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

Brazilian study identifies potential targets for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis
SDG 3
Brazilian study identifies potential targets for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis

Discovery of a novel class of proteins that help regulate the parasite’s essential cellular functions could lead to the development of more effective drugs against the disease. More than 3,500 new cases are notified each year in Brazil.


Abdominal obesity in conjunction with weak muscles is the main risk factor for metabolic syndrome
SDG 3
Abdominal obesity in conjunction with weak muscles is the main risk factor for metabolic syndrome

A study conducted by researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos and University College London analyzed eight years of data for almost 4,000 over-50s.


Process optimizes extraction of bioactive compounds from agricultural residues for cosmetics and food products
SDG 9, SDG 12
Process optimizes extraction of bioactive compounds from agricultural residues for cosmetics and food products

An invention developed at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) obtains theobromine and caffeine from coca bean husks using stingless bee honey as a solvent. The method is a safe alternative to conventional processes, which can be harmful to human health and the environment.


Initiatives by FAPESP aim to strengthen collaboration between researchers in São Paulo and Canada
SDG 17
Initiatives by FAPESP aim to strengthen collaboration between researchers in São Paulo and Canada

FAPESP has signed a scientific and technological cooperation agreement with Quebec’s research funding agency and is planning a new edition of FAPESP Week in Canada’s second most populous province.


Effects of environmental factors on Southeast Brazil’s coastal biodiversity surpass those of ecological processes
SDG 14
Effects of environmental factors on Southeast Brazil’s coastal biodiversity surpass those of ecological processes

Marine organisms in areas influenced by lower sea surface temperatures, such as the Lakes Region in Rio de Janeiro state, are between 25% and 100% larger than those inhabiting warmer water along the coast of São Paulo state, the study shows.


Climate change can alter methane emission and uptake in the Amazon
SDG 13
Climate change can alter methane emission and uptake in the Amazon

Researchers at the University of São Paulo conducted an experiment to observe the effects on soil samples of extreme conditions in terms of temperature and rainfall in the laboratory. Their findings show that the balance of greenhouse gas emissions from microbial decomposition of organic matter may change.


Asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs led to the invention of ‘ant agriculture’
SDG 15
Asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs led to the invention of ‘ant agriculture’

When the dust that covered the skies 66 million years ago prevented plants from photosynthesizing and benefited creatures that fed on decomposing organic matter, these insects selected species that could fill their nutrient void, confirms a study published in Science.


Cancer cell therapy developed at University of São Paulo wins Octavio Frias de Oliveira Award
SDG 3
Cancer cell therapy developed at University of São Paulo wins Octavio Frias de Oliveira Award

Nominated in the “Technological Innovation in Oncology” category, the study could benefit patients with hematological neoplasms.


Genetically modified yeast permits conversion of agave to ethanol
SDG 7
Genetically modified yeast permits conversion of agave to ethanol

A GM strain of brewer’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae developed by Brazilian researchers could significantly grow the production of ethanol biofuel. A patent application has been filed with Brazil’s patent office.


Practicing sports in childhood and adolescence affords lifelong cardiovascular benefits
SDG 3
Practicing sports in childhood and adolescence affords lifelong cardiovascular benefits

A study conducted by Brazilian scientists at São Paulo State University involved 242 volunteers aged 40 on average. The results showed an improvement in heart rate control by the autonomic nervous system regardless of the level of physical activity in adulthood.


In rats, intrauterine exposure to cannabinoid affected cardiorespiratory function and sleep quality in adulthood
SDG 3
In rats, intrauterine exposure to cannabinoid affected cardiorespiratory function and sleep quality in adulthood

Brazilian researchers analyzed behavioral and physiological factors in animals whose mothers received a synthetic substance that activates the same receptors as marijuana during pregnancy. The consequences were different in males and females.


Peptide synthesized at University of São Paulo acts as molecular shield to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting cells
SDG 3
Peptide synthesized at University of São Paulo acts as molecular shield to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting cells

The synthetic peptide was inspired by ACE2, the protein to which the virus that causes COVID-19 binds to invade human cells. The results point to a route for the development of novel antivirals.


