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

Startups present results of projects conducted under aegis of Centelha SP program
SDG 9
Startups present results of projects conducted under aegis of Centelha SP program

Representatives of 44 startups based in São Paulo received technical support for a year to develop products and business plans via in-person training, mentoring and workshops run by experts from FAPESP and associations that foster entrepreneurship.


A single session of aerobic exercise improves blood pressure in rheumatoid arthritis patients
SDG 3
A single session of aerobic exercise improves blood pressure in rheumatoid arthritis patients

A study involving 20 women with rheumatoid arthritis and high blood pressure demonstrates the benefits of walking at moderate speed for 30 minutes even after tests that simulate stressful situations and tend to raise blood pressure.


FAPESP at COP28 reinforces coalition to create new international body to protect the oceans
SDG 13, SDG 14
FAPESP at COP28 reinforces coalition to create new international body to protect the oceans

The International Panel for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS) will translate scientific information into policymaking decisions that help protect the world’s oceans.


Amazon+10 Initiative receives more than BRL 30 million from the United Kingdom
SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13
Amazon+10 Initiative receives more than BRL 30 million from the United Kingdom

The funding will be for scientific expeditions under the current call for proposals which is taking applications until April 29, 2024.


Climate intelligence platform supports decision-making by farmers and agroindustry
SDG 2, SDG 9, SDG 13
Climate intelligence platform supports decision-making by farmers and agroindustry

Agrosmart, a startup based in São Paulo state, presented its portfolio of solutions during COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference held in Dubai.


Intravaginal sponge can make treatment of candidiasis more comfortable and effective
SDG 3
Intravaginal sponge can make treatment of candidiasis more comfortable and effective

The device is under preclinical trials; the sponge is made of soft, biodegradable material and releases medication slowly into the organism.


Startup develops rapid test to help detect cervical cancer
SDG 3, SDG 9
Startup develops rapid test to help detect cervical cancer

The kit is designed to be used for screening. If the result is negative, it should be repeated a year later. If positive, the individual should see a specialist.


Growth hormone influences regulation of anxiety via a specific group of neurons
SDG 3
Growth hormone influences regulation of anxiety via a specific group of neurons

Researchers at the University of São Paulo identified in mice the neurons associated with the anxiolytic effect of growth hormone. Their discovery paves the way for the development of novel classes of medications for neuropsychiatric disorders.


Researchers at São Paulo State University propose conditions for maximizing quantum entanglement
SDG 9
Researchers at São Paulo State University propose conditions for maximizing quantum entanglement

Entanglement is a key concept in quantum physics and a condition for the success of quantum computing.


Diversity of bioluminescent beetles in Brazilian savanna has declined sharply in 30 years
SDG 15
Diversity of bioluminescent beetles in Brazilian savanna has declined sharply in 30 years

Surveys conducted in the Cerrado since the 1990s show falling biodiversity as the agricultural frontier advances in the vicinity of Emas National Park. Species with biotechnological potential are dwindling and even disappearing.


Brazilian researchers discover two novel peptides with biotechnological potential in snake venom
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers discover two novel peptides with biotechnological potential in snake venom

Fragments of hemorrhagic toxins that may help treat high blood pressure were found in the venom of the pit viper Cotiara, which inhabits the South of Brazil, and that of the South American bushmaster, a denizen of tropical rainforests. The molecules might one day be used in drugs with fewer adverse side effects.


Incomplete notification and underreporting of snakebites can hinder public health actions, study suggests
SDG 3
Incomplete notification and underreporting of snakebites can hinder public health actions, study suggests

A survey conducted in a Brazilian state with the country’s second-highest number of ophidic accidents draws attention to the need to train health workers to complete notification forms correctly. Better data will help improve research and antivenom distribution.


