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

Using biochar in agave cultivation increases plant biomass by 60%
SDG 2, SDG 13
Using biochar in agave cultivation increases plant biomass by 60%

Scientists are seeking to reduce the initial growth of agave, which is considered one of the most promising crops for biofuel production and carbon sequestration in the semiarid region.


New AI tool predicts storm paths and intensity on a very short-term basis
SDG 13, SDG 15
New AI tool predicts storm paths and intensity on a very short-term basis

A system developed at the University of São Paulo combines radar data with a neural network to track precipitation every five minutes. The software can run on standard laptops.


Technology based on recycled synthetic fibers enables the production of drinking water from moisture in the air
SDG 6, SDG 11
Technology based on recycled synthetic fibers enables the production of drinking water from moisture in the air

Researchers have developed a system capable of generating up to six liters of water per day using cells made from a material derived from recycled textile waste.


Cyberbullying rarely occurs in isolation; it functions as an extension of school violence
SDG 3, SDG 4
Cyberbullying rarely occurs in isolation; it functions as an extension of school violence

A study by the Federal University of São Paulo indicates that adolescents involved in multiple contexts of violence are 11 times more likely to develop mental health issues, reinforcing the urgency of integrating anti-bullying efforts with drug prevention in schools.


Fossil discovered in São Paulo reveals new clues about the origin of snakes
SDG 15
Fossil discovered in São Paulo reveals new clues about the origin of snakes

A study published in the journal Nature shows that Tametara mirim lived underground, while a contemporary species from Argentina lived on the surface, indicating that an ecologically diverse population of snakes already existed 80 million years ago.


Research shows limits of specificity of tool used to detect hydrogen peroxide
SDG 3
Research shows limits of specificity of tool used to detect hydrogen peroxide

A study conducted by Redoxoma, a FAPESP Research, Innovation, and Dissemination Center, indicates that genetically encoded fluorescent probes also respond to other biological oxidants.


Anti-cancer molecules show promise in the fight against malaria
SDG 3
Anti-cancer molecules show promise in the fight against malaria

In vitro tests conducted at the University of São Paulo suggest that the compounds eliminate the parasite during both the symptomatic phase and the stage at which it infects the mosquito vector.


System connects industrial waste generators with artisans from the outskirts of the city
SDG 9, SDG 12
System connects industrial waste generators with artisans from the outskirts of the city

Startup uses technology to transform uniforms and advertising banners into income, reducing the time it takes to connect raw materials to labor by 89%.


Study identifies key factors for expanding Agriculture 4.0 in Brazil
SDG 2, SDG 9
Study identifies key factors for expanding Agriculture 4.0 in Brazil

Digital connectivity in rural areas, rural youth, and mechanisms for disseminating information are among the key drivers of technology adoption in the agri-food sector.


Study proposes safer alternative for hormone replacement therapy during menopause
SDG 3
Study proposes safer alternative for hormone replacement therapy during menopause

Experiment with female rats shows that treatment targeting only one estrogen receptor provides metabolic protection without the risk of stimulating tumors in the uterus and breasts.


Twin photons maintain their correlation even after traveling 7 km from one end of Guanabara Bay to the other
SDG 9
Twin photons maintain their correlation even after traveling 7 km from one end of Guanabara Bay to the other

An experiment conducted between Niterói and Rio de Janeiro paves the way for proving the preservation of quantum entanglement outdoors and for developing future ultra-secure communication networks.


Researchers develop low-glycemic-index cane sugar
SDG 3, SDG 9
Researchers develop low-glycemic-index cane sugar

Combining sucrose with antioxidants derived from coffee and peanut waste slows the body’s absorption of the sugar without altering its taste. A patent application for the product has already been filed.


Starch-based sensor changes color to indicate moisture in food packaging
SDG 3
Starch-based sensor changes color to indicate moisture in food packaging

Developed at the University of São Paulo, the smart device uses cobalt chloride to detect a loss of crispness in products such as cookies.


‘Supergraft’ reconstructs bone and fights infections simultaneously
SDG 3, SDG 9
‘Supergraft’ reconstructs bone and fights infections simultaneously

Startup develops technology that accelerates bone regeneration and reduces the risk of complications after surgery.


Strength training causes fat cells to shrink even before weight loss
SDG 3
Strength training causes fat cells to shrink even before weight loss

A study with mice conducted at the State University of Campinas shows that seven days of strength training were sufficient to activate lipid breakdown mechanisms.


Brazilian researcher participates in project to expand diversity of African genomes in public databases
SDG 3, SDG 10
Brazilian researcher participates in project to expand diversity of African genomes in public databases

In partnership with Angolan researchers, a professor from the State University of Campinas will lead the sequencing of 750 DNA samples from Angola. The data will contribute to the development of precision medicine.


The IPT in São Paulo and the Polytechnic University of Turin are establishing a new FAPESP International Research Center
SDG 9, SDG 11, SDG 17
The IPT in São Paulo and the Polytechnic University of Turin are establishing a new FAPESP International Research Center

The PoliTO Hub will develop joint projects in energy transition, artificial intelligence, smart cities, transportation, architecture, and urban planning.


Combating ‘colonial science’ on the ocean floor
SDG 16
Combating ‘colonial science’ on the ocean floor

In an interview with Agência FAPESP, Diva Amon, a scientist from Trinidad and Tobago who led the first Caribbean deep-sea expedition, explains the urgency of keeping specimens and data in their countries of origin and strengthening South-South partnerships.


Quantum computing requires strategic preparation before commercial adoption
SDG 9
Quantum computing requires strategic preparation before commercial adoption

At the 6th FAPESP 2026 Conference, the quantum technologies coordinator at Brazil’s largest private bank demonstrated how current research can reveal applications, anticipate risks, and develop expertise in a technology that has yet to reach large-scale commercial use.


Device simulates human tissue and offers an alternative to animal testing
SDG 3, SDG 9
Device simulates human tissue and offers an alternative to animal testing

Developed at the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, this technology enables the three-dimensional cultivation of cells and allows for a more accurate assessment of the toxicity of drugs, nanomaterials, and pollutants.


Periodic voltage fluctuations allow us to ‘see’ inside lithium batteries
SDG 9
Periodic voltage fluctuations allow us to ‘see’ inside lithium batteries

A mathematical model developed by researchers at the State University of Campinas reveals that small fluctuations in the electrical potential difference can characterize electrode microstructure and help monitor battery degradation.


Climate change shortens the flowering and fruiting period of Cerrado species
SDG 13, SDG 15
Climate change shortens the flowering and fruiting period of Cerrado species

A study conducted at São Paulo State University evaluated 31 species of trees and shrubs in the Itirapina region, located in the central-eastern part of the state of São Paulo, Brazil.


Brazil builds its first cold ion trap for quantum computing
SDG 9
Brazil builds its first cold ion trap for quantum computing

The technology developed at the University of São Paulo keeps strontium particles isolated, paving the way for the production, manipulation, and entanglement of qubits.


Scientists use water isotopes to map changes in Amazon rainfall
SDG 13
Scientists use water isotopes to map changes in Amazon rainfall

Research from São Paulo State University indicates that daily precipitation monitoring allows scientists to track moisture sources and can serve as an early warning system for droughts.


Cigarette butts are the most common type of litter on the planet, with 4.5 trillion being discarded each year
SDG 3, SDG 6, SDG 12, SDG 14
Cigarette butts are the most common type of litter on the planet, with 4.5 trillion being discarded each year

A review study compiling scientific data from 55 countries reveals alarming levels of pollution in urban and aquatic environments. Not even protected and remote areas are completely free from the problem.


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