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

Three out of every ten meals ordered from the main food delivery app in Brazil come from dark kitchens
SDG 3, SDG 12
Three out of every ten meals ordered from the main food delivery app in Brazil come from dark kitchens

The first-ever study of dark kitchens conducted in Brazil collected data on 22,520 establishments located in three cities in São Paulo state and listed by iFood. An article on the study offers a profile of these delivery-only restaurants, which proliferated during the pandemic.


Amazon dark earth boosts tree growth as much as sixfold
SDG 13
Amazon dark earth boosts tree growth as much as sixfold

Brazilian scientists analyzed the typical soil composition resulting from native management with the aim of developing biotech applications for more effective restoration of degraded areas.


Substitution of tolerant for sensitive species balances ecosystems in agricultural areas, study says
SDG 2, SDG 13
Substitution of tolerant for sensitive species balances ecosystems in agricultural areas, study says

Research conducted in manipulated sugarcane plots showed that small water bodies such as ponds and puddles can contribute to sustainable farming even with environmentally hostile practices.


Researchers explore strategies to convert CO2 into value-added products for industry
SDG 9, SDG 13
Researchers explore strategies to convert CO2 into value-added products for industry

One of the goals of the study conducted by scientists at the Center for Development of Functional Materials and the Center for Innovation on New Energies is to reduce atmospheric emissions of this greenhouse gas.


Degradation caused by human activities affects 38% of Amazon, study shows
SDG 13, SDG 15
Degradation caused by human activities affects 38% of Amazon, study shows

An article in Science by 35 researchers affiliated with institutions in Brazil and elsewhere shows that carbon emissions resulting from forest degradation are equivalent to emissions from deforestation. The authors analyzed degradation due to fire, edge effects, illegal logging and extreme drought.


Research with Brazilian participation is first to create models of bovine embryos
SDG 3, SDG 9
Research with Brazilian participation is first to create models of bovine embryos

The results pave the way for breeding of cattle with selected traits. Preliminary work findings for human embryo models recently published by international groups could contribute to the understanding of congenital defects and early pregnancy loss.


Visiting Swiss delegation advocates new partnerships with FAPESP
SDG 17
Visiting Swiss delegation advocates new partnerships with FAPESP

Similar programs and FAPESP’s pragmatism arouse interest in intensifying collaboration and joint calls for proposals involving research centers in Switzerland and São Paulo.


Researchers advance understanding of metabolic processes in fungi essential to 2G ethanol production
SDG 7
Researchers advance understanding of metabolic processes in fungi essential to 2G ethanol production

Scientists at Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) investigated enzymes produced by two species of fungus used to break down sugarcane bagasse for production of second-generation ethanol. The goal of the project is to increase the efficiency of this process, which currently depends on imported feedstocks.


Compound reduced inflammation in COVID-19-infected mice without compromising immune response to virus
SDG 3
Compound reduced inflammation in COVID-19-infected mice without compromising immune response to virus

A team affiliated with a FAPESP-supported research center showed in mice that molecules capable of preventing the peptide C5a from binding to its cellular receptor helped prevent lung damage and other complications typical of severe COVID-19.


Consumption of soluble dietary fiber favors renewal of intestinal epithelial cells, study shows
SDG 3
Consumption of soluble dietary fiber favors renewal of intestinal epithelial cells, study shows

In experiments conducted at the State University of Campinas (Brazil), intestinal epithelial stem cells proliferated more in mice fed an inulin-rich diet than in mice given insoluble fiber. The study also showed that the beneficial effects depended on interaction with gut microbiota.


Biofuels are crucial to the energy transition, but misinformation must be overcome
SDG 7, SDG 12, SDG 13
Biofuels are crucial to the energy transition, but misinformation must be overcome

The view was expressed by participants in a discussion on “Bioenergy’s major contribution to the energy transition” organized by the FAPESP Bioenergy Research Program.


Interstate collaboration advocates economic alternatives to deforestation in Brazilian Amazon
SDG 2, SDG 12, SDG 13
Interstate collaboration advocates economic alternatives to deforestation in Brazilian Amazon

Strategies for reconciling forest conservation and income generation for families living on Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve in Acre state are the focus of a project in which local scientists are collaborating with colleagues from the states of São Paulo and Pará. The project is part of the Amazon+10 Initiative.


