at the University of São Paulo against coronavirus.
Study identifies the factors that contributed to the initial spread of COVID-19 (July 22, 2020)
Researchers used statistical techniques to analyze data of 126 countries. The variables that intensified contagion at the start of the outbreak included low temperature, a large proportion of older people, foreign tourist arrivals, and greeting habits involving physical contact.
Dreams can reveal how people are adapting to the “new normal” (July 22, 2020)
Brazilian researchers showed that the degree of suffering caused by the pandemic and social isolation can be measured by interpreting dream narratives with the aid of speech analysis tools.
Game application monitors health of older people in social isolation owing to COVID-19 pandemic (July 22, 2020)
Program developed by startup with FAPESP’s support was initially designed to train cognitive skills and help improve physical fitness but will now have extended functionality.
Combining different vaccines could extend protection against COVID-19, scientists believe (July 15, 2020)
Testing has begun in Brazilian volunteers of two candidate vaccines at an advanced stage of development. In an online seminar co-organized by Agência FAPESP, researchers involved in Phase 3 clinical trials said the more vaccines are approved, the better mankind’s chances of controlling COVID-19.
Brazilian COVID-19 patient data repository becomes fully operational (July 15, 2020)
Platform created by FAPESP in partnership with University of São Paulo, Albert Einstein Jewish Hospital, Hospital Sírio-Libanês and Fleury Group begins providing access to data for more than 177,000 patients, 5 million clinical examinations and 9,600 outcomes.
Researchers have developed a system to detect respiratory failure by analyzing voice samples (July 15, 2020)
Project supported by FAPESP aims to help triage suspected COVID-19 patients.
Researchers discover hybrid fungus involved in lung infections (July 15, 2020)
This is the first time Aspergillus latus has been found in a hospital. The species is more drug-resistant than its two parents and highly dangerous for patients with respiratory diseases and compromised immune systems. The researchers will now investigate the role of fungi in COVID-19.
Study identifies proteins that may favor infection of placenta by novel coronavirus (July 8, 2020)
Based on placental cell gene expression data and computer simulations, Brazilian researchers concluded that the virus may use the placental proteins DPP4 and CTSL as an alternative point of entry into human cells.
São Paulo-based company develops fabric that eliminates novel coronavirus by contact (July 8, 2020)
In laboratory tests, the material inactivated 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 in two minutes. The technology developed by the startup, which is supported by FAPESP, will be used to produce face masks and hospital apparel.
Brazilian researchers will test more than 500 substances against novel coronavirus (July 8, 2020)
Assembled over a five-year period by the University of São Paulo’s Medicinal Chemistry Group, the material will be tested for treating infected cells. The goal of the research is to find a compound that inhibits the key enzyme in the replication of SARS-CoV-2 without affecting human cells.
Urban transmission of COVID-19 reproduces territorial inequities (July 8, 2020)
The study will analyze how the disease affects different communities in Brazil and the US based on social and demographic characteristics related to drivers of environmental vulnerability.
System forecasts hospital demand for personal protective equipment (July 8, 2020)
The open-access tool was developed in Brazil by researchers at the Center for Mathematical Sciences Applied to Industry to minimize the risk of shortages and overspending.
Discovery of immune mechanism involved in COVID-19 paves way for novel therapy (July 1, 2020)
Study conducted by the FAPESP-funded Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CRID) shows that drug currently used to treat cystic fibrosis can help prevent complications from infection by SARS-CoV-2.
FAPESP creates repository of clinical information to facilitate research on COVID-19 (July 1, 2020)
The platform contains data on 75,000 patients, 6,500 sets of outcome data, and 1.6 million clinical examinations and laboratory tests. The University of São Paulo, Fleury Group, Hospital Sírio-Libanês and Albert Einstein Jewish Hospital are participating.
