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

Group tests novel therapeutic strategy to minimize progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
SDG 3
Group tests novel therapeutic strategy to minimize progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

The use of photobiomodulation and an antioxidant drug called idebenone strengthened the regenerative capacity of muscle fibers in an experimental model, a study conducted at the State University of Campinas shows.


Artificial intelligence helps analyze blood work to detect breast cancer
SDG 9
Artificial intelligence helps analyze blood work to detect breast cancer

A startup supported by FAPESP is using AI to detect chronic diseases by analyzing ordinary blood tests.


Pesticides impair mobility and immune system of Brazilian native stingless bees, study shows
SDG 2
Pesticides impair mobility and immune system of Brazilian native stingless bees, study shows

After 48 hours of exposure to the pesticides imidacloprid, pyraclostrobin and glyphosate, stingless bees of the species Melipona scutellaris exhibited morphological and behavioral alterations that could weaken colonies, impair pollination and adversely affect food security.


Chapter 6: Trip to the Negro River marked a reunion after pioneering expeditions in the 1990s
SDG 14
Chapter 6: Trip to the Negro River marked a reunion after pioneering expeditions in the 1990s

One of the fishing methods used to collect electric fish in the DEGy Negro River Expedition was employed for the first time on a large scale in freshwater during the Calhamazon project, which brought together researchers from Brazil and the United States between 1993 and 1996.


Chapter 4: <i>Sarapós</i> stand out for the diversity of environments they occupy
SDG 14
Chapter 4: <i>Sarapós</i> stand out for the diversity of environments they occupy

The most abundant electric fish are found from the bottom of large rivers to igarapés, where they can bury themselves in the sand or blend into the leaf litter. In two weeks, an expedition in the Negro River basin collected 27 species of the group.


Chapter 3: On the Preto River, <i>poraquês</i> live in submerged ‘condominiums’ on the banks of <i>igarapés</i>
SDG 14
Chapter 3: On the Preto River, <i>poraquês</i> live in submerged ‘condominiums’ on the banks of <i>igarapés</i>

A species from the Negro River basin uses the spaces between the roots and hollows of trees to build nests and care for its young for four to six months, leaving only at night to hunt.


Chapter 2: Mysterious electric fish remains undiscovered by researchers in Jauaperi
SDG 14
Chapter 2: Mysterious electric fish remains undiscovered by researchers in Jauaperi

Historic drought in the Negro River basin and a possible inaccurate description of the distribution of Iracema caiana may be reasons why the species was not found by the DEGy Negro River Expedition. The episode describes the first collections.


Chapter 1: Nets, traps and contraptions make up material used to collect electric fish
SDG 14
Chapter 1: Nets, traps and contraptions make up material used to collect electric fish

In preparation for the expedition down the Negro River in search of fish of the order Gymnotiformes, researchers gather more than 200 kilos of equipment and supplies for detecting, collecting and storing specimens.


Expedition searches for mysterious electric fish and new discoveries about Amazonian species
SDG 14
Expedition searches for mysterious electric fish and new discoveries about Amazonian species

For two weeks, scientists from the University of São Paulo collected specimens of poraquês and other fish of the order Gymnotiformes aboard the vessel Comandante Gomes. The Agência FAPESP report followed the work in the field.


Study could lead to the development of low-cost biocidal materials
SDG 3, SDG 9
Study could lead to the development of low-cost biocidal materials

Experiment with the semiconductor silver phosphate revealed an unprecedented mechanism for the formation of reactive oxygen species – toxic molecules that can cause the death of pathogens.


Frequency and magnitude of extreme rainfall events in Brazil’s South region have increased since 1950, study shows
SDG 13
Frequency and magnitude of extreme rainfall events in Brazil’s South region have increased since 1950, study shows

An analysis of data from weather stations shows that large contiguous areas of the region have seen more days of extremely heavy rain in the past seven decades.


Virus that causes COVID-19 can remain in sperm for 110 days after infection
SDG 3
Virus that causes COVID-19 can remain in sperm for 110 days after infection

Researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 in male reproductive cells under the microscope even when PCR testing failed to detect the virus in semen. The discovery serves as a warning of possible implications for natural conception and particularly for assisted reproduction.


