P1: 17/08 – 10:15am to 11:15am - The Janus face of plastic
The presence of small plastic particles in the environment, has only recently been recognized as a global issue, despite the first reports in the 1970's. The consumption and associated risks continue to grow even though the environmental awareness is growing. The presence of microplastics has been increasingly reported along with the concern over plastic degradation into smaller particles like nanoplastics, a potentially more pernicious form of plastic pollution. Currently it is recognized that the plastics in the environment are reaching humans via contaminated food, drinks and air. The reported effects of micro(nano) plastics on biota range from depletion of energy reserves and altered metabolism to immunological, neurotoxic effects and behavioral effects. This presentation will focus on current scientific knowledge in terms of reasons to study the effects of small plastics present in the environment, what has been assessed so far and most common methodologies. Recent results of the research team will be highlighted
Dr. Marcelino Miguel de Oliveira - CESAM/University of Aveiro – UA - Portugal
Miguel Oliveira holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Aveiro (Portugal), and is currently a Researcher at the Center for Environmental and Sea Studies and the Department of Biology at the University of Aveiro, where he teaches subjects such as Molecular and Cellular Toxicology, Human and Environmental Biomarkers and Cell and Tissue Culture. He has more than 90 scientific publications, being among the researchers who most review articles (Publons) in the area of the environment. Among his lines of research, the evaluation of the effects of emerging contaminants (e.g., micro (nano) plastics, nanoparticles and drugs) on aquatic organisms and cell lines is highlighted. Some of his articles in the area of microplastics are among the most cited in the respective magazines. He has been involved in organizing several sessions at international specialty conferences and postgraduate courses.
Miguel Oliveira holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Aveiro (Portugal), and is currently a Researcher at the Center for Environmental and Sea Studies and the Department of Biology at the University of Aveiro, where he teaches subjects such as Molecular and Cellular Toxicology, Human and Environmental Biomarkers and Cell and Tissue Culture. He has more than 90 scientific publications, being among the researchers who most review articles (Publons) in the area of the environment. Among his lines of research, the evaluation of the effects of emerging contaminants (e.g., micro (nano) plastics, nanoparticles and drugs) on aquatic organisms and cell lines is highlighted. Some of his articles in the area of microplastics are among the most cited in the respective magazines. He has been involved in organizing several sessions at international specialty conferences and postgraduate courses.
P2: 17/08 – 11:30am to 12:30pm - RNAi technology as an alternative for the control of agricultural pests
Gene silencing by RNAi is one of the most ubiquitous mechanisms in eukaryotes, which works both as an antiviral response and to control the expression of endogenous genes. As a biotechnological tool, RNAi has enabled inhibition of gene expression in a variety of organisms, from fungi and nematodes to humans. Just identify the sequence of a target gene, draw and synthesize double-stranded RNA molecules from this gene sequence and introduce these molecules into the body, by feeding, injection or topically. Once inside the target organism's cell, the endogenous RNAi machinery will promote the fragmentation of the corresponding mRNA, reducing the amount of non-coding RNA or protein that would be translated from the degraded mRNA. Our research group identifies genes essential for the survival of various pests and agents that cause agricultural diseases. In this lecture, we will see how the RNAi tool was used by us to study genes that control the development of insects and how we are adapting this technology to develop a solution with great potential for the productive sector, due to its specificity of action, for not attacking the environment and because it is being considered a great promise to reduce the billion dollar agricultural losses that occur every year in our country.
Dr. Henrique Marques-Souza - Biology Institute / State University of Campinas – UNICAMP
PhD Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, UNICAMP, since 2010. He is an Agronomist by the State University of Londrina (2001), Master of Science by the Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, at the University of São Paulo (2003) , and PhD in Genetics and Functional Genomics from the University of Cologne, Germany (2007). He did postdoctoral studies at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, as an associate researcher at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), from 2008 to 2010. His career has been dedicated to understanding the role of gene regulation networks controlling cellular decision making in different contexts, as in embryonic stem cells and during embryonic development and regeneration in animals. For this, he uses molecular tools for genomic editing (CRISPR-Cas9) and gene silencing (RNAi) and global analysis of gene expression (RNA-seq). Currently, the focus of his laboratory is to develop biotechnological solutions through RNAi gene silencing technology to control pests and agricultural diseases.
