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

Enzyme produced by pathogenic fungus helps evade immune system and facilitates infection
SDG 3
Enzyme produced by pathogenic fungus helps evade immune system and facilitates infection

Researchers at the University of São Paulo found 62 proteins specific to spores of Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungal species that causes lung disease. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, showed that at least one of these proteins inhibits human defense mechanisms.


Emerging countries can contribute almost half the target for reduction of CO2 emissions from global transportation
SDG 7, SDG 13
Emerging countries can contribute almost half the target for reduction of CO2 emissions from global transportation

The use of biofuels in Brazil and other developing countries can avoid some 400 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector by 2030, according to a report produced by an International Energy Agency task force led by researchers affiliated with the FAPESP Bioenergy Research Program.


Newborn blood spot test extended to detect more than 50 immunodeficiencies
SDG 3, SDG 9
Newborn blood spot test extended to detect more than 50 immunodeficiencies

São Paulo-based startup supported by FAPESP develops cheaper and more sensitive alternative to imported test kits.


Study of paper wasps shows that body size is larger in habitats nearer the equator
SDG 15
Study of paper wasps shows that body size is larger in habitats nearer the equator

An analysis of 429 specimens belonging to 39 species representative of the diversity of Polistes in the Americas confirmed the inverse of Bergmann’s rule by pointing to larger body size for species occurring in or near the tropics compared with species inhabiting higher latitudes.


World’s first ethanol-to-hydrogen conversion plant completed at the University of São Paulo
SDG 7, SDG 13
World’s first ethanol-to-hydrogen conversion plant completed at the University of São Paulo

The fuel produced at the experimental station will power three city buses that will circulate around the university campus, as well as a bus that can drive 450 Km on a to and fro travel between São Paulo and Piracicaba.


Joint pain associated with depressive symptoms accelerates cognitive decline in the elderly
SDG 3
Joint pain associated with depressive symptoms accelerates cognitive decline in the elderly

Conclusion comes from study that followed more than 4,000 people aged 50 or older for 12 years; damage is mainly in brain areas associated with memory.


Cerebellar atrophy in epilepsy patients is linked to the disease, not to medication use, says study
SDG 3
Cerebellar atrophy in epilepsy patients is linked to the disease, not to medication use, says study

Discovery contributes to advances in understanding of the disorder; study is one of the most comprehensive on the subject, with samples from 1,600 patients, including Brazilians.


Community protected by law on coast of Southeast Brazil is threatened by litter tourists leave on beach
SDG 11, SDG 14
Community protected by law on coast of Southeast Brazil is threatened by litter tourists leave on beach

Researchers partnering with the City of Guarujá (São Paulo state) conducted a study that found a high level of contamination on Perequê Beach, with plastics and cigarette butts predominating. The results will be useful for policymakers to implement measures that can mitigate the problem.


Multidrug-resistant bacterium posing a global public health threat is detected in Northeast Brazil
SDG 3
Multidrug-resistant bacterium posing a global public health threat is detected in Northeast Brazil

This particular strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae had previously been detected in the United States. The bacterium frequently causes infections in hospitals, is not eliminated by any existing antibiotic, and is especially dangerous for people with low immunity.


Researchers use high-resolution images to create model that predicts landslide risk in coastal areas
SDG 11
Researchers use high-resolution images to create model that predicts landslide risk in coastal areas

The inventory identified some 1,000 landslide points in São Sebastião (São Paulo state, Brazil). The research group is now using airborne laser scanning and other data inputs to create a methodology capable of more precise results.


Brazilian startup develops battery for ‘flying cars’
SDG 9
Brazilian startup develops battery for ‘flying cars’

The FAPESP-supported deep tech aims to supply batteries to manufacturers of electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles and operators of transportation services.


Light-based therapy reduces pain associated with peripheral diabetic neuropathy, study proves
SDG 3
Light-based therapy reduces pain associated with peripheral diabetic neuropathy, study proves

The study was conducted at the Federal University of São Paulo and involved 144 diabetic patients, who were treated with monochromatic infrared light and physical therapy.