Pollination changes after hurricane in Caribbean
SDG 15
Pollination changes after hurricane in Caribbean

Hurricane Maria killed so many Purple-throated caribs, sole pollinator of two species of heliconia, that other birds were able to gain access to the plants, according to an article in New Phytologist, which concludes that species extinction is a far more complex process than is often thought.


Platinum surfaces doped with bismuth produce more ketone
SDG 9
Platinum surfaces doped with bismuth produce more ketone

The experiment of the Center for Development of Functional Materials was described in an article in the journal ChemCatChem.


Group develops robotic platform to make transcranial magnetic stimulation safer and more precise
SDG 9
Group develops robotic platform to make transcranial magnetic stimulation safer and more precise

The technology was developed at the Research, Innovation, and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics in collaboration with scientists from Finland.


Scientists develop method to obtain colorants and enzymes from orange peel thrown away by juice industry
SDG 12
Scientists develop method to obtain colorants and enzymes from orange peel thrown away by juice industry

The process designed by researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil and collaborators in Chile and Mexico results in low-cost raw materials and reduced environmental damage.


Study shows how emissions from Brazilian Pantanal’s soda lakes contribute to climate change
SDG 13
Study shows how emissions from Brazilian Pantanal’s soda lakes contribute to climate change

Characterized by high pH and salinity, these water bodies have practically dried up because of rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and wildfires. The findings show how the local microbial community and other factors influence greenhouse gas emissions.


Strategy to combat breast cancer involves two-pronged attack on enzyme that ‘feeds’ tumor
SDG 3
Strategy to combat breast cancer involves two-pronged attack on enzyme that ‘feeds’ tumor

Promising results were obtained by a group at the Brazilian Center for Research on Energy and Materials (CNPEM), working with collaborators elsewhere. They combined inhibition of glutaminase, an enzyme that converts glutamine into nutrients for tumor cells, with inhibition of HuR, a protein that regulates the RNA of glutaminase.


Presence of bacteria in soil makes flowers more attractive to pollinators, study shows
SDG 2
Presence of bacteria in soil makes flowers more attractive to pollinators, study shows

Experiments conducted at the Federal University of the ABC showed that nitrogen-fixing bacteria play a key role in the reproduction of a legume native to Brazil.


Group from São Paulo State University investigates how citizens perceive urban biodiversity
SDG 15
Group from São Paulo State University investigates how citizens perceive urban biodiversity

Residents of the cities of Bauru and Belo Horizonte were challenged to identify the image and song of the main bird species that inhabit these places.


Brazil must reinforce protection of forests to meet climate change mitigation goals, study warns
SDG 13
Brazil must reinforce protection of forests to meet climate change mitigation goals, study warns

In an article published in Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation, researchers affiliated with the National Space Research Institute (INPE) and the National Disaster Surveillance and Early Warning Center (CEMADEN) in Brazil discuss CO2 emission reduction challenges and solutions.


Deforestation in the Amazon is driven more by domestic demand than by the export market
SDG 13, SDG 15
Deforestation in the Amazon is driven more by domestic demand than by the export market

A study by the University of São Paulo shows that expansion of cattle ranching to meet growing domestic demand has contributed more than any other driver to the elimination or degradation of the Amazon’s original vegetation, followed by expanding croplands and urbanization.


Novel method detects biological oxidant derived from CO2 in cells
SDG 3
Novel method detects biological oxidant derived from CO2 in cells

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo in Brazil helps elucidate the impact of high levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide on human health.


Study identifies possible novel species in fish genus endemic to Neotropics
SDG 14
Study identifies possible novel species in fish genus endemic to Neotropics

Through morphological and molecular analysis of material collected from rivers in Brazil's Northeast region, the researchers are extending their knowledge of the evolutionary history of South American darters in the genus Characidium.


Membrane for dressing complex wounds will enable customization of treatment
SDG 3
Membrane for dressing complex wounds will enable customization of treatment

The product, derived from sugarcane, is being developed by Dermbio Biotech, a startup incubated at the State University of Campinas.


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