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

Study identifies candidates for therapeutic targets in pediatric germ cell tumors
SDG 3
Study identifies candidates for therapeutic targets in pediatric germ cell tumors

Pioneering research conducted in São Paulo state (Brazil) shows how the immune system reacts to rare types of childhood cancer.


‘Science alone will not save us’: Paulo Jannuzzi highlights the need for republican values
SDG 16
‘Science alone will not save us’: Paulo Jannuzzi highlights the need for republican values

According to the expert affiliated with the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, technology can either reinforce inequalities or expand citizenship, depending on how it is regulated. The speaker at the 6th FAPESP 2025 Conference also pointed out the positive role that artificial intelligence can play.


Plant-derived compound has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects against periodontal disease
SDG 3
Plant-derived compound has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects against periodontal disease

Morin-based powder, extracted from guava leaves, apple peel, and figs, can be slowly released with the help of polymers and serve as an alternative to antibiotics.


Microplastics may affect bone health
SDG 3
Microplastics may affect bone health

Brazilian researchers analyzed over 60 scientific articles on the subject and found that the materials negatively affect bone tissue.


Study recommends integrated risk assessment for zoonotic and vector-borne diseases
SDG 3
Study recommends integrated risk assessment for zoonotic and vector-borne diseases

A summary of published studies on the risk of emerging diseases shows that only 7.4% simultaneously consider hazard, exposure, and vulnerability to infection. These three components are essential for reliably and accurately assessing the risk of these diseases in the context of environmental change.


Climate change could drastically reduce aquifer recharge in Brazil
SDG 6
Climate change could drastically reduce aquifer recharge in Brazil

Study shows that most of the country’s underground reservoirs will lose their capacity for renewal, increasing the risk of water shortages in several regions, especially the Southeast and South. One strategy to address the problem is “managed recharge,” which includes techniques that promote the infiltration of rainwater or even treated sewage.


Hybrid drone seeks to improve crop spraying
SDG 9
Hybrid drone seeks to improve crop spraying

Automated solution developed by a FAPESP-supported startup promises to reduce operating costs and eliminate losses caused by traditional methods.


Ants defend plants from herbivores but can hinder pollination
SDG 15
Ants defend plants from herbivores but can hinder pollination

Analysis of the interaction between ants, plants that secrete sweet substances to attract them, “interested” in defending themselves from leaf-eating animals, and bees indicates that the ants may scare away pollinators. Butterflies, on the other hand, are not bothered.


New method speeds up development of catalysts
SDG 9, SDG 13
New method speeds up development of catalysts

Researchers from the Center for Innovation in New Energies study metal complexes that can speed up chemical reactions capable of generating products for a low-carbon economy.


FAPESP signs cooperation agreement with CERN
SDG 17
FAPESP signs cooperation agreement with CERN

Partnership strengthens support for researchers from the state of São Paulo to participate in activities developed by the European Organization for Nuclear Research.


Green tea improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in obese mice
SDG 3
Green tea improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in obese mice

A study in an animal model analyzed the muscle metabolism of guinea pigs on a high-calorie diet. Ultimately, consumption of the plant extract increased the expression of genes associated with glucose uptake and the activity of an essential metabolic enzyme.


Research identifies immune response that controls Oropouche infection and prevents neurological damage
SDG 3
Research identifies immune response that controls Oropouche infection and prevents neurological damage

Study conducted on mice provides important information that may help in the treatment of the disease. Confirmations in Brazil have increased in recent years.


Cerrado wetlands are legally protected but neglected in practice
SDG 6, SDG 13, SDG 15
Cerrado wetlands are legally protected but neglected in practice

Non-compliance with the law, facilitated by errors in the technical language used in environmental licensing, has already led to the loss of over 580,000 hectares of native vegetation, 61% of which has been converted for agricultural use.


Startup uses light to detect industrial leaks
SDG 9
Startup uses light to detect industrial leaks

With optoacoustic sensors, a FAPESP-supported company monitors critical environments safely and accurately.


Early childhood poverty endangers the future of millions of Brazilian children
SDG 3, SDG 10
Early childhood poverty endangers the future of millions of Brazilian children

Bringing together studies by various experts, the book Science of Early Childhood highlights the importance of this period in people’s development and lives. It also warns of the far-reaching consequences of social inequality.


Deforestation accounts for 74% of rainfall reduction and 16% of temperature increase in the Amazon during the dry season, study says
SDG 13
Deforestation accounts for 74% of rainfall reduction and 16% of temperature increase in the Amazon during the dry season, study says

For the first time, research led by scientists at the University of São Paulo quantifies the impact of forest loss and global climate change on the biome.


Iron oxides in mangrove soils boost carbon sequestration
SDG 13
Iron oxides in mangrove soils boost carbon sequestration

These minerals stabilize soil organic carbon, preventing the release of greenhouse gases. However, these ecosystems, known as “blue carbon forests,” have suffered degradation due to changes in land use.


Study confirms that inactive parents contribute to sedentary behavior in their children
SDG 3
Study confirms that inactive parents contribute to sedentary behavior in their children

On the other hand, when parents maintain an active routine, their children are more likely to follow suit. According to research by São Paulo State University involving 182 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17, mothers’ influence in encouraging physical activity was more than twice that of fathers.


Variations in glucose levels may indicate severity of heart attack damage
SDG 3
Variations in glucose levels may indicate severity of heart attack damage

Results from research conducted in Brazil show that glycemic delta is associated with the size of the heart attack and the strength of heart contractions. Acute myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in Brazil.


Protein deficiency during pregnancy and lactation may compromise sperm viability in offspring
SDG 3
Protein deficiency during pregnancy and lactation may compromise sperm viability in offspring

Research with rats has shown that a maternal diet lacking protein during these stages leads to changes in the structure and function of the epididymis, which would explain impairments in motility, viability, and sperm concentration in male offspring.


Ancestry and genetic variants influence the risk of colorectal cancer
SDG 3
Ancestry and genetic variants influence the risk of colorectal cancer

The disease is the third most common type of cancer in Brazil, excluding non-melanoma skin tumors. Between 5% and 10% of cases are hereditary.


Nanotechnology improves treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs
SDG 9
Nanotechnology improves treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs

An unprecedented project in Brazil uses nanocrystals to advance veterinary medicine.


Book brings together decades of research on the role of fire in South American ecosystems
SDG 13, SDG 15
Book brings together decades of research on the role of fire in South American ecosystems

Unpublished work organized by researchers from São Paulo State University and the University of São Paulo discusses the influence of fires on the ecological dynamics of nine large South American biomes.


Researchers use seaweed to manufacture raw materials for civil construction
SDG 12
Researchers use seaweed to manufacture raw materials for civil construction

The accumulation of these algae on beaches can harm health, tourism, fishing, and biodiversity. They are usually collected and disposed of in landfills, but a study by Brazilian researchers has found a use for the biomass: to produce lightweight ceramic clay aggregates.


For students with severe attention difficulties, changing school shifts is not the solution
SDG 4
For students with severe attention difficulties, changing school shifts is not the solution

Research involving more than 2,000 Brazilians reveals that while everyone’s performance is consistently lower in the morning, the afternoon shift only improves the performance of students with few or no symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.


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