Fapesp

FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

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Research funded by FAPESP aligned with the SDGs

News

Research funded by FAPESP aligned with the SDGs

Fires, droughts, and windstorms reduce the diversity of Amazonian vegetation
SDG 13, SDG 15
Fires, droughts, and windstorms reduce the diversity of Amazonian vegetation

A study led by Brazilian researchers shows that species are being replaced by generalists, and there is no trend toward savannization; however, recovered areas are more vulnerable.


Fires, droughts, and windstorms reduce the diversity of Amazonian vegetation
SDG 13, SDG 15
Fires, droughts, and windstorms reduce the diversity of Amazonian vegetation

A study led by Brazilian researchers shows that species are being replaced by generalists, and there is no trend toward savannization; however, recovered areas are more vulnerable.


Study identifies network of autoantibodies in neurodegenerative diseases
SDG 3
Study identifies network of autoantibodies in neurodegenerative diseases

Research from the University of São Paulo shows that a dysregulated immune system can trigger systemic attacks on neural connections, expanding our understanding of the complexity of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.


Study identifies network of autoantibodies in neurodegenerative diseases
SDG 3
Study identifies network of autoantibodies in neurodegenerative diseases

Research from the University of São Paulo shows that a dysregulated immune system can trigger systemic attacks on neural connections, expanding our understanding of the complexity of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.


Biosensor identifies pancreatic cancer in early stages
SDG 3
Biosensor identifies pancreatic cancer in early stages

Device developed at the University of São Paulo aims to enable rapid and accessible diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, thereby increasing the chances of effective treatment.


Biosensor identifies pancreatic cancer in early stages
SDG 3
Biosensor identifies pancreatic cancer in early stages

Device developed at the University of São Paulo aims to enable rapid and accessible diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, thereby increasing the chances of effective treatment.


Domestic yeast could reduce the cost of craft beer in Brazil
SDG 9
Domestic yeast could reduce the cost of craft beer in Brazil

A FAPESP-supported startup has developed its own propagation and drying method to lower the cost of an ingredient that can account for up to 30% of the price of the beverage.


Domestic yeast could reduce the cost of craft beer in Brazil
SDG 9
Domestic yeast could reduce the cost of craft beer in Brazil

A FAPESP-supported startup has developed its own propagation and drying method to lower the cost of an ingredient that can account for up to 30% of the price of the beverage.


Brazil has lost 1.4 billion tons of soil carbon due to the conversion of natural areas to agriculture
SDG 2, SDG 13
Brazil has lost 1.4 billion tons of soil carbon due to the conversion of natural areas to agriculture

According to calculations by scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center, the amount is equal to the emission of 5.2 billion tons of CO2 equivalent. The authors point to the potential to meet Brazilian mitigation targets by “recarbonizing” soils through sustainable agricultural practices.


Brazil has lost 1.4 billion tons of soil carbon due to the conversion of natural areas to agriculture
SDG 2, SDG 13
Brazil has lost 1.4 billion tons of soil carbon due to the conversion of natural areas to agriculture

According to calculations by scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center, the amount is equal to the emission of 5.2 billion tons of CO2 equivalent. The authors point to the potential to meet Brazilian mitigation targets by “recarbonizing” soils through sustainable agricultural practices.


More than half of the victims of violent deaths in Brazil had consumed alcohol or drugs shortly before
SDG 3
More than half of the victims of violent deaths in Brazil had consumed alcohol or drugs shortly before

Postmortem analyses of 3,577 cases in four state capitals reveal a consistent association between psychoactive substances and homicides, accidents, and suicides, with distinct regional patterns.


More than half of the victims of violent deaths in Brazil had consumed alcohol or drugs shortly before
SDG 3
More than half of the victims of violent deaths in Brazil had consumed alcohol or drugs shortly before

Postmortem analyses of 3,577 cases in four state capitals reveal a consistent association between psychoactive substances and homicides, accidents, and suicides, with distinct regional patterns.


