3D concrete printing and the structuration challenge for buildability

3D printing has been making its ground in several industrial applications, including the construction sector. As such technology advances in development and innovation, the idea that buildings could be built in a fully automated manner becomes increasingly feasible. In the industry, 3D concrete printing has been proving to be very promising, and viscosity-enhancing admixtures can play a key role in the success of the application. Read More →

Bufotenine and new perspectives for the treatment of rabies

Currently, rabies remains almost 100% fatal due to the lack of specific treatment. Bufotenine – an alkaloid present in some frogs’ skin secretions as well as in plant seeds – has been shown to be effective in reducing either the onset of symptoms or the mortality in mice. Read More →

Perspectives and scenarios in the airline sector during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Interview with professor Tessaleno Devezas presents an original vision of why the surprise effect caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economic system and the cause-effect reciprocity presented by the aeronautical sector as well. The researcher discusses possible scenarios and probable characteristics that involve the sector, presenting thoughts about how to face the socioeconomic situation during and after the crisis. Read More →

Essential ginger oil has antifungal action

Food products and goods, such as corn kernels, may eventually be contaminated by fungi. In recent research, ginger essential oil was analyzed as a possible alternative to be a synthetic fungicides, by inhibiting the development of fungi in corn kernels. The results showed antifungal efficacy of the essential oil of ginger against the fungus Aspergillus flavus. Read More →

Transport of cattle influences meat quality

Quality meat is the result of several factors such as food, production and also the transport of cattle. For greater economic profitability, transport with a high rate of stocking of the bodies is common, but it results in hematomas in the bovine carcasses. Study analyzed three types of bodies, their stocking rate and the incidence of hematomas in the carcasses of cattle. Read More →

How can the use of a biological glue allow motor recovery after spinal cord injury?

Upper and lower limb injuries are common outcomes of accidents. There is no significant recovery and surgical options are quite limited. A research has developed a new therapy by using the fibrina sealant produced by the Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP) conjugated with the drug dimethyl fumarate. The results are encouraging regarding mobility recovery. Read More →

Face masks: how important are they in a pandemic?

The use of homemade fabric face mask constitutes an important non-pharmacological intervention to protect population against infection by bacteria and viruses, especially in a pandemic situation. This intervention combined with hygiene, disinfection of high-touch surfaces, and cough etiquettes are efficient measures to prevent transmission of coronavirus. Read More →

Mental health of the general population and health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aside from concerns regarding physical health, COVID-19 entails repercussions in mental health as well. The population in general and health professionals in particular have reported symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Rapid changes in routine and financial instability may also affect interpersonal relationships and psychological well-being. Read More →

Chondroitin Polymerizing Factor and its therapeutic function for the clinical treatment of lung cancer

Lung cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide and is characterized by rapid progression, aggressive behavior, frequent recurrence, and poor prognosis. Study investigate the function of CHPF in lung cancer, lentiviral vectors expressing CHPF shRNA were stably transduced into A549 and H1299 cells. Compared to shCtrl cells, CHPF knockdown cells had significantly reduced proliferation. Read More →

Health professionals fighting COVID-19 in hospitals and risking their health and life to care of infected patients

The paper discusses the challenge faced by health professionals delivering care to patients with COVID-19, and who are at high risk for infection. The adequate use of personal protective equipment reduces the risk, however, there is a need to have adequate provision of these protective materials available, and also trained professionals who can use them. Read More →