Researchers use nanotechnology to boost benefits of anthocyanin
SDG 3
Researchers use nanotechnology to boost benefits of anthocyanin

Plant-based pigment with antioxidant and anticancer properties breaks down easily in the gastrointestinal tract and under adverse environmental conditions. To avoid the problem, researchers at the University of São Paulo inserted the compound into pectin-coated nanoparticles, enhancing its bioavailability.


Low-cost method removes micro- and nanoplastics from water
SDG 6
Low-cost method removes micro- and nanoplastics from water

The strategy developed at the University of São Paulo uses magnetic nanoparticles that bind to tiny plastic particles and permit their removal with the aid of a magnet.


Registration opens for São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Structural Safety
SDG 9, SDG 13
Registration opens for São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Structural Safety

International event will be held on May 3-16, 2025, at the University of São Paulo’s campus in São Carlos.


Study shows how high blood sugar increases risk of thrombosis
SDG 3
Study shows how high blood sugar increases risk of thrombosis

Discoveries by Brazilian researchers belonging to a FAPESP-supported research center could lead to strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease associated with diabetes.


Water overuse in MATOPIBA could mean failure to meet up to 40% of local demand for crop irrigation
SDG 2, SDG 13
Water overuse in MATOPIBA could mean failure to meet up to 40% of local demand for crop irrigation

Overuse of water resources in Brazil’s main agricultural frontier region, in conjunction with climate change, is reducing replenishment of the Urucuia aquifer and surface water bodies in the basin of a tributary of the São Francisco, the largest river in the Northeast.


Studies point to correlation between preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnant women
SDG 3
Studies point to correlation between preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnant women

A review article by researchers at the State University of Campinas and Baylor College of Medicine discusses relationships between these two conditions, identifying biomarkers that can help clinicians make a differential diagnosis.


São Paulo state accounts for more than 50% of Brazil’s S&T based startups, according to a new report
SDG 9
São Paulo state accounts for more than 50% of Brazil’s S&T based startups, according to a new report

Of the 875 deep techs mapped nationwide, 28% have received funding from FAPESP’s Innovative Research in Small Business Program (PIPE), says the report produced by consultancy Emerge in partnership with Cubo Itaú, an important private sector incubator.


Largest primate in the Americas is key to reforestation in São Paulo heartland
SDG 15
Largest primate in the Americas is key to reforestation in São Paulo heartland

At the Barreiro Rico Ecological Station in Anhembi, different approaches are shared between researchers in an effort to understand the relationship between the forest and the Southern muriqui, and to connect populations by means of ecological corridors. Fire prevention in the area has allowed the group to thrive after almost disappearing.


Less than 7 mm in length, this Atlantic Rainforest flea toad is the second-smallest vertebrate described in the world
SDG 15
Less than 7 mm in length, this Atlantic Rainforest flea toad is the second-smallest vertebrate described in the world

Brachycephalus dacnis is the seventh species of flea toad identified and is larger only than an individual of a closely related species found in southern Bahia state, Brazil. The study published in PeerJ was led by a group at the State University of Campinas.


Identified 51 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated mutations that could help diagnose the disease
SDG 3
Identified 51 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated mutations that could help diagnose the disease

The mutations were mapped by a group at the Federal University of São Paulo and collaborators in an analysis of mitochondrial genomes. Thirteen increase the risk of ALS and 38 are protective.


British delegation visits FAPESP to intensify research collaboration
SDG 17
British delegation visits FAPESP to intensify research collaboration

Representatives of the UK Government’s Department for Education and FAPESP discussed strategies to promote more collaboration between researchers based in São Paulo state and at the best British universities.


App uses artificial intelligence to monitor sleep and treat insomnia and apnea
SDG 3, SDG 9
App uses artificial intelligence to monitor sleep and treat insomnia and apnea

The platform, which was developed with FAPESP’s support, uses a clinical protocol based on cognitive behavioral therapy. The startup responsible participated in a business delegation to FAPESP Week Italy.


Rapid horizontal eye movement can improve stability in people with Parkinson’s
SDG 3
Rapid horizontal eye movement can improve stability in people with Parkinson’s

Vertical eye movements increased body sway in an experiment involving volunteers with the disease conducted by researchers at São Paulo State University (Brazil) and the University of Lille (France).


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