A new map showing all above-ground biomass in the Brazilian Amazon
SDG 13
A new map showing all above-ground biomass in the Brazilian Amazon

The map is derived from a study conducted by researchers at Brazil’s space research institute and collaborators, and combined airborne laser scanning, satellite imagery and forest inventories. The results will support planning, conservation and sustainable management decisions.


3D material found to break down antidepressant that contaminates water bodies worldwide
SDG 6
3D material found to break down antidepressant that contaminates water bodies worldwide

Brazilian researchers tested a photocatalyst based on zinc oxide and found it to perform well in degrading sertraline, an emerging pollutant.


Workshop assembles researchers affiliated with centers supported by FAPESP and United States’ NSF
SDG 17
Workshop assembles researchers affiliated with centers supported by FAPESP and United States’ NSF

The event took place in São Paulo on November 29-30 to foster interaction and promote center-to-center relations.


Nanoparticles with antibacterial action shorten duration of tuberculosis treatment
SDG 3
Nanoparticles with antibacterial action shorten duration of tuberculosis treatment

Researchers at São Paulo State University tested the action of nanoparticles loaded with antibiotics and other antimicrobial compounds on cells infected by the bacillus that causes tuberculosis. The results suggest the strategy can overcome multidrug bacterial resistance.


Brazilian researchers report detailed analysis of heart injury caused by yellow fever virus
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers report detailed analysis of heart injury caused by yellow fever virus

The study is the first-ever demonstration of the anatomical substrate for the cardiac arrhythmias that occur in human yellow fever.


Atmospheric pollutants in São Paulo exceeded recommended levels even at the height of the pandemic
SDG 3, SDG 13
Atmospheric pollutants in São Paulo exceeded recommended levels even at the height of the pandemic

Brazilian researchers analyzed air pollution in metropolitan São Paulo in 2019-20 when mobility restrictions and social distancing applied in the southern hemisphere’s largest city. Even so, the daily average exceeded the World Health Organization’s air quality standard on 75 days.


Gut-skin connection is key factor in atopic dermatitis, research review shows
SDG 3
Gut-skin connection is key factor in atopic dermatitis, research review shows

A review article by Brazilian researchers lists recent discoveries on this chronic inflammatory skin disease, which affects around 10% of adults and 25% of children.


Photodynamic action weakens resistance to antibiotics in bacteria that attack airways
SDG 3
Photodynamic action weakens resistance to antibiotics in bacteria that attack airways

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo’s Optics and Photonics Research Center in Brazil showed a change in the bacterium’s sensitivity after five applications.


Embedding nanodiamonds in polymer can advance quantum computing and biological studies
SDG 9
Embedding nanodiamonds in polymer can advance quantum computing and biological studies

Researchers at the University of São Paulo’s São Carlos Institute of Physics developed the technique, which can be used in information processing and cell marking, among many other applications.


The art of Rosana Paulino lays bare the trauma of slavery in Brazil
SDG 10
The art of Rosana Paulino lays bare the trauma of slavery in Brazil

The artist outlined her life’s work in the Eighth FAPESP 2023 Lecture, which was entitled “Roots that emerge: interweavings of art and science”.


Study paves way for development of advanced quantum networks
SDG 9
Study paves way for development of advanced quantum networks

This research carried out at the State University of Campinas focused on the use of nanometric optomechanical cavities as bridges between superconducting circuits and optical fibers, with applications in computing and quantum communications.


Artificial intelligence applied to drone imagery helps improve agricultural productivity
SDG 2, SDG 9
Artificial intelligence applied to drone imagery helps improve agricultural productivity

A Brazilian startup’s AI algorithms detect infestations, classify weeds and produce localized spraying files.


Long COVID is linked to persistent damage to mitochondria, the ‘powerhouses’ of our cells
SDG 3
Long COVID is linked to persistent damage to mitochondria, the ‘powerhouses’ of our cells

Infection by SARS-CoV-2 can suppress the expression of mitochondrial genes involved in production of ATP cell fuel in many vital organs. The discovery paves the way to a search for strategies to restore mitochondrial function.


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