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

Platform simulates lowest-cost pathways for Brazil to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
SDG 12, SDG 13
Platform simulates lowest-cost pathways for Brazil to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050

Developed by the State University of Campinas in partnership with Princeton University, this open-access tool combines energy modeling and land-use data to guide public officials and society in creating decarbonization policies.


System using drones and artificial intelligence identifies the ideal time for cattle slaughter
SDG 9
System using drones and artificial intelligence identifies the ideal time for cattle slaughter

Innovation presented at FAPESP Week Netherlands replaces traditional management practices, reduces animal stress, and optimizes profits for producers.


Crop diversification protects fields from extreme weather and boosts productivity
SDG 2
Crop diversification protects fields from extreme weather and boosts productivity

Analyses conducted in Brazil by researchers at the University of São Paulo show that the use of cover crops acts as a biological buffer against droughts and floods. The research findings were presented at FAPESP Week Netherlands.


New metabolic marker predicts longevity and risk of chronic diseases
SDG 3
New metabolic marker predicts longevity and risk of chronic diseases

Presented at FAPESP Week Netherlands, the tool analyzes ten substances in the blood to predict health problems and guide healthy aging.


Project uses biomarkers to prevent infections and injuries in Paralympic athletes
SDG 3
Project uses biomarkers to prevent infections and injuries in Paralympic athletes

In a presentation at FAPESP Week Netherlands, a researcher highlights the use of biochemical variables to tailor athletes’ rest periods and guide young talent, with a focus on the 2028 and 2032 Paralympic Games.


Heat waves and pollution increase stroke risk in older adults, study finds
SDG 3
Heat waves and pollution increase stroke risk in older adults, study finds

Data from research conducted in São Paulo and presented at FAPESP Week Netherlands show that physical exercise and cardiovascular prevention are the best strategies for protecting the brain.


FAPESP Week highlights increased scientific collaboration between Brazil and the Netherlands in recent years
SDG 17
FAPESP Week highlights increased scientific collaboration between Brazil and the Netherlands in recent years

At the event’s opening in Leiden, organizers emphasized the importance of the gathering for strengthening long-term cooperation in strategic areas such as sustainability, health, and technology.


FAPESP and NWO renew agreement and plan to expand scientific cooperation
SDG 17
FAPESP and NWO renew agreement and plan to expand scientific cooperation

An amendment to the agreement ensures the continuation of joint calls for proposals through 2028 and paves the way for new research centers, technology partnerships, and strengthened academic exchange between São Paulo and the Netherlands.


Controlled inhalation of thin air may alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms
SDG 3
Controlled inhalation of thin air may alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms

A preliminary study conducted at São Paulo State University in Brazil shows that the approach is safe, does not affect sleep, and helps regulate inflammation markers.


Molecular architecture determines tomato plant resistance to its main pest
SDG 2, SDG 9, SDG 15
Molecular architecture determines tomato plant resistance to its main pest

Study reveals that replacing just four amino acids alters the three-dimensional shape of a plant’s defense molecule. This finding paves the way for creating more resistant commercial cultivars.


Brazilian vaccine against vivax malaria receives approval for human trials
SDG 3
Brazilian vaccine against vivax malaria receives approval for human trials

Developed at the University of São Paulo in partnership with the Federal University of Minas Gerais and the company Cristália, the formulation could be the world’s first to target this strain of the disease. A Phase 1 clinical trial will evaluate its safety and the immune response it induces.


Drops of blood may serve as an early warning sign for cancer
SDG 3, SDG 9
Drops of blood may serve as an early warning sign for cancer

The method analyzes biological fluids in search of specific molecules produced by tumor cells or by the body itself in response to the tumor.


Natural forest regeneration helps curb spread of invasive species
SDG 13, SDG 15
Natural forest regeneration helps curb spread of invasive species

International study reveals that the maturation of secondary forests naturally reduces the density of non-native trees and restores ecosystems.


Offshore Technology Innovation Center opens headquarters and new laboratories
SDG 9
Offshore Technology Innovation Center opens headquarters and new laboratories

With an investment of BRL 165 million, OTIC brings together FAPESP, Shell Brasil, USP, and IPT to develop technologies focused on operational efficiency and low carbon emissions.


Wildfires cause Amazon to emit 1.17 billion more metric tons of carbon than it absorbs
SDG 13
Wildfires cause Amazon to emit 1.17 billion more metric tons of carbon than it absorbs

A study published on October 21 in Nature reveals that deforestation and wildfires reversed the forest’s CO2 balance between 2010 and 2024, nullifying its ability to sequester greenhouse gases.


Enzyme found in sugarcane roots increases sugar production from bagasse sixfold
SDG 7
Enzyme found in sugarcane roots increases sugar production from bagasse sixfold

Scientists at the University of São Paulo isolated the molecule while studying aerenchyma, structures the plant creates to form air channels in its roots. The discovery could increase the production of second-generation ethanol.


Forensic genetics uncovers international trafficking of marine life
SDG 14
Forensic genetics uncovers international trafficking of marine life

Through a partnership with IBAMA, researchers from São Paulo State University used DNA analysis to identify species in shipments of sea cucumbers and swim bladders of fish from the Amazon coast that were seized at Guarulhos Airport, Brazil’s largest airport.


Brazilian biobank may help personalize cancer prevention in the public health system
SDG 3
Brazilian biobank may help personalize cancer prevention in the public health system

An initiative developed at Hospital de Amor in São Paulo state cross-references genetic and epidemiological data to create risk assessment tools tailored to the Brazilian population’s diversity.


‘Digital twin’ of the chest simulates application of light for treatment of pneumonia
SDG 3
‘Digital twin’ of the chest simulates application of light for treatment of pneumonia

A computational model predicts the path of light radiation within the body to tailor noninvasive therapies to each patient’s anatomy.


Supercurrent enables the reading of quantum information without destroying it
SDG 9
Supercurrent enables the reading of quantum information without destroying it

The theoretical proposal eliminates the need for auxiliary circuits to “eavesdrop” on quantum bits by transforming the system’s own electric current into a mirror of the information.


Natural extract improves weed control in crops
SDG 2, SDG 3
Natural extract improves weed control in crops

A bioherbicide developed by a São Paulo startup optimizes field management and reduces the need for synthetic pesticides by up to 50%.


Corn farming sustained large pre-colonial villages in the Brazilian savanna
SDG 15
Corn farming sustained large pre-colonial villages in the Brazilian savanna

For the first time, research reveals the food subsistence strategies of these communities, which involved sophisticated land use practices that incorporated various species. Previously, it was believed that these populations were either hunter-gatherers or monoculture farmers.


Survey of 102 cities reveals more than 40,000 new viruses
SDG 3
Survey of 102 cities reveals more than 40,000 new viruses

A study involving Brazilian researchers analyzed samples from subway stations, hospitals, bank branches, soil, and sewage in 31 countries. The researchers used genetic screening with a tool developed at the University of São Paulo.


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.


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