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

Green technology uses corn stover to produce high-value bioderivatives and generate savings
SDG 9, SDG 12
Green technology uses corn stover to produce high-value bioderivatives and generate savings

The optimized extraction of sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties uses only water, making it promising for applications in the biofuels, pharmaceutical, and food industries.


More than 70% of young women suffer from itching, irritation, pain, and other symptoms in the genital area
SDG 3
More than 70% of young women suffer from itching, irritation, pain, and other symptoms in the genital area

The finding was based on questionnaires applied to 313 Brazilian women in their 30s. The results indicate that, although the reported discomforts negatively affect the participants’ quality of life and sexual health, they tend to normalize them.


Greenhouse gas could lead to the development of sustainable fuels
SDG 7, SDG 13
Greenhouse gas could lead to the development of sustainable fuels

An international consortium of scientists presents an overview of the subject in an article published in the journal Science.


Women with low muscle mass have a worse prognosis in breast cancer treatment
SDG 3
Women with low muscle mass have a worse prognosis in breast cancer treatment

The study conducted at the University of São Paulo evaluated data from 54 women who were newly diagnosed with early-stage disease.


Biotech develops technology to produce milk proteins without cows
SDG 9, SDG 12
Biotech develops technology to produce milk proteins without cows

Future Cow uses precision fermentation to create dairy ingredients in a sustainable way; the startup, supported by FAPESP, was selected to participate in VivaTech, one of Europe’s largest innovation events.


São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Ocean Literacy now accepting applications
SDG 14
São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Ocean Literacy now accepting applications

Event will be promoted by the Institute of Marine Science of the Federal University of São Paulo between August 19th and September 1st.


Insulin resistance in the brain may be one of the factors linking Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy
SDG 3
Insulin resistance in the brain may be one of the factors linking Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy

In animal tests, researchers from the University of São Paulo observed that changes in insulin signaling in the brain affected both memory and the frequency and severity of seizures. The findings support clinical evidence and point the way to new therapeutic approaches.


Simple process extends lifetime of perovskite solar cells
SDG 7, SDG 9
Simple process extends lifetime of perovskite solar cells

The material is as efficient as silicon in generating clean energy and has lower production costs, greater lightness and flexibility. Its rapid degradation is one of the main obstacles to overcome to make its use viable.


Fully protected marine areas in Brazil are contaminated by microplastics
SDG 14
Fully protected marine areas in Brazil are contaminated by microplastics

Researchers from the Federal University of São Paulo used oysters and mussels as sentinel organisms to assess the presence of these pollutants. The results show that even the most restrictive sites for human presence have significant contamination.


New Applied Research Center will invest more than BRL 40 million in center for research on 5G and generative AI
SDG 9
New Applied Research Center will invest more than BRL 40 million in center for research on 5G and generative AI

Created by Claro, FAPESP and the University of São Paulo, the initiative will involve more than one hundred researchers in the development of disruptive solutions in three areas: Smart Cities, Industry 4.0 and Agrotech.


Modification makes immunotherapy for blood cancer even more effective
SDG 3
Modification makes immunotherapy for blood cancer even more effective

A group led by researchers at the A.C.Camargo Cancer Center has succeeded in improving CAR-T cells, making them more effective in treating refractory types of lymphoma and leukemia.


Personality traits influence the development of insomnia
SDG 3
Personality traits influence the development of insomnia

The conclusion comes from a study conducted at the University of São Paulo with 595 participants between the ages of 18 and 59. The analysis shows a link between insomnia and high levels of neuroticism, and points to anxiety as part of the problem.


Study assesses how sustainable agricultural management practices in the Americas help sequester CO2
SDG 2, SDG 13
Study assesses how sustainable agricultural management practices in the Americas help sequester CO2

Researchers from the University of São Paulo and collaborators conducted a comprehensive review of the available literature on the subject, which included more than 13,000 articles.


Study assesses how sustainable agricultural management practices in the Americas help sequester CO2
SDG 2, SDG 13
Study assesses how sustainable agricultural management practices in the Americas help sequester CO2

Researchers from the University of São Paulo and collaborators conducted a comprehensive review of the available literature on the subject, which included more than 13,000 articles.


Portal aims to centralize food composition data from Latin American countries
SDG 3
Portal aims to centralize food composition data from Latin American countries

The project developed by Food Research Center takes into account the eating habits and biodiversity of each country in the region.


Microalgae remove antibiotic residues from wastewater, reducing environmental contamination
SDG 3, SDG 6
Microalgae remove antibiotic residues from wastewater, reducing environmental contamination

In the laboratory, the species Monoraphidium contortum removed some of the drugs added to the liquid and produced biomass with potential commercial value.


Low-cost formulation reduces dose and increases efficacy of drug against worms
SDG 3
Low-cost formulation reduces dose and increases efficacy of drug against worms

Praziquantel, usually administered in large tablets, is the only anthelmintic available on the market. New form of presentation uses nanotechnology and facilitates use by children and pets.


Oceans should play a bigger role in COP30 discussions, experts say
SDG 13
Oceans should play a bigger role in COP30 discussions, experts say

The topic was discussed by Kenyan marine ecologist David Obura, chairman of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, and Brazilian researchers during the 3rd FAPESP 2025 Conference.


Platform enables companies to assess employee health
SDG 9
Platform enables companies to assess employee health

Digital tool developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo measures employee health indices and guides more efficient corporate actions for well-being at work.


Civil defense units must invest in professionalization and own resources to face climate risks
SDG 13, SDG 16
Civil defense units must invest in professionalization and own resources to face climate risks

Research proposes action fronts to increase the organizational capacity of these units in municipalities; expanded coordination with other areas is one of the next steps for the sector.


Sustainable method produces high-purity material for use in green hydrogen production
SDG 7
Sustainable method produces high-purity material for use in green hydrogen production

In order to improve the performance of photoelectrocatalysts that act in the “separation” of H2, work carried out at a FAPESP-supported research center uses light and glycerol to eliminate unwanted compounds resulting from the reaction of these materials with organic molecules.


Molecule reverses cognitive deficits associated with aging and dementia in animal tests
SDG 3
Molecule reverses cognitive deficits associated with aging and dementia in animal tests

Brazilian researchers observed increased connections between neurons in rodents after inducing an increase in the synthesis of hevin – a glycoprotein naturally produced by astrocytes.


Article proposes method to reduce illegal logging in Brazil
SDG 12, SDG 13
Article proposes method to reduce illegal logging in Brazil

Solution developed at the Center for Research in Mathematical Sciences Applied to Industry is based on the analysis of the timber trade network.


New enzyme capable of cleaving cellulose should revolutionize biofuel production
SDG 7
New enzyme capable of cleaving cellulose should revolutionize biofuel production

This natural protein, called CelOCE, was obtained at the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials and can be immediately incorporated into the industrial process. The discovery was published in the journal Nature.


Silver nanoparticles produced by fungus could be used to prevent and treat COVID-19
SDG 3
Silver nanoparticles produced by fungus could be used to prevent and treat COVID-19

Study in hamsters paves way for development of nasal sprays and other products to fight several viral diseases, including HIV/AIDS, shingles and influenza.


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