SARS-CoV-2 infects liver, stimulating glucose production and contributing to severe form of COVID-19
SDG 3
SARS-CoV-2 infects liver, stimulating glucose production and contributing to severe form of COVID-19

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo and reported in PNAS explains hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients and shows how SARS-CoV-2 causes symptoms similar to those of diabetes.


Novel targets identified for treatment of schistosomiasis
SDG 3
Novel targets identified for treatment of schistosomiasis

Researchers at Butantan Institute in São Paulo, Brazil, discovered that survival of the parasitic worm that causes the disease depends on expression of a specific type of RNA. In animal trials, inhibition of the molecule interrupted the infection.


New theoretical model paves way for more efficient supercapacitors
SDG 9
New theoretical model paves way for more efficient supercapacitors

The new model is capable of providing a realistic analysis of the experimental data for a supercapacitor in which internal energy losses are considered.


Brazilian coast is warmer and is having more frequent extreme temperature events, study shows
SDG 13
Brazilian coast is warmer and is having more frequent extreme temperature events, study shows

An article by scientists at the Federal University of São Paulo shows that the South and Southeast of Brazil are the most affected regions, and that Espírito Santo is the state most affected by waves of heat and cold.


Besides yields, climate change reduces nutritional value of food crops
SDG 2, SDG 13
Besides yields, climate change reduces nutritional value of food crops

The warning was delivered by Marta Vasconcelos, a biologist affiliated with the Portuguese Catholic University, during the third event in the 2023 series of FAPESP Lectures.


Adipose tissue hormone protects cells that secrete insulin and reverses damage associated with obesity
SDG 3
Adipose tissue hormone protects cells that secrete insulin and reverses damage associated with obesity

Researchers at the University of São Paulo observed the effects of adiponectin in trials involving blood samples from lean and obese subjects. The discovery points to novel routes to treatment for type 2 diabetes and related dysfunctions.


Research group develops biodegradable film that keeps food fresh for longer
SDG 9, SDG 12
Research group develops biodegradable film that keeps food fresh for longer

The material was designed by Brazilian researchers and includes a derivative of limonene from citrus rind, blended with chitosan, a biopolymer from exoskeletons of crustaceans.


Mortality rate from <i>Candida</i> infections remains high in Brazil, despite therapeutic advances
SDG 3
Mortality rate from <i>Candida</i> infections remains high in Brazil, despite therapeutic advances

A study conducted at the Federal University of São Paulo shows that 20% of patients with bloodstream infections are not treated, and at least half of those treated die. Diagnostic techniques must improve, the authors warn.


Novel compound combats drug-resistant fungi when combined with commercially available medications
SDG 3
Novel compound combats drug-resistant fungi when combined with commercially available medications

Combinations of antifungals with brilacidin, a drug undergoing clinical trials for other diseases, cleared up lung infections in animals. On its own, the candidate drug treated a fungal disease of the cornea that affects millions of people worldwide.


Compound produced by invasive marine coral eliminates parasite that causes Chagas disease
SDG 3, SDG 14
Compound produced by invasive marine coral eliminates parasite that causes Chagas disease

Trials involving mammalian cells were conducted by researchers in São Paulo state, Brazil. Although it endangers biodiversity along much of the coast, sun coral could be an ally in combating Chagas disease, which affects 7 million people worldwide and lacks effective treatment.


Mites in stingless bee colonies increase bee survival rates even in the presence of insecticide
SDG 15
Mites in stingless bee colonies increase bee survival rates even in the presence of insecticide

The study by Brazilian researchers showed that the microscopic arachnids rid stingless bee colonies of excessive fungi and serve as food for the larvae of these honey-making insects.


Entrepreneurial training program helps startups become profitable businesses
SDG 9
Entrepreneurial training program helps startups become profitable businesses

A novel methodology used in the 24th edition of the PIPE High-Tech Entrepreneurial Training Program will guide 21 innovative startups in the process of developing customers and refining their business models, among other competencies.


Study suggests resistance training can prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease
SDG 3
Study suggests resistance training can prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease

Experiments involving mice and conducted by Brazilian researchers showed four weeks of training with weights to be sufficient to reverse behavioral and physical alterations characteristic of the disease.


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