Research into gastric cancer, malaria, and anesthetic gas awarded L’Oréal Medals

Researchers Inês Gonçalves, from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (INEB), Joana Tavares, from the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMC), and Luísa Neves, from the Chemistry and Technology Network REQUIMTE, are the latest winners of the “L’Oréal Portugal Medals of Honor for Women in Science” award, which celebrates its 10th edition this year.

In her award-winning research, Inês Gonçalves aims to remove the Helicobacter pylori bacterium from the stomach, which in cases of persistent infection has been linked to gastric cancers. Her research project involves building a new biomaterial, in the form of microspheres, capable of binding to this bacterium and removing it from the gastrointestinal tract. The researcher hopes to develop a treatment that can be used as an alternative to antibiotics.

Joana Tavares will further her research into the malaria parasite. The researcher aims to identify the molecule (or molecules) responsible for the process that allows the parasite, in the form injected by the mosquito, to overcome the host's defenses and settle in the liver once in the bloodstream. Through this study, she hopes to be able to interfere with the parasite's ability to remain in the hepatic circulation and contribute new knowledge to a malaria vaccine.

Luísa Neves' project brings together the fields of health sciences and the environment and aims to develop a system that purifies anesthetic gas and captures carbon dioxide. During surgery, the carbon dioxide produced when the patient exhales contaminates the anesthetic gas. The process to be developed by the researcher aims to remove carbon dioxide efficiently and safely, which will enable the reuse of anesthetic gas, contributing to the reduction of hospital costs in surgery.

Since 2004, the Medals of Honor for Women in Science have supported 31 young scientists, in a partnership between the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), L'Oréal Portugal, and the National Commission for UNESCO (CNU). In addition to the Medal of Honor, the award-winning researchers will receive €20,000 in funding to support their research project.