Researchers discover neural circuit involved in compulsive eating even without hunger
SDG 3
Researchers discover neural circuit involved in compulsive eating even without hunger

In a study involving mice, scientists used a technique that combines light stimulation and bioengineering to activate a cluster of nerve cells deep inside the brain. The discovery could pave the way to future treatment of eating disorders.


Scientists in Brazil and India collaborate on research to create promising treatment for solid tumors
SDG 3
Scientists in Brazil and India collaborate on research to create promising treatment for solid tumors

In tests involving animals, nanoparticles containing substances already approved for human use reduced inflammation in the biological microenvironment where malignant tumors flourish and facilitated the action of the immune system.


A Brazilian solution to help basic industries manage refractory linings
SDG 9
A Brazilian solution to help basic industries manage refractory linings

A startup supported by FAPESP is developing a system to assure the proper use of elements capable of guaranteeing structural integrity at high temperatures while reducing heat transfer from machinery and equipment to the environment.


Molecule produced in gut can have protective effect against flu, study shows
SDG 3
Molecule produced in gut can have protective effect against flu, study shows

In experiments with mice, researchers at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil and the Pasteur Institute in Lille (France) found that viral load and inflammation decreased in animals infected by influenza virus when they were given the substance.


Research optimizes biological control of pest that severely damages soybean crops
SDG 2
Research optimizes biological control of pest that severely damages soybean crops

Scientists at São Paulo State University (UNESP) and Oklahoma State University (OSU) verified in the field that a parasitoid wasp that neutralizes the Brown stink bug should ideally be released at intervals of 30 m.


Novel material shows potential to produce green hydrogen
SDG 7, SDG 9
Novel material shows potential to produce green hydrogen

A study supported by FAPESP produced films comprising polyaniline nanostructures with a carbon nanotube underlayer.


Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change is launched in Rio Claro
SDG 12, SDG 13
Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change is launched in Rio Claro

The first Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center (RIDC) hosted by São Paulo State University (UNESP) will promote innovation focusing on sustainable solutions and accelerated knowledge dissemination.


Fight against obesity goes far beyond individual struggle to change lifestyle, scientists say
SDG 3
Fight against obesity goes far beyond individual struggle to change lifestyle, scientists say

In an article published in Nature Metabolism, researchers based in Brazil and Mexico analyze the Latin American obesity epidemic from a broad perspective that includes socioeconomic, cultural and epigenetic factors. For the authors, solutions must focus on collective action rather than individualization of the problem.


Choice of best medication for cancer treatment can be facilitated by predictive testing
SDG 3, SDG 9
Choice of best medication for cancer treatment can be facilitated by predictive testing

A startup supported by FAPESP is developing a methodology that will give oncologists more precise information to help them choose the best therapeutic approach.


FAPESP and France’s National Institute of Research on Agriculture and Environment plan cooperation agreement
SDG 17
FAPESP and France’s National Institute of Research on Agriculture and Environment plan cooperation agreement

A delegation from INRAE visited FAPESP to discuss common areas of interest in scientific collaboration.


University of São Paulo presents seven new research centers directly linked to the Rector’s Office
SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 13, SDG 16
University of São Paulo presents seven new research centers directly linked to the Rector’s Office

Today’s key issues, such as artificial intelligence, climate change, cancer and Brazilian institutions, will be the focus of inter-institutional and multidisciplinary teaching and research; the new organization gives groups more autonomy and agility.


A portable sensor for self-testing of urine to detect markers of diseases such as cancer, gout and Parkinson’s
SDG 3
A portable sensor for self-testing of urine to detect markers of diseases such as cancer, gout and Parkinson’s

Developed by Brazilian scientists, the device connects wirelessly to a smartphone and can be used to monitor general health.


FAPESP, São Paulo State Government and German university THI sign cooperation agreement
SDG 17
FAPESP, São Paulo State Government and German university THI sign cooperation agreement

The aim is to fund bilateral projects in the field of artificial intelligence, focusing on mobility, energy and security.


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