Fapesp

FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

News

Research funded by FAPESP aligned with the SDGs

News

Research funded by FAPESP aligned with the SDGs

University of São Paulo tests first renewable hydrogen plant based on ethanol
SDG 7, SDG 9
University of São Paulo tests first renewable hydrogen plant based on ethanol

The Governor of the state of São Paulo visited the site to learn about the FAPESP-supported pilot project, which is a global pioneer and could boost sustainable energy in Brazil.


PROASA seeks to strengthen São Paulo’s role in the ocean science and sustainability agenda
SDG 14
PROASA seeks to strengthen São Paulo’s role in the ocean science and sustainability agenda

Coordinators of the FAPESP Program for the South Atlantic and Antarctica begin mapping São Paulo’s ocean science at an event in Santos.


Aquaculture in the Amazon promotes food security with less impact than livestock farming
SDG 12, SDG 13
Aquaculture in the Amazon promotes food security with less impact than livestock farming

In an article in Nature Sustainability, researchers from Brazil and the United States point out the advantages of fish farming over livestock farming, but warn of the need for stricter environmental regulations to prevent the activity from becoming an additional pressure on the biome.


Human pressure most affecting Atlantic Rainforest deer density, study finds
SDG 15
Human pressure most affecting Atlantic Rainforest deer density, study finds

The most robust estimate ever made in the biome shows that hunting, predation by domestic dogs, livestock diseases and competition with wild boars are among the main anthropogenic influences. Scientists used an innovative method involving trained dogs and fecal DNA analysis.


Maternal childhood trauma may lead to early metabolic changes in male children
SDG 3
Maternal childhood trauma may lead to early metabolic changes in male children

This is the finding of a study that followed 352 pairs of newborns and their mothers in the cities of Guarulhos and São Paulo (Brazil). Changes observed in the first two months of life may increase future risk of obesity and diabetes.


Research expands options for more sustainable soybean production
SDG 2
Research expands options for more sustainable soybean production

A group of scientists supported by FAPESP is studying a new strain of bacteria in consortium with rhizobia, microorganisms that biologically fix nitrogen, an essential nutrient for crops.


Study details role of protein that may play a key role in the development of schizophrenia
SDG 3
Study details role of protein that may play a key role in the development of schizophrenia

The rodent experiment, conducted at the State University of Campinas, highlighted the involvement of the hnRNP A1 molecule in maintaining the integrity of the myelin sheath – a fatty layer that protects neurons and facilitates communication between them. The findings pave the way for potential therapies.


Scientists call for more biodiversity on COP-30 agenda
SDG 13
Scientists call for more biodiversity on COP-30 agenda

The topic was discussed during the first event of the FAPESP Conferences 2025 series, with guest speaker Ane Alencar, Director of Science at the Amazon Environmental Research Institute.


RIDC Bridge aims to orchestrate actions across sectors to solve major global challenges
SDG 9, SDG 12
RIDC Bridge aims to orchestrate actions across sectors to solve major global challenges

Inaugurated at a ceremony held at the University of São Paulo on March 31st, the FAPESP-funded center aims to tackle complex problems such as climate urgency, inequality and deindustrialization.


Cybersecurity is in transition as new technologies emerge
SDG 9
Cybersecurity is in transition as new technologies emerge

Workshop brought together Brazilian and American experts to discuss new opportunities for collaborative research in the face of increasing volumes of information, the rise of artificial intelligence, the imminent arrival of quantum computing, and the mass production of fake news.


In a preclinical study, a new jararaca antivenom serum was three times more effective than the standard one
SDG 3
In a preclinical study, a new jararaca antivenom serum was three times more effective than the standard one

Researchers from the Federal University of São Paulo and the Butantan Institute are working on an improved version of the antibothropic serum, with more neutralizing antibodies and fewer proteins associated with side effects.


Study evaluates effect of oxidizing compounds on melanoma cells
SDG 3
Study evaluates effect of oxidizing compounds on melanoma cells

Results from a FAPESP-supported research center pave the way for expanding the use of photodynamic therapy in the fight against skin cancer.


