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

Butantan Institute says its dengue vaccine protects against serotype 3
SDG 3
Butantan Institute says its dengue vaccine protects against serotype 3

The phase 3 clinical trial showed that Butantan-DV is effective against dengue virus types 1 and 2, which were circulating at the time. The results can be extrapolated for types 3 and 4 based on additional in vitro testing, according to the researchers.


Scientists use ash generated by burning of sugarcane bagasse to recover nutrients from vinasse
SDG 2
Scientists use ash generated by burning of sugarcane bagasse to recover nutrients from vinasse

The method converts the vinasse left over from ethanol production into a potassium- and nitrogen-rich fertilizer. The groundbreaking study was conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos and published in the Journal of Environmental Management.


Artificial intelligence improves decision-making in architectural design
SDG 9
Artificial intelligence improves decision-making in architectural design

A startup supported by FAPESP has developed a platform that helps property developers optimize site selection and other strategic choices.


Bioplastics: Lack of standardization and clear rules hinders sustainable consumption, says study
SDG 12
Bioplastics: Lack of standardization and clear rules hinders sustainable consumption, says study

In a review article, researchers highlight the importance of metrology institutions in setting standards to characterize biopolymers and avoid greenwashing – a marketing practice that deceptively promotes products as being environmentally friendly.


Experiment obtains multilayer films by electrodeposition
SDG 7, SDG 9
Experiment obtains multilayer films by electrodeposition

Researchers from the Center for the Development of Functional Materials have found that the material is promising for use in processes to produce hydrogen using solar energy.


Brazilian researchers create cell atlas for brain malformation associated with severe epilepsy
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers create cell atlas for brain malformation associated with severe epilepsy

Using a single-cell sequencing technique, it was possible to characterize the different cell types present in the brain lesion. The result paves the way for specific treatments against focal cortical dysplasia.


Chameleon shrimp can camouflage themselves even in invasive species of algae, study shows
SDG 14
Chameleon shrimp can camouflage themselves even in invasive species of algae, study shows

Brazilian and British researchers have observed that a small crustacean that changes color according to the marine vegetation is able to disguise itself in exotic algae that did not evolve together with the species. However, the long-term effects of this interaction are unknown.


FAPESP Program for South Atlantic and Antarctica is endorsed as contribution to UN Ocean Decade
SDG 14
FAPESP Program for South Atlantic and Antarctica is endorsed as contribution to UN Ocean Decade

UN recognition will enhance the visibility of FAPESP’s initiative to establish a new strategy for funding research on the southern portion of the Atlantic Ocean and the planet’s coldest continent.


Paleoclimate and human activity shaped the Araucaria forest in Brazil
SDG 15
Paleoclimate and human activity shaped the Araucaria forest in Brazil

The study used advanced DNA sequencing techniques, machine learning and analysis of fossil pollen records to investigate the history of this forest formation.


Methodology enables assessment of soil stability in an area degraded by mining
SDG 13
Methodology enables assessment of soil stability in an area degraded by mining

Using a technique from the oil industry, researchers show that chemical bonds with calcium and magnesium increase the soil’s capacity to store carbon, reducing emissions and increasing fertility; the process contributes to sustainable management.


Researchers in Brazil discover a gene that may afford protection against COVID-19
SDG 3
Researchers in Brazil discover a gene that may afford protection against COVID-19

Scientists at the University of São Paulo analyzed blood samples donated by six serodiscordant couples where female partners were resistant to SARS-CoV-2 despite intense contact with their infected male partners. Overexpression of the gene IFIT3 in these asymptomatic women suggests it affords protection and could be a target for novel antiviral therapies.


Remote sensing system maps plastic use in agriculture
SDG 2, SDG 9
Remote sensing system maps plastic use in agriculture

The solution developed at the Plasticulture Engineering Center, supported by FAPESP, uses machine learning on time series of satellite images to detect agricultural areas where the material is used with almost 100% accuracy.