Researchers seek antiviral molecules for the treatment of COVID-19 (July 1, 2020)
Synthetic compounds and molecules derived from natural products belonging to Brazil’s biodiversity are being screened by teams at the Center for Innovation in Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, which is supported by FAPESP.
Brazilian startup seeks to develop a wholly indigenous COVID-19 diagnostic test (July 1, 2020)
The project is supported by FAPESP’s Innovative Research in Small Business Program. The firm plans to produce ELISA kits that will detect antibodies against the novel coronavirus in blood serum.
Scientists create an online platform to offer Brazilian health workers guidance on the use of PPE (July 1, 2020)
The website developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo includes videos, illustrations, texts and posters with information on the right way to put on and take off masks, gloves, gowns and other items.
Drug developed to treat cancer accelerates recovery of severe COVID-19 patients (June 24, 2020)
Researchers at the University of Campinas tested the Brazilian immunotherapy drug OncoTherad on five patients who contracted the disease while being treated for bladder cancer. The drug attenuated the inflammation in their lungs and shortened their hospital stay.
‘Stay at home but don’t stay still,’ researchers recommend (June 24, 2020)
In a review article published in the American Journal of Physiology, Brazilian researchers present scientific evidence on the impact of short periods of inactivity on the cardiovascular system and recommend exercise to stay fit at home during the pandemic.
Computational tools can select novel coronavirus antigens to create therapeutic vaccines (June 24, 2020)
A formulation could be used in patients at risk of respiratory failure to prevent their condition from deteriorating. This methodology has been used to treat HIV/AIDS by an international group of scientists led by Brazilian researchers.
Researchers will study body fat immune cells to understand obesity-associated inflammation (June 24, 2020)
Brazilian researchers are the only Latin American group to have had a project selected in an international request for applications by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Funding of more USD 175,000 has been awarded to the study, which will be the first in Brazil to use single-cell analysis.
Brazilian firm refines mechanical ventilation technology (June 24, 2020)
Through a project supported by FAPESP, the São Paulo-based firm Setup is developing two portable ventilators. More robust and easier to operate than standard devices, they are designed for use in ICUs and field hospitals.
Researchers advocate green economy to surmount crisis caused by COVID-19 (June 24, 2020)
This was the main scientific position to emerge from the online seminar “Biodiversity, climate crisis, economies and pandemics” organized with FAPESP’s support via its program focused on biodiversity.
Animal testing of potential Brazilian vaccine for COVID-19 begins (June 17, 2020)
Pre-clinical trial will identify the formulation and concentration capable of inducing a rapid and lasting immune response, before further development and testing.
Brazilian scientists develop COVID-19 accelerometer (June 17, 2020)
Online application shows in real time whether the disease is spreading faster or slower in over 200 countries and helps evaluate the effectiveness of public policies aimed at containing the pandemic.
Potential transmissibility of COVID-19 in Brazil’s hinterland as high as in state capitals, shows study (June 17, 2020)
Hub cities far from state capitals can accelerate interiorization of the disease, according to a collaboration involving universities and the national disaster surveillance center.
Social inequality makes combating COVID-19 even harder (June 17, 2020)
Study shows that São Paulo City has eight distinct urban groups in economic, social and cultural terms, making effective action against the pandemic a challenge.
Military technologies to be adapted for fever detection in crowded places to combat COVID-19 (June 17, 2020)
Company supported by FAPESP is developing a smart visible and thermal spectrum imaging system to spot people with fever in schools, malls or offices.
Gene editing tool can help block infection by novel coronavirus (June 10, 2020)
Brazilian researchers are developing a strategy to induce mutations in the gene that encodes ACE-2, the protein used by SARS-CoV-2 to invade human cells. The goal is to disrupt the protein’s interaction with the virus without impairing its function in the organism.
Estrogens may protect women from COVID-19 (June 10, 2020)
A study supported by FAPESP is investigating the possibility that estrogens inhibit the progression of the disease. The goal is to find medications for the treatment of COVID-19.