Brazilian startup repurposes mining waste for energy storage
SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 12
Brazilian startup repurposes mining waste for energy storage

Company developed with the support of FAPESP a process to transform by-products into high-tech materials for batteries.


Study compares and confirms effectiveness of two psychotherapy approaches for treating insomnia
SDG 3
Study compares and confirms effectiveness of two psychotherapy approaches for treating insomnia

While cognitive-behavioral therapy showed faster results, the effect of acceptance and commitment therapy was more lasting, shows a study conducted at the University of São Paulo with 227 volunteers.


Solar simulator at the University of São Paulo now active and could be used to produce clean fuels
SDG 7, SDG 9
Solar simulator at the University of São Paulo now active and could be used to produce clean fuels

Produced at the Engineering School (POLI-USP), the equipment generates thermal radiation similar to that of the sun. It makes it possible to test devices and technologies in the laboratory without having to rely on ideal weather conditions.


Fiber consumption protects gut from serious bacterial infection, study suggests
SDG 3
Fiber consumption protects gut from serious bacterial infection, study suggests

Rodents fed a diet rich in soluble fiber coped better with a microorganism that causes diarrhea and can lead to death in debilitated patients. Researchers observed that acetate – a compound produced by the gut microbiota when fiber is digested – helps modulate the immune response.


Reducing cattle ranching is not enough to restore degraded soils in the Caatinga
SDG 13, SDG 15
Reducing cattle ranching is not enough to restore degraded soils in the Caatinga

Study carried out in Brazil’s semi-arid biome found that removing animals did not lead to significant improvements, even after three years of spontaneous soil recovery. Researchers suggest complementary measures such as green manure and strategic tree planting.


Smart trap could help monitor and control dengue mosquito circulation
SDG 3, SDG 9
Smart trap could help monitor and control dengue mosquito circulation

Equipment developed in Brazil by researchers at the National Telecommunications Institute combines Internet of Things devices, high-resolution cameras, and artificial intelligence algorithms to capture and identify female Aedes aegypti without harming other insects.


Brazilian technology aims to revolutionize skin cancer diagnosis
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian technology aims to revolutionize skin cancer diagnosis

Device developed with the support of FAPESP is more accurate than assessments made by doctors using a dermatoscope.


Electronic cigarettes alter the composition of saliva, increasing the risk of oral diseases
SDG 3
Electronic cigarettes alter the composition of saliva, increasing the risk of oral diseases

Researchers from São Paulo State University and collaborators studied 50 young people with an average age of between 26 and 27. The goal was to find biomarkers that allow early detection of health changes.


Method uses drone and low-cost camera to select drought-tolerant plants
SDG 2
Method uses drone and low-cost camera to select drought-tolerant plants

Images taken from an unmanned aerial vehicle, processed with free software, help assess water stress parameters in corn experiments and select varieties that are better adapted to water shortages.


Edible biofilm based on pomegranate peel extract extends the shelf life of strawberries
SDG 9
Edible biofilm based on pomegranate peel extract extends the shelf life of strawberries

Fruit coated with the material developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo showed 11% less weight loss during storage and took longer to start becoming contaminated by fungi.


Firefly light gives rise to sensor that detects cellular alterations
SDG 3, SDG 9
Firefly light gives rise to sensor that detects cellular alterations

An enzyme cloned from an insect found by Brazilian researchers – and genetically modified – makes it possible to monitor intracellular acidity and could be used to study diseases and drugs.


Weight training protects older people’s brains against dementia, study suggests
SDG 3
Weight training protects older people’s brains against dementia, study suggests

The study, conducted at the State University of Campinas, involved 44 people with mild cognitive impairment. After six months, the volunteers who practiced strength training showed improvements in memory and brain anatomy, while the others showed a decline in the parameters evaluated.


Anthropology and artificial intelligence used to transform corporate listening
SDG 9
Anthropology and artificial intelligence used to transform corporate listening

Tool allows issues such as harassment to be identified before they become critical, enabling companies to take preventive action.


News about research projects funded by FAPESP and articulated with the SDGs: