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

Indigenous territory maintains ecological stability amid agricultural expansion in the Brazilian savanna
SDG 10, SDG 13, SDG 15, SDG 16
Indigenous territory maintains ecological stability amid agricultural expansion in the Brazilian savanna

A study combining remote sensing, geographic data science, and field research shows that the Xavante territory has preserved its environmental configuration, while neighboring areas have been converted to large-scale soybean farming and livestock ranching.


Study shows that social inequality exacerbates barriers to physical activity
SDG 3
Study shows that social inequality exacerbates barriers to physical activity

Black, mixed-race, Asian, and Indigenous women with lower levels of education face greater difficulties. The study followed the same group for a decade.


The consumption of ultra-processed foods by fathers may influence their babies’ birth weight and body measurements
SDG 3
The consumption of ultra-processed foods by fathers may influence their babies’ birth weight and body measurements

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo reinforces the importance of including fathers in health and family planning guidance.


Study identifies measures that aid in the recovery of patients with fractures near the shoulder
SDG 3
Study identifies measures that aid in the recovery of patients with fractures near the shoulder

The analysis identified the line between normal care regarding movement for those who have suffered an injury and excessive fear, which ultimately hinders rehabilitation.


Isotopic analysis may help police combat Amazon illegal timber trade
SDG 12, SDG 15
Isotopic analysis may help police combat Amazon illegal timber trade

University of São Paulo researchers are mapping the distribution of different isotopes of oxygen, carbon and other elements in the composition of Amazon trees that can be used to track the origin of seized material.


Researchers detect a potentially harmful substance in solid waste
SDG 6, SDG 12
Researchers detect a potentially harmful substance in solid waste

Chlorinated organophosphorus esters, used as flame retardants, can cause toxic effects on the endocrine and reproductive systems and possibly lead to cancer.


RCGI launches Standards Observatory to drive innovation in energy transition
SDG 7, SDG 9
RCGI launches Standards Observatory to drive innovation in energy transition

Open database developed by FAPESP Applied Research Center reduces barriers to implementation of technological innovations.


Weight training reprograms liver cells and helps reverse obesity-related damage
SDG 3
Weight training reprograms liver cells and helps reverse obesity-related damage

A study by the State University of Campinas using mice reveals that strength training modulates the liver’s genome, restoring insulin sensitivity and combating fat accumulation in the organ.


New research center will use smartwatches and smart rings for early disease detection
SDG 3
New research center will use smartwatches and smart rings for early disease detection

Created by FAPESP, the State University of Campinas, and Samsung, Viva Bem will develop algorithms and AI technologies embedded in these devices to detect signs of Parkinson’s disease and other conditions even before symptoms appear.


Caterpillar that attacks soybeans and cotton harbors fungi that can degrade polystyrene
SDG 12
Caterpillar that attacks soybeans and cotton harbors fungi that can degrade polystyrene

A study by the Federal University of São Carlos shows that Helicoverpa armigera has the potential to serve as a reservoir for microorganisms that degrade polystyrene.


Peptide isolated from a Cerrado frog increases strawberry shelf life
SDG 2
Peptide isolated from a Cerrado frog increases strawberry shelf life

Study shows that the molecule preserves the fruit’s firmness without affecting its flavor and has potential as a postharvest treatment.


Startup seeks to localize production of ultralight material as strong as steel
SDG 9
Startup seeks to localize production of ultralight material as strong as steel

With support from FAPESP, a São Paulo-based company is developing its own technology to manufacture a coating in Brazil that will make gas storage tanks, such as those for hydrogen, up to 70% lighter, thereby reducing transportation weight.


Guide provides mental health practice guidelines for primary care professionals
SDG 3
Guide provides mental health practice guidelines for primary care professionals

The free publication was developed with the participation of the Center for Research and Innovation in Mental Health (CISM), one of the Applied Research Centers funded by FAPESP.


‘Large health databases enable the development of evidence-based public policies’
SDG 3
‘Large health databases enable the development of evidence-based public policies’

At the 4th FAPESP 2026 Conference, immunologist Manoel Barral-Netto emphasized that Brazil possesses one of the world’s largest collections of health information. The challenge is to transform this data into knowledge applicable to public health.


Award-winning study describes strategy used by blue mold to devastate citrus fruits
SDG 2
Award-winning study describes strategy used by blue mold to devastate citrus fruits

Researchers from the State University of Campinas and the University of São Paulo have identified the chemical arsenal used by the pathogen to combat the defense systems of oranges, lemons, and tangerines. This finding suggests ways to combat the fungus without using pesticides.


Connection between forests and rivers strengthens amphibians’ microbiome and protects them against a lethal fungus
SDG 15
Connection between forests and rivers strengthens amphibians’ microbiome and protects them against a lethal fungus

A study involving a FAPESP-funded center concludes that conserving landscapes means more than just protecting isolated fragments.


Global experience boosts survival rates of São Paulo tech companies
SDG 9
Global experience boosts survival rates of São Paulo tech companies

An analysis of the trajectories of more than 400 entrepreneurs supported by FAPESP shows that international experience helps circulate knowledge and is crucial for the success of technology-based businesses in São Paulo.


Chronic consumption of xanthan gum may cause inflammation in the colon
SDG 3
Chronic consumption of xanthan gum may cause inflammation in the colon

In a study by the Federal University of São Paulo, rats that ingested the thickener over a prolonged period exhibited structural and inflammatory changes in the colon, as well as a loss of intestinal barrier integrity.


Platform presents integrated data on greenhouse gases in the Amazon
SDG 13
Platform presents integrated data on greenhouse gases in the Amazon

Digital Amazon, an initiative of the RCGI, a FAPESP Applied Research Center, consolidates data from satellites, towers, and sensors, enabling in-depth analyses of CO₂ emissions and absorption.


New antiseptic capable of eliminating 99.9% of <i>Candida parapsilosis</i> cells
SDG 3
New antiseptic capable of eliminating 99.9% of <i>Candida parapsilosis</i> cells

The fungus is one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired infections.


Study shows that 9 out of 10 cities have experienced climate-related disasters over the past three decades
SDG 11, SDG 17
Study shows that 9 out of 10 cities have experienced climate-related disasters over the past three decades

An analysis of 60,000 records of flooding, waterlogging, flash floods, landslides, storms, and droughts reveals regional impacts in Brazil and may inform public policy.


New biomarker has the potential to predict and prevent epileptic seizures
SDG 3
New biomarker has the potential to predict and prevent epileptic seizures

An international team of researchers has proposed a non-pharmacological intervention based on a physiological signal that precedes the neuronal storm of an epileptic seizure.


Brown howler monkeys rest more on hot, long days and when feeding on leaves
SDG 15
Brown howler monkeys rest more on hot, long days and when feeding on leaves

Findings from a study that monitored a group in Carlos Botelho State Park in São Paulo, Brazil, help shed light on the habitat use of this vulnerable species.


Cave reveals influence of Antarctica and El Niño on extreme rainfall in the South of Brazil
SDG 13
Cave reveals influence of Antarctica and El Niño on extreme rainfall in the South of Brazil

Researchers analyzed samples of sediment preserved in stalagmites to reconstruct the region’s climatic history. The 20th century saw one of the highest frequencies of extreme events in the last 7,500 years.


Brazilian startup aims to manufacture custom-made human organs
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian startup aims to manufacture custom-made human organs

The FAPESP-backed health tech company is now headquartered in Switzerland and is developing a platform to produce tissues in a lab. The goal is to obtain clinical approval for transplantation within ten years.


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