Researchers in Brazil investigate mechanisms that trigger the inflammatory phase of COVID-19 (June 10, 2020)
Scientists affiliated with a research center supported by FAPESP set out to understand the strategies used by immune cells to combat the most severe phase of the disease.
Vulnerability of Brazilian workers evaluated in crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (June 10, 2020)
Only 13.8% of the workforce has jobs in sectors not badly hit by social isolation according to a research network set up to propose ways of improving the quality of government policies for dealing with the crisis.
Researchers discover mechanism that makes COVID-19 more severe in diabetics (June 03, 2020)
Higher blood glucose levels captured by defense cells provide energy for augmented viral replication, triggering overwhelming immune response that kills lung cells.
Study shows advantage of alternating quarantines in cities across the state of São Paulo (June 03, 2020)
Strategy would maintain economic activity and protect healthcare services, according to system developed by a research center supported by FAPESP.
Brazilian researchers develop rapid test to detect novel coronavirus (June 03, 2020)
The device will identify parts of the virus’s RNA in the saliva of infected subjects. Other initiatives by the research group at the Federal University of São Carlos include developing sensors to look for the pathogen in the air and in sewerage systems.
The COVID-19 pandemic requires society to provide more care for the elderly (June 03, 2020)
Some 300,000 older people live alone in São Paulo City, and more than 8,000 say they have no one to turn to for help. A study supported by FAPESP describe their vulnerability in the ongoing public health crisis.
COVID-19 should be treated as a thrombotic disease, Brazilian pulmonologist argues (May 27, 2020)
Dr. Elnara Negri, who works in São Paulo City at the largest hospital complex in Latin America, advocates the use of the anti-coagulant drug heparin to treat complications caused by novel coronavirus.
Over 50% of adults in Brazil can be considered at risk for COVID-19 (May 27, 2020)
This study analyzes the prevalence of factors that increase the risk of severe manifestations of COVID-19, such as old age, chronic disease, obesity and smoking, among others. The proportion of the most susceptible people is 80% among those with less schooling.
Project to investigate how the novel coronavirus affects the olfactory system (May 27, 2020)
A group of scientists in the state of São Paulo plan to determine whether a sudden loss of smell is an early indication of COVID-19.
Only 1.2% of population of largest city in north of São Paulo State have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 (May 27, 2020)
Estimate is based on testing of 700 inhabitants of Ribeirão Preto in early May. Another round of testing will be conducted in June. The study is carried out by the University of São Paulo in partnership with the city’s health department.
Researchers in Brazil develop low-cost mechanical ventilators s (May 27, 2020)
Created at the University of São Paulo’s Engineering School (POLI-USP), the machine costs approximately 7% as much as a conventional ventilator and can be freely manufactured by companies that obtain approval from the national health surveillance authority.
Use of anticoagulant medication leads to 70% reduction in cell infection by novel coronavirus (May 20, 2020)
Laboratory tests conducted by collaborating Brazilian and European researchers showed that heparin alters the shape of the protein used by SARS-CoV-2 to penetrate host cells.
Median age of first patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brazil was lower than elsewhere (May 20, 2020)
Study shows that the 20-39 age group accounted for almost half the cases confirmed in the first month, possibly explaining why a smaller proportion of the total number infected were hospitalized in the period.
Academia-business partnership stimulates local production of inputs for key COVID-19 diagnostic test (May 20, 2020)
Researchers at the University of Campinas partner with biotech startups to promote local production of hitherto imported reagents. The goal is to increase Brazil’s capacity to perform RT-PCR tests, considered the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis.
Artificial intelligence to track news of COVID-19 (May 20, 2020)
Digital tool developed at the University of São Paulo’s Mathematics and Computer Sciences Institute (ICMC-USP) in São Carlos refines projections for the spread of the pandemic.
Face shield developed by the University of São Paulo is produced by industrial firms (May 20, 2020)
3D printed face shields are worn by frontline health workers over a conventional surgical mask.