Abdominal fat is linked to a higher risk of urinary incontinence in women
SDG 3
Abdominal fat is linked to a higher risk of urinary incontinence in women

A study conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos concludes that visceral fat has a greater impact on the problem than total body weight.


Abdominal fat is linked to a higher risk of urinary incontinence in women
SDG 3
Abdominal fat is linked to a higher risk of urinary incontinence in women

A study conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos concludes that visceral fat has a greater impact on the problem than total body weight.


Common Asian plant in Brazil shows potential for removing microplastics from water
SDG 6
Common Asian plant in Brazil shows potential for removing microplastics from water

A saline extract obtained from moringa, also known as white acacia, exhibited properties similar to aluminum sulfate in the coagulation process preceding the filtration of water for human consumption.


Poor hygiene and food handling practices increase the risk of bacterial outbreaks in Brazilian households
SDG 3
Poor hygiene and food handling practices increase the risk of bacterial outbreaks in Brazilian households

National survey maps food storage and safety habits in households across all regions of the country.


The cold virus ‘hides’ and multiplies in the tonsils and adenoids, even in people without symptoms
SDG 3
The cold virus ‘hides’ and multiplies in the tonsils and adenoids, even in people without symptoms

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo shows that the pathogen can persist in these tissues for long periods, be transmitted unexpectedly, and trigger new outbreaks of the disease.


New FAPESP calls for proposals cover the full cycle of deep tech funding
SDG 9
New FAPESP calls for proposals cover the full cycle of deep tech funding

Calls for proposals under the Regular Innovation Grant (RIG) program, incubator accreditation, and the PIPE Technological Journey establish an unprecedented bridge between academic research and the market.


Researchers at a translational science center develop new drug for skin diseases
SDG 3
Researchers at a translational science center develop new drug for skin diseases

Drug being tested at a FAPESP’s Science Center for Development is based on a monoclonal antibody capable of combating atopic dermatitis and other types of dryness, flaking, and itching.


Study maps regions with the greatest potential for green hydrogen production and use in Brazil
SDG 7
Study maps regions with the greatest potential for green hydrogen production and use in Brazil

Analysis based on municipal data identifies seven production clusters and ten consumption clusters, highlighting the need for infrastructure to connect energy and industrial hubs.


Study maps regions with the greatest potential for green hydrogen production and use in Brazil
SDG 7
Study maps regions with the greatest potential for green hydrogen production and use in Brazil

Analysis based on municipal data identifies seven production clusters and ten consumption clusters, highlighting the need for infrastructure to connect energy and industrial hubs.


Although tropical mammals account for most discoveries, studies in temperate regions are more robust
SDG 15
Although tropical mammals account for most discoveries, studies in temperate regions are more robust

A survey of 1,116 new species descriptions published between 1990 and 2025 reveals improved quality, though authors from the Global North use more lines of evidence in their studies.


Although tropical mammals account for most discoveries, studies in temperate regions are more robust
SDG 15
Although tropical mammals account for most discoveries, studies in temperate regions are more robust

A survey of 1,116 new species descriptions published between 1990 and 2025 reveals improved quality, though authors from the Global North use more lines of evidence in their studies.


Enzyme produced by fungus may replace chemicals in the paper industry
SDG 12
Enzyme produced by fungus may replace chemicals in the paper industry

Fungal xylanase can be obtained by cultivating the microorganism in sugarcane bagasse or wheat bran. The solution is a non-polluting alternative for bleaching cellulose pulp, which currently uses a toxic chemical.


Enzyme produced by fungus may replace chemicals in the paper industry
SDG 12
Enzyme produced by fungus may replace chemicals in the paper industry

Fungal xylanase can be obtained by cultivating the microorganism in sugarcane bagasse or wheat bran. The solution is a non-polluting alternative for bleaching cellulose pulp, which currently uses a toxic chemical.


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