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IMAGE: The hormone acts as a barrier against SARS-CoV-2, blocking the expression of genes that encode proteins in cells serving as viral entry points, according to a study by researchers at. view more
Credit: NIAD/NIH
By Elton Alisson | Agência FAPESP - Melatonin synthesized in the lungs acts as a barrier against SARS-CoV-2, preventing expression of genes that encode proteins in cells such as resident macrophages in the nose and pulmonary alveoli, and epithelial cells lining the alveoli, all of which are entry points for the virus. The hormone, therefore, prevents infection of these cells by the virus and inhibits the immune response so that the virus remains in the respiratory tract for a few days, eventually leaving to find another host.
by Elton Alisson (Agência FAPESP) Biofuels play a fundamental role in decarbonizing the transportation sector. Current policies to grow biofuel production and use on a global scale, however, are not sufficiently ambitious, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
To address this problem, the IEA will assess the effectiveness of the policies implemented by leading producers of low-carbon fuels for transportation such as Brazil in order to help them identify bottlenecks, recommend solutions, and share best practices so as to move the bioenergy agenda forward.
The initiative was presented by IEA representatives during the Fourth Brazilian Bioenergy Science and Technology Conference (BBEST), held online between November 30 and December 2.
Large rural properties account for 54% of the environmental deficit in the state of São Paulo | AGÃNCIA FAPESP The estimate comes from a research project supported by FAPESP to produce scientific input for implementation of Brazilâs new forest code in the state (
image: map showing estimated legal reserve deficits in São Paulo by rural property, in hectares; credit: ESALQ-USP)
Large rural properties account for 54% of the environmental deficit in the state of São Paulo
December 23, 2020
By Elton Alisson | Agência FAPESP – Although large farms account for only 3.5% of the more than 340,000 registered rural properties in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, they are responsible for 54% of the state’s environmental deficit, i.e. lost native vegetation, according to estimates by researchers who took part in a project
Experts explain challenges of COVID-19 vaccine supply chain logistics and management | AGÃNCIA FAPESP
photo: Wikimedia Commons)
December 23, 2020
By Elton Alisson | Agência FAPESP – With at least two COVID-19 vaccines winning regulatory approval in the UK, US and Canada, and vaccination starting in those countries, the next challenge is large-scale production of vaccines and equitable global distribution to contain transmission of the disease.
In developing countries such as Brazil, it will be necessary to set up and manage supply chains for vaccine production, fill-and-finish, transportation, and storage. The inputs required, ranging from biological components to vials, syringes, and needles, are manufactured in different parts of the world and subject to shortages due to the sharp rise in world demand and the fall in air traffic, among other factors.