Researchers in São Paulo will combine biotechnological techniques to formulate COVID-19 vaccine (May 13, 2020)
Scientists in Butantan Institute’s Special Vaccine Development Laboratory will couple SARS-CoV-2 antigen to bacterial membrane in order to trigger defense against coronavirus.
Brazilian startup develops technology for remote monitoring of patients with suspected COVID-19 (May 13, 2020)
Based on the Internet of Things, the system was developed in a project supported by FAPESP. Patients can be advised to seek hospital care if they detect a deterioration in clinical signs.
Novel coronavirus can infect human neurons (May 13, 2020)
Brazilian researchers are conducting tests with cultured cells to find out how COVID-19 changes patterns of proteins and other metabolites present in samples.
Satellite images confirm a decrease in airborne pollution in São Paulo (May 13, 2020)
A drop of 33% in levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is associated with a reduction in diesel vehicle traffic and industrial production due to isolation measures taken to slow the spread of novel coronavirus.
Researchers develop rapid tests to diagnose COVID-19 (May 6, 2020)
Several initiatives are pursuing alternatives to increase the number of diagnostic tests performed in Brazil. Research groups who previously developed low-cost rapid tests for Zika fever and other viral diseases are adapting these models for use in detecting SARS-CoV-2.
Startup develops reusable mask with enhanced protection against novel coronavirus (May 6, 2020)
Developed with FAPESP’s support via its small business program, the N95-type respirator is made of material containing silica-silver microparticles with antimicrobial and antifungal properties that hinder surface adhesion by SARS-CoV-2.
Pollution in São Paulo fell by 50% in just one week but remains high in the city center (May 6, 2020)
A drastic reduction in traffic due to the coronavirus lockdown resulted in a rapid decrease in airborne pollution: The levels of carbon monoxide fell by 50% in São Paulo City in a single week.
Study identifies potential target for treatment of COVID-1 (April 29, 2020)
Brazilian researchers show that the activity of the gene TRIB3 in lung cells declines in men as they age. Compounds capable of reversing the process could be tested against the novel coronavirus.
Antibodies to treat COVID-19 will be developed in laboratory (April 29, 2020)
To develop a drug capable of treating the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, a research institution in São Paulo will deploy a platform used to produce monoclonal antibodies against tetanus and zika.
Startups develop system that detects fever remotely in people approaching hospital front desks (April 29, 2020)
AI-based technology developed by a São Paulo startup supported by FAPESP is in use at Albert Einstein Jewish Hospital to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission.
FAPESP selects 30 projects in call for research proposals to combat novel coronavirus (April 29, 2020)
Selected projects aim to repurpose existing drugs for treatment of COVID-19, find novel compounds with therapeutic potential and develop alternative diagnostic methods. The call remains open until June 22.
Brazilian researchers test treatment with antibodies from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 (April 22, 2020)
Scientists affiliated with the FAPESP-funded Center for Cell-Based Therapy have collected plasma from donors and are conducting a trial to check the safety and effectiveness of passive immunization.
Startup supported by FAPESP will supply mechanical ventilators to Brazil’s Health Ministry (April 22, 2020)
Based in São Paulo, Magnamed will produce 6,500 ventilators by August for use in treating COVID-19 patients, working in partnership with a pool of leading Brazilian and multinational corporations.
Laboratory infrastructure in the state of São Paulo forms COVID-19 diagnostic testing platform (April 22, 2020)
The initiative is coordinated by Butantan Institute and includes units in several cities accredited by Adolfo Lutz Institute (IAL), the regional reference laboratory. Short supply is the main bottleneck delaying the expansion of testing in the state.
Researchers join forces to combat coronavirus (April 22, 2020)
Researchers at the University of Campinas are organizing professionals, supplies and equipment to test for COVID-19, understand how the virus works, identify existing drugs that are effective against the disease, and use 3D printing to produce parts for ventilators and personal protective equipment.
