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

Book proposes strategies to help cities cope with climate change
SDG 11, SDG 13
Book proposes strategies to help cities cope with climate change

Researchers discuss 17 case studies conducted in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Africa involving ways to implement integrated management of water, energy and food.


Study detects pesticide residues in baby food
SDG 3
Study detects pesticide residues in baby food

Analysis conducted in Spain used a methodology developed by researchers at the State University of Campinas to detect many toxins simultaneously.


News coverage highlights some threats to deer conservation but may mislead or omit key information
SDG 15
News coverage highlights some threats to deer conservation but may mislead or omit key information

A survey of news items on Brazilian deer published between 2011 and 2021 shows that most referred to habitat loss and poaching, but diseases transmitted by cattle and low reproductive efficiency were ignored as factors that can lead to species extinction. Lack of the right information can hinder conservation efforts.


Scientists identify pattern of brain activity associated with resistance to stress
SDG 3
Scientists identify pattern of brain activity associated with resistance to stress

A study in rats analyzed neural rhythm in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus with machine learning techniques. The results could guide future personalized treatments for psychiatric disorders.


Artificial intelligence model can help Brazil earn money from carbon credits
SDG 13
Artificial intelligence model can help Brazil earn money from carbon credits

Machine learning tool measures how environmental variables such as humidity and solar radiation affect the amount of carbon captured in a given area.


Agricultural certification stimulates compliance with environmental legislation by coffee farms in Brazil
SDG 12
Agricultural certification stimulates compliance with environmental legislation by coffee farms in Brazil

The researchers analyzed data for more than 500 coffee farms in areas of Atlantic Rainforest and Cerrado, Brazil’s savanna-type biome, in 84 municipalities in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais.


Brazilian researchers investigate diversity of <i>E. coli</i> bacteria in hospitalized patients
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers investigate diversity of <i>E. coli</i> bacteria in hospitalized patients

The aim of the study was to analyze the virulence and antimicrobial resistance profile of the main agent of urinary tract infections.


Study associates long COVID with physical inactivity
SDG 3
Study associates long COVID with physical inactivity

Fatigue, breathlessness and other symptoms that may persist months after recovery from the infection may both favor sedentarism and be more frequent as a result of an inactive lifestyle, according to findings described by researchers at the University of São Paulo in an article in Scientific Reports.


Moderate consumption of red wine remodels gut microbiota and offers cardiovascular benefits, study shows
SDG 3
Moderate consumption of red wine remodels gut microbiota and offers cardiovascular benefits, study shows

Significant changes in gut microbiota were observed in 42 men with coronary artery disease after they took 250 ml of red wine per day for five days a week over a period of three weeks.


Resistance training improves sleep quality and reduces inflammation in older people with sarcopenia
SDG 3
Resistance training improves sleep quality and reduces inflammation in older people with sarcopenia

The study involved 28 volunteers diagnosed with sarcopenia, which is characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength.


Third dose of COVID-19 vaccines increases protection against omicron, study shows
SDG 3
Third dose of COVID-19 vaccines increases protection against omicron, study shows

Researchers followed 286 volunteers during a wave of COVID-19 in the Northeast region of Brazil in the first quarter of 2022. The number of cases fell among those who had been vaccinated with three doses, and they had more neutralizing antibodies than subjects who had not completed the vaccination scheme even when previously infected.


Novel method of analyzing microplastic particle pollution can facilitate environmental impact assessment
SDG 3, SDG 12
Novel method of analyzing microplastic particle pollution can facilitate environmental impact assessment

An article by researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo argues that the analysis should consider not just the quantity but also the size and shape of plastic particles in water samples, as these variables influence the impact of plastic pollution on ecosystems.


Nanomaterial degrades organic pollutants when activated by light
SDG 3, SDG 12
Nanomaterial degrades organic pollutants when activated by light

The novel material was synthesized at the Center for Development of Functional Materials. The aim of the study was to combat the contamination caused by inappropriate disposal of pesticides and pharmaceuticals.


