Vida de Cientista: Etelvino Bechara

Summary

Professor Bechara, a renowned scientist, shares his diverse research journey, ranging from free radicals and environmental pollution to groundbreaking studies on bioluminescence. His work includes exploring the toxic effects of lead on children's behavior and collaborating on innovative melanoma research. However, his passion lies in studying bioluminescent insects, such as fireflies, discovering new species, and mentoring students who continue to advance the field. His dedication to scientific exploration, whether in the lab or the field, has led to significant discoveries and international recognition in the scientific community.

Takeaways

• 😀 Professor Uvin Bechara has an extensive background in research, focusing on bioluminescence, free radicals, pollution, and their impacts on human health.
• 😀 His early research involved the study of free radicals and the environmental impact of pollution, with a particular focus on lead exposure and its link to aggressive and delinquent behavior in children.
• 😀 He collaborated with the School of Public Health on a recent study published in 2012, exploring the connection between childhood lead exposure and later behavioral issues.
• 😀 Professor Bechara improved upon earlier studies of schizophrenia and manic-depressive disorders by refining selection criteria and working with the Psychiatric Hospital of Jundiaí.
• 😀 His work in photo-chemistry expanded to the study of photobiology, specifically focusing on the effects of sunlight exposure on DNA damage, leading to a collaboration with Professor Douglas Bres.
• 😀 The collaboration with Professor Bres, a physicist in dermatology, helped explore how DNA damage continues after sun exposure, contributing to the understanding of skin cancer, specifically melanoma.
• 😀 Professor Bechara's significant achievement in his career was his work on bioluminescence, particularly his studies of fireflies, which captivated him early in his career.
• 😀 He led fieldwork where he discovered three new species of fireflies, one of which he named *Eopa clarinda*, in honor of a local midwife who had assisted in guiding him to a site with red-emitting fireflies.
• 😀 Professor Bechara has mentored several students, some of whom have become leading experts in bioluminescence, including Vadinho Viviani, Casos Vivian, and Pio Colepicolo.
• 😀 His students are now contributing to the broader field of bioluminescence, studying luminescent mushrooms and marine algae, with some earning recognition in prestigious media outlets such as National Geographic and the BBC.
• 😀 Professor Bechara finds the greatest joy in researching and sharing scientific knowledge, particularly in the field of bioluminescence, and values collaborations that push the boundaries of discovery.

Q & A

What was the main focus of Professor Bechara's early research?

Professor Bechara's early research focused on free radicals and their role in the body, particularly in relation to pollution and the harmful effects of substances like lead. He also explored the connection between lead exposure and aggressive behavior or delinquency in children.

How did Professor Bechara's work on schizophrenia and manic depression evolve?

Professor Bechara built upon the work of Milkon by improving the selection criteria for patient samples. He collaborated with the psychiatric hospital in Jili and Professor Abidala, refining the study's methodology and focusing on photo-sensitivity in these mental health conditions.

What breakthrough did Professor Bechara have in the field of photochemistry?

Professor Bechara's breakthrough in photochemistry involved studying singlet oxygen as a photochemical agent. He worked on understanding the damage caused by sunlight, particularly the DNA lesions resulting from UV exposure, and how these lesions continued even in the absence of light.

What was the significance of Professor Bechara's collaboration with Professor Douglas Bres?

The collaboration with Professor Douglas Bres was significant because it addressed an unknown phenomenon where DNA lesions continued to form in melanocytes (cells producing melanin) even hours after sun exposure. This discovery contributed to a deeper understanding of skin cancer, especially melanoma.

How did Professor Bechara describe the importance of his research on bioluminescence?

Professor Bechara expressed that his greatest pleasure in research came from studying bioluminescence, particularly in fireflies. His fieldwork led to the discovery of three new species of fireflies, one of which was named *Europa clar*, in honor of a local midwife who had encouraged him to explore the region.

What discovery related to bioluminescence did Professor Bechara make in the Cerrado region?

In the Cerrado region, Professor Bechara discovered fireflies that emitted red light, a phenomenon that had not been documented in scientific literature at the time. This discovery was a significant contribution to the field of bioluminescence.

How did Professor Bechara contribute to the field of bioluminescence with his students?

Professor Bechara mentored several students who went on to make significant contributions to bioluminescence research. One student, Vadinho Viviani, became a leading authority on fireflies' biology, biochemistry, and applications. Another student, Casos Vivian, studied bioluminescent mushrooms, while a third, Pio Colepicolo, focused on bioluminescent marine algae.

What is the relevance of Professor Bechara's work with marine algae?

Professor Bechara's work with marine algae, particularly bioluminescent phytoplankton, expanded the understanding of bioluminescence beyond terrestrial organisms. One of his students, Pio Colepicolo, studied this phenomenon, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on bioluminescence in marine environments.

What are the broader implications of Professor Bechara's research in terms of environmental and medical science?

Professor Bechara's research has important implications for both environmental science and medicine. His work on DNA damage caused by UV light exposure informs skin cancer research, while his studies of bioluminescent organisms offer new insights into the ecological roles of these species and their potential applications in biotechnology and medicine.

What personal aspect of research does Professor Bechara emphasize as being most fulfilling?

Professor Bechara emphasizes the joy of discovery and the thrill of scientific exploration as the most fulfilling aspect of his research. He finds great satisfaction in uncovering new knowledge, whether through fieldwork with fireflies or in his collaborations that lead to groundbreaking scientific findings.