Technology optimizes use of mechanical ventilation and ICU beds (April 22, 2020)
Electrical impedance tomography system developed by startup based in São Paulo minimizes complications associated with mechanical ventilation and is used in the treatment of COVID-19 by hospitals in Italy, Spain and the US.
Patients with chronic diseases display increased expression of gene that facilitates SARS-CoV-2 infection (April 15, 2020)
Metabolic changes associated with diseases such as pulmonary hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may reprogram gene expression to increase production of a protein used by SARS-CoV-2 to penetrate lung cells.
Results of COVID-19 autopsies offer help with treatment of severe cases (April 15, 2020)
Brazilian researchers use minimally invasive technique to perform autopsies on deceased patients diagnosed with COVID-19, with the aim of assisting physicians and other health workers.
Housing deficit makes “vertical isolation” impossible, Brazilian researchers say (April 15, 2020)
Research by the FAPESP-funded Center for Metropolitan Studies (CEM) shows that it is not feasible to separate high-risk groups in low-income communities, where the majority of the Brazilian population live. The problem is especially acute in the Southeast region, with metropolitan São Paulo displaying the largest deficit.
FAPESP selects first projects in call to combat COVID-19 (April 15, 2020)
One of the studies will evaluate the effectiveness of drugs that inhibit bradykinin against pulmonary inflammation in critical patients. The other will analyze the transmission dynamics of the novel coronavirus in a small town in Amazonia.
Researchers seek test capable of predicting whether COVID-19 patients may develop severe complications (April 8, 2020)
Scientists in the state of São Paulo are working on a method of diagnosing the disease quickly and cheaply by combining an analysis of the pattern of molecules in body fluids with machine learning.
Brazilian researchers test potential drugs against novel coronavirus (April 8, 2020)
Scientists at Brazil’s National Energy and Materials Research Center are analyzing the antiviral action of commercially available drugs in cultured cells.
New coronavirus is produced in Brazilian laboratory (April 8, 2020)
Researchers explains how their experience with the Zika virus, made possible with funding from FAPESP, helped them to cultured the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
54.8% of COVID-19 cases imported to Brazil by March 5 came from Italy (April 1, 2020)
In contrast with China and other countries where the disease spread slowly, in Brazil more than 300 people started the epidemic. Most were passengers flying in from Italy.
Strategy pursued in developing Ebola vaccine could be used to produce COVID-19 vaccine (April 1, 2020)
In animal testing, experimental Ebola vaccine based on platform developed by US pharmaceutical company in partnership with Brazilian researchers conferred immunity against hemorrhagic virus with single dose.
Minimally invasive autopsies confirm deaths due to COVID-19 in São Paulo (March 25, 2020)
Techniques developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo with FAPESP’s support are helping to enhance the safety of health workers and enable scientists to understand more about the biology of the disease.
FAPESP will fund research to combat COVID-19 (March 25, 2020)
Researchers, small businesses and startups will receive BRL 30 million for projects to develop diagnostic kits, therapies and therapeutic procedures, ventilators, personal protective equipment for health workers and solutions for health services, among others.
Brazilian scientists are developing a vaccine against the new coronavirus (March 18, 2020)
Using a novel technological platform, researchers at the University of São Paulo plan to produce a candidate vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 for testing in animals in the next few months.
Researchers in São Paulo produce new coronavirus in the laboratory (March 11, 2020)
Samples of the virus will be distributed to public and private clinical laboratories all over Brazil for use as positive controls. The goal is to enhance the labs’ capacity to perform diagnostic tests.
Technology used to sequence coronavirus in Brazil will enable scientists to monitor epidemic in real time (March 04, 2020)
With FAPESP’s support, researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil and Oxford University in the UK trained the team at Adolfo Lutz Institute to use the methodology even before the virus arrived in Brazil. The genomic data will be useful for the development of vaccines and diagnostic tests.