Center will develop solutions for renewable energy production and low-carbon processes
SDG 7, SDG 9
Center will develop solutions for renewable energy production and low-carbon processes

At an event held in Campinas (state of São Paulo, Brazil), FAPESP, Shell, UNICAMP, USP and UFSCar announced the renewal of support for the Center for Innovation in New Energies, which will have 15 new research projects dedicated to improving technologies to make Brazil an exponent in the energy transition.


Use of microgels and nanogels with iron can enhance cucumber seed germination
SDG 2
Use of microgels and nanogels with iron can enhance cucumber seed germination

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows that this type of polymer may in future optimize production of this crop in terms of time, space and cost, favoring sustainable food production.


Physical exercise alone reverses premature aging factors and metabolic dysfunction in obese people
SDG 3
Physical exercise alone reverses premature aging factors and metabolic dysfunction in obese people

Studies conducted at the State University of Campinas have shown that physical training, combining strength training and aerobic exercise, improves lipid metabolism, reduces inflammation and reverses early immunosenescence in obese and diabetic individuals.


Just over a thousand species make up half of the planet’s tropical trees, study finds
SDG 13, SDG 15
Just over a thousand species make up half of the planet’s tropical trees, study finds

The estimate, published in the journal Nature, is that 2.24% of tree species in the Amazon, Africa and Southeast Asia account for 50% of the 800 billion trees in the tropical biome. Listing the hyperdominant species, as they are called, helps scientists more accurately measure processes such as carbon storage.


Research assesses how infertility treatments can affect family and work relationships
SDG 3
Research assesses how infertility treatments can affect family and work relationships

Study involved 242 couples living in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo (Brazil); men showed higher levels of work-family conflict, while women were more affected by stress.


Bioactive compounds with possible industrial applications are identified in extremophilic bacteria from the Andes
SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 12
Bioactive compounds with possible industrial applications are identified in extremophilic bacteria from the Andes

Researchers isolated a strain of Pseudomonas alcaligenes that can withstand temperatures as high as 44 °C from a hot spring in Chile, and characterized the substances produced by the bacterium that help it survive extreme conditions.


Cell therapy developed in Brazil is highlight at international oncology symposium
SDG 3
Cell therapy developed in Brazil is highlight at international oncology symposium

The ‘Best Oral Presentation’ award at an event promoted by the Hospital de Amor in Barretos (São Paulo state) was given to doctoral student Mariane Tirapelle, who is part of the Cell Therapy Center and the Nucleus of Cellular Therapy teams.


Social bonds are essential for capuchin monkeys to learn new skills, study shows
SDG 15
Social bonds are essential for capuchin monkeys to learn new skills, study shows

Study published in PNAS by researchers from Brazil and the UK shows that primates from the Brazilian semi-arid biome are able to acquire new knowledge as long as their presence is tolerated by other members of the group.


FAPESP aims to boost the development of quantum technologies in Brazil
SDG 9
FAPESP aims to boost the development of quantum technologies in Brazil

Foundation launches program aimed at accelerating creation, training human resources and stimulating scientific and technological leadership in the state of São Paulo and Brazil in the field, with potential impacts on sectors such as health, agriculture, communications and computing.


Sperm from male pigs bred with more well-being gives rise to piglets with less fear and anxiety
SDG 2
Sperm from male pigs bred with more well-being gives rise to piglets with less fear and anxiety

Without having had any contact with their parents, piglets fathered by boars housed in cramped conditions for four weeks exhibited elevated levels of cortisol, among other indicators of stress. Offspring of pigs housed in roomier pens and given showers and tactile stimuli coped better with stressful situations.


Frogs and toads of the Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest will suffer the worst impact of drought combined with warming
SDG 13, SDG 15
Frogs and toads of the Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest will suffer the worst impact of drought combined with warming

A study published in Nature Climate Change predicts that 36% of anurans’ habitats worldwide will soon be threatened by a combination of rising temperatures and water scarcity. Brazil has the greatest diversity of anurans in the world and some of the most vulnerable anuran habitats.


Digital companion on WhatsApp keeps patients safe outside the hospital
SDG 3, SDG 9
Digital companion on WhatsApp keeps patients safe outside the hospital

System developed by FAPESP-supported startup provides information and guidance after hospital discharge.


COVID-19 vaccine developed at University of São Paