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

Researchers from Brazil and Italy search industrial waste for new Alzheimer’s drugs
SDG 3
Researchers from Brazil and Italy search industrial waste for new Alzheimer’s drugs

One of the raw materials studied by the group is cashew nut shell liquid, a by-product of oilseed processing; work was presented during FAPESP Week Italy.


Artificial intelligence tools bring efficiency to the architectural process
SDG 9
Artificial intelligence tools bring efficiency to the architectural process

Solutions developed by a startup supported by FAPESP through its innovation in small businesses program were presented during FAPESP Week Italy.


Brazilian researchers work to transform agave into the ‘sugarcane of the <i>sertão</i>’
SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 17
Brazilian researchers work to transform agave into the ‘sugarcane of the <i>sertão</i>’

The goal is to develop an alternative for bioenergy production that can be grown in semi-arid regions, which are advancing in Brazil and worldwide; results were presented during FAPESP Week Italy.


FAPESP Week Italy participants discuss actions to promote innovation and collaboration with industry
SDG 9, SDG 17
FAPESP Week Italy participants discuss actions to promote innovation and collaboration with industry

The panel included Carlos Américo Pacheco from FAPESP, Marina Silverii from Attractiveness Research Territory Emilia-Romagna, and Claudio Melchiorri from the Università di Bologna.


FAPESP and Università di Bologna leaders launch FAPESP Week Italy
SDG 17
FAPESP and Università di Bologna leaders launch FAPESP Week Italy

Event aims to foster partnerships between São Paulo researchers and entrepreneurs and their Italian counterparts.


Researcher offers reflection on trauma and historical suffering of Jewish communities
SDG 16
Researcher offers reflection on trauma and historical suffering of Jewish communities

Professor Marianne Hirsch, daughter of Holocaust survivors, delivered the 8th FAPESP Lecture 2024 on “Rethinking Holocaust Postmemory After October 7”.


High blood pressure reduces respiratory capacity owing to hardening of bronchi, study shows
SDG 3
High blood pressure reduces respiratory capacity owing to hardening of bronchi, study shows

The study was conducted at the Federal University of São Paulo and involved 731 over-sixties. It is the first to demonstrate the effects of high blood pressure on lung mechanics. The findings highlight the benefits of regular physical exercise for partial protection of the lungs.


Study helps understand pain associated with viral infection
SDG 3
Study helps understand pain associated with viral infection

Through experiments in mice infected with a herpes virus, scientists identified an immune system sensor that recognizes viral fragments and activates neurons responsible for pain, independently of inflammation. The discovery paves the way for novel analgesic treatments.


Startup monitors proliferation of microorganisms that turn water bodies green
SDG 9, SDG 12
Startup monitors proliferation of microorganisms that turn water bodies green

With FAPESP’s support, the startup plans to collect biomass from the cyanobacterial blooms that have turned the Pinheiros River green in São Paulo city and convert it to bioproducts.


Brazilian study identifies potential targets for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis
SDG 3
Brazilian study identifies potential targets for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis

Discovery of a novel class of proteins that help regulate the parasite’s essential cellular functions could lead to the development of more effective drugs against the disease. More than 3,500 new cases are notified each year in Brazil.


Research supported by FAPESP underpins financing mechanism for climate action in São Paulo
SDG 13
Research supported by FAPESP underpins financing mechanism for climate action in São Paulo

Scientists from the BIOTA Synthesis project helped develop the strategy that uses blended finance to promote the restoration and conservation of ecosystems in the state.


Desertification in Brazilian semi-arid biome reduces soil functionality by more than 50%
SDG 13, SDG 15
Desertification in Brazilian semi-arid biome reduces soil functionality by more than 50%

Research focusing on the Caatinga shows that by restoring the soil, it is possible to achieve quality levels close to those that existed before human interference.


Abdominal obesity in conjunction with weak muscles is the main risk factor for metabolic syndrome
SDG 3
Abdominal obesity in conjunction with weak muscles is the main risk factor for metabolic syndrome

A study conducted by researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos and University College London analyzed eight years of data for almost 4,000 over-50s.


Process optimizes extraction of bioactive compounds from agricultural residues for cosmetics and food products
SDG 9, SDG 12
Process optimizes extraction of bioactive compounds from agricultural residues for cosmetics and food products

An invention developed at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) obtains theobromine and caffeine from coca bean husks using stingless bee honey as a solvent. The method is a safe alternative to conventional processes, which can be harmful to human health and the environment.


Initiatives by FAPESP aim to strengthen collaboration between researchers in São Paulo and Canada
SDG 17
Initiatives by FAPESP aim to strengthen collaboration between researchers in São Paulo and Canada

FAPESP has signed a scientific and technological cooperation agreement with Quebec’s research funding agency and is planning a new edition of FAPESP Week in Canada’s second most populous province.


Effects of environmental factors on Southeast Brazil’s coastal biodiversity surpass those of ecological processes
SDG 14
Effects of environmental factors on Southeast Brazil’s coastal biodiversity surpass those of ecological processes

Marine organisms in areas influenced by lower sea surface temperatures, such as the Lakes Region in Rio de Janeiro state, are between 25% and 100% larger than those inhabiting warmer water along the coast of São Paulo state, the study shows.


Climate change can alter methane emission and uptake in the Amazon
SDG 13
Climate change can alter methane emission and uptake in the Amazon

Researchers at the University of São Paulo conducted an experiment to observe the effects on soil samples of extreme conditions in terms of temperature and rainfall in the laboratory. Their findings show that the balance of greenhouse gas emissions from microbial decomposition of organic matter may change.


Asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs led to the invention of ‘ant agriculture’
SDG 15
Asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs led to the invention of ‘ant agriculture’

When the dust that covered the skies 66 million years ago prevented plants from photosynthesizing and benefited creatures that fed on decomposing organic matter, these insects selected species that could fill their nutrient void, confirms a study published in Science.


Cancer cell therapy developed at University of São Paulo wins Octavio Frias de Oliveira Award
SDG 3
Cancer cell therapy developed at University of São Paulo wins Octavio Frias de Oliveira Award

Nominated in the “Technological Innovation in Oncology” category, the study could benefit patients with hematological neoplasms.


Genetically modified yeast permits conversion of agave to ethanol
SDG 7
Genetically modified yeast permits conversion of agave to ethanol

A GM strain of brewer’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae developed by Brazilian researchers could significantly grow the production of ethanol biofuel. A patent application has been filed with Brazil’s patent office.


Practicing sports in childhood and adolescence affords lifelong cardiovascular benefits
SDG 3
Practicing sports in childhood and adolescence affords lifelong cardiovascular benefits

A study conducted by Brazilian scientists at São Paulo State University involved 242 volunteers aged 40 on average. The results showed an improvement in heart rate control by the autonomic nervous system regardless of the level of physical activity in adulthood.


In rats, intrauterine exposure to cannabinoid affected cardiorespiratory function and sleep quality in adulthood
SDG 3
In rats, intrauterine exposure to cannabinoid affected cardiorespiratory function and sleep quality in adulthood

Brazilian researchers analyzed behavioral and physiological factors in animals whose mothers received a synthetic substance that activates the same receptors as marijuana during pregnancy. The consequences were different in males and females.


Peptide synthesized at University of São Paulo acts as molecular shield to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting cells
SDG 3
Peptide synthesized at University of São Paulo acts as molecular shield to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting cells

The synthetic peptide was inspired by ACE2, the protein to which the virus that causes COVID-19 binds to invade human cells. The results point to a route for the development of novel antivirals.


Pollination changes after hurricane in Caribbean
SDG 15
Pollination changes after hurricane in Caribbean

Hurricane Maria killed so many Purple-throated caribs, sole pollinator of two species of heliconia, that other birds were able to gain access to the plants, according to an article in New Phytologist, which concludes that species extinction is a far more complex process than is often thought.


Platinum surfaces doped with bismuth produce more ketone
SDG 9
Platinum surfaces doped with bismuth produce more ketone

The experiment of the Center for Development of Functional Materials was described in an article in the journal ChemCatChem.


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