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Curious about Science #52: Visual verticality perception disorder in stroke patients

Duration: 0:04:12.969795

"Curious About Science" features an episode focusing on a significant yet often overlooked issue affecting stroke survivors: a disorder related to visual vertical perception. This condition occurs when the brain loses its ability to understand orientation, making it difficult for individuals to recognize what is "up" or "down." This disorder is common after strokes, which are a leading cause of disability worldwide. It can lead to imbalances, falls, and difficulties in daily activities such as walking. The episode discusses research conducted by physiotherapist Diandra Bose Favorito, which is divided into two parts. The first part examines how visual vertical perception disorders affect recovery in over 100 stroke patients, utilizing various assessment methods. The research indicates that a significant number of patients do not fully recover in the initial months post-stroke and identifies specific thresholds that can help evaluate the severity of the disorder and its impact on functionality. The second phase of the study investigates the use of High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS), a technique that applies low-intensity electric currents to specific brain areas to stimulate their function. The study included two patients who showed promising improvements in their ability to identify visual vertical cues following the stimulation, with no adverse effects reported, suggesting the technique is both safe and effective in treating such disorders. The research highlights the connection between visual perception disorders and patient functionality, proposing that electrical stimulation could be a valuable tool in treatment. Diandra Bose Favorito defended her doctoral thesis in 2023, under Professor Thaís Elaine Grespan Santos, as part of the Postgraduate Program in Neurology. This episode of "Curious About Science," produced by USP Radio and the "Doutor Fisiologia" startup, emphasizes the importance of research that impacts health and well-being.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: Visual Vertical Perception Disorder in Stroke Survivors

Science news roundup in Brazil

Duration: 0:12:56.594285

Before the episode begins, the host emphasizes the effort involved in producing it weekly and requests listeners to support the podcast by following, rating, and recommending it to others. The host explains that financial support, even small amounts, is greatly appreciated and can help cover operational costs. Supporters can join a group for direct interaction with the production team. In this episode, the focus is on celebrating Brazilian scientific achievements, showcasing innovative research that impacts both Brazil and the world. The host invites listeners to be inspired by the creativity and intelligence of Brazilian researchers. The episode highlights the recognition of researchers from the Federal University of Paraíba for their social inclusion initiative, "V Libras," which translates Portuguese content to Brazilian Sign Language and has gained significant usage. Another segment discusses ongoing research aimed at addressing mercury contamination among Indigenous peoples in the Amazon due to illegal mining. A significant percentage of tested Indigenous individuals were found to have high mercury levels in their hair, provoking health concerns. There are positive developments, as researcher Teresa Cristina Souza de Oliveira is working on a project to measure mercury levels and implement water treatment systems for affected communities, utilizing activated charcoal made from açaí pits. Lastly, the episode touches on the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the challenges of long COVID and ongoing Brazilian research into its effects.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: ScienceBrazilian Scientific Innovations and Social Impact

Science for national sovereignty

Duration: 0:18:07.111837

Before the episode begins, the host, Letícia Sarturi, requests support for the podcast, emphasizing the effort required to produce weekly content. She encourages listeners to follow, rate, and recommend the podcast to help spread scientific knowledge. Additionally, she mentions ways to support financially through platforms like Apoia.se and PicPay or by making a Pix donation. The episode focuses on the theme of national sovereignty, particularly in the context of the Brazilian scientific landscape. Letícia discusses the importance of scientific autonomy for national sovereignty, highlighting Brazil's dependence on other countries due to low investment in science (approximately 1.2% of GDP compared to over 3% in countries like the U.S. and Germany). She points out historical fluctuations in funding, which have negatively affected research and education. The discussion emphasizes how strengthening Brazilian science can lead to greater independence and sovereignty. Letícia shares personal experiences from her academic journey, illustrating the challenges faced when relying on imported reagents due to insufficient domestic production. She discusses recent government initiatives, such as the inauguration of a pharmaceutical factory in Pernambuco that will produce a key hemophilia treatment, significantly reducing reliance on foreign imports. Furthermore, Letícia highlights Brazil's capability in vaccine production, noting that vaccines for COVID-19 were partially produced domestically, showcasing the potential of Brazilian institutions like Fiocruz and Butantan. Both institutes play critical roles in producing vaccines and other biological products crucial for public health. The episode aims to shed light on how scientific advancements can contribute to Brazil's sovereignty and future development.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: ScienceBrazil's Scientific Sovereignty and National Development

Is vitamin D good for everything?

Duration: 0:22:10.912653

The podcast episode discusses the role of vitamin D in health, the issue of misinformation regarding its benefits, and the current state of scientific understanding. Letícia Sarturi, a neurologist, highlights that vitamin D acts more as a precursor hormone and is crucial for regulating calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. The two main forms of vitamin D, D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol), are sourced from dietary and environmental origins, with D3 being synthesized in the skin via UV exposure. Sarturi explains the complex metabolism of vitamin D, which requires activation in the liver and kidneys, and details how vitamin D influences various physiological actions through genomic and non-genomic mechanisms. The episode elaborates on vitamin D's significance for bone health, muscle function, and its correlation with chronic diseases and mortality risks. However, it emphasizes that not everyone requires supplementation, as its benefits and required serum levels vary among individuals. The podcast underscores the need for critical examination of vitamin D supplementation due to prevalent charlatanism and misinformation. Sarturi concludes by promising to delve deeper into specific health conditions associated with vitamin D supplementation in future discussions, inviting listeners to support the podcast to continue sharing scientific knowledge.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: ScienceRole of vitamin D in health