PhD Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, UNICAMP, since 2010. He is an Agronomist by the State University of Londrina (2001), Master of Science by the Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, at the University of São Paulo (2003) , and PhD in Genetics and Functional Genomics from the University of Cologne, Germany (2007). He did postdoctoral studies at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, as an associate researcher at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), from 2008 to 2010. His career has been dedicated to understanding the role of gene regulation networks controlling cellular decision making in different contexts, as in embryonic stem cells and during embryonic development and regeneration in animals. For this, he uses molecular tools for genomic editing (CRISPR-Cas9) and gene silencing (RNAi) and global analysis of gene expression (RNA-seq). Currently, the focus of his laboratory is to develop biotechnological solutions through RNAi gene silencing technology to control pests and agricultural diseases.
P3: 19/08 – 1:45pm to 2:45pm - Searching for “Non Toxic” Natural Dyes for Sustainable Applications
Biodegradable and recyclable textile and package innovations are increasing. However, currently synthetic colourants are used and they are designed to be stable, which runs counter to bio-degradability. BioColour research project (https://biocolour.fi) for the years 2019-2025 aims to develop new methods for the large-scale production of biocolourants, along with their characterisation and applications. The United Nation’s Agenda 2030 goals for sustainable development, e.g. goals 12 and 15, motivates researchers to move even deeper and develop new industrial products to be based on environmentally sound colourants. One important objective is to assess the toxicity of biocolourants to human health and the environment, as natural origin per se does not mean safe or non-toxic.
Dra. Riikka Räisänen - University of Helsinki, Finland
Riikka Räisänen, PhD, works as a principal investigator at the University of Helsinki, Finland. She is the leader of the BioColour research consortium (2019-2025, https://biocolour.fi, financed by the Strategic Research Council at the Academy of Finland), which aims to enhance sustainability in textile and packaging colouration. She has a multidisciplinary academic background, which includes studies in chemistry, environmental research, craft science, textile technology and education. Her PhD (2002) was about fungal anthraquinones as dyes for textile materials. Her main research topics are related to biocolourants, dyeing and sustainable textiles. Räisänen has deep expertise in academic leadership and administration as well as supervision of thesis and lecturing. She is active in scientific writing and refereeing as well as popularizing research results to the broad audience.
Riikka Räisänen, PhD, works as a principal investigator at the University of Helsinki, Finland. She is the leader of the BioColour research consortium (2019-2025, https://biocolour.fi, financed by the Strategic Research Council at the Academy of Finland), which aims to enhance sustainability in textile and packaging colouration. She has a multidisciplinary academic background, which includes studies in chemistry, environmental research, craft science, textile technology and education. Her PhD (2002) was about fungal anthraquinones as dyes for textile materials. Her main research topics are related to biocolourants, dyeing and sustainable textiles. Räisänen has deep expertise in academic leadership and administration as well as supervision of thesis and lecturing. She is active in scientific writing and refereeing as well as popularizing research results to the broad audience.
P4: 19/08 – 3:00pm to 4:00pm - Climate change: Impacts on the Amazon and Brazilian ecosystems.
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges that humanity will have to deal with over the next few decades. Our society is on a trajectory of an average temperature increase of 3.3 degrees Celsius, and in some continental regions we can expect increases of 4 degrees Celsius. Precipitation, which is already being altered, may bring difficulties for the next generations in producing food for the planet. Important socioeconomic impacts are likely to occur, such as large-scale migrations, and an increase in social inequalities. We can change this trajectory, reducing emissions quickly. The impact on the Amazon region can be significant, and the region positively feeds global warming.
Dr. Paulo Eduardo Artaxo Netto – University of São Paulo (USP)
Paulo Artaxo is a full professor in the Department of Applied Physics at USP's Institute of Physics and member of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). He is also a member of Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC), and vice president of the State of São Paulo Academy of Sciences (ACIESP)
Paulo Artaxo is a full professor in the Department of Applied Physics at USP's Institute of Physics and member of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). He is also a member of Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC), and vice president of the State of São Paulo Academy of Sciences (ACIESP)