FAPESP and University of Münster discuss strategies to intensify bilateral collaboration
SDG 17
FAPESP and University of Münster discuss strategies to intensify bilateral collaboration

Representatives of the German higher education institution met with FAPESP’s senior executives to talk about their shared commitment to fostering research on sustainability.


Yeast used in production of cachaça can prevent asthma, study shows
SDG 3
Yeast used in production of cachaça can prevent asthma, study shows

Brazilian researchers conducted preclinical trials involving mice to find the ideal dose and administration regime. The results suggest high daily doses of the probiotic are needed to obtain the benefit.


Robot helps detect contaminants in water after sewage treatment
SDG 6, SDG 9
Robot helps detect contaminants in water after sewage treatment

Technology developed at the University of São Paulo increases the precision of chemical analysis and reduces the use of expensive toxic solvents. The immediate focus was on parabens, potentially carcinogenic compounds used in industry as preservatives.


Sugar consumption and early interruption of breastfeeding are risk factors for dental caries in infancy
SDG 3
Sugar consumption and early interruption of breastfeeding are risk factors for dental caries in infancy

In a Brazilian study involving 800 children, researchers found that extended breastfeeding protects the baby’s teeth as long as it is not given sugary food.


Severity of post-COVID syndrome may be linked to antibodies involved in auto-immune diseases
SDG 3
Severity of post-COVID syndrome may be linked to antibodies involved in auto-immune diseases

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo provides knowledge for use in diagnosing and treating chronic fatigue syndrome, which affects 10%-20% of patients who recover from COVID-19.


Scientists combine remote sensing and field experiments to study the effects of fire on Amazon savanna
SDG 13
Scientists combine remote sensing and field experiments to study the effects of fire on Amazon savanna

Using experimental fires set at different times of year in the Campos Amazônicos National Park, Brazilian researchers found that lags in acquiring and assessing information obtained from satellite imaging can lead to misinterpretation. The study points to the need for adjustments to monitoring algorithms.


Study reveals biomarkers that can be used to personalize treatment of head and neck cancer
SDG 3
Study reveals biomarkers that can be used to personalize treatment of head and neck cancer

Cetuximab is one of the few drugs approved for this type of cancer, but it is expensive and effective only for 40% of patients. An article in the journal Cells describes molecular alterations observed in tumor cells that indicate resistance to the drug, paving the way to the development of a predictive test.


Biogas produced with waste from apple juice making can minimize use of fossil fuels in industry
SDG 12, SDG 13
Biogas produced with waste from apple juice making can minimize use of fossil fuels in industry

A study by Brazilian researchers shows that the use of bioenergy avoids greenhouse gas emissions. Another benefit of their bioreactor is conversion of apple pomace into organic fertilizer.


Children of overprotective parents tend to live less, study suggests
SDG 3
Children of overprotective parents tend to live less, study suggests

Based on an analysis of data for nearly 1,000 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing born in the 1950s and 1960s, researchers concluded that children’s relationships with parents influence longevity, although the impact is different for men and women.


Study shows that COVID-19 virus can be detected in tears sampled by ocular swab
SDG 3
Study shows that COVID-19 virus can be detected in tears sampled by ocular swab

Researchers at the University of São Paulo detected SARS-CoV-2 on the ocular surface in 18.2% of samples taken from patients hospitalized with the disease. The findings point to an alternative to nasopharyngeal swabbing and highlight the need for health workers to protect themselves from infection by ocular fluids.


Repressive methods used in training women’s artistic gymnasts can be extremely harmful, study warns
SDG 3
Repressive methods used in training women’s artistic gymnasts can be extremely harmful, study warns

An article by researchers at the State University of Campinas in Sport, Education and Society investigates the dark side of Olympic fame. The lead author’s PhD research included interviews with former gymnasts in the Brazilian team.


Proper soil management could make Amazon pasturelands a better methane sink
SDG 13
Proper soil management could make Amazon pasturelands a better methane sink

Grass-covered pasture captures more methane than bare soil, albeit much less than forest-covered soil. Researchers at the University of São Paulo showed that proper pasture management strategies have the potential to reduce the impact of livestock production and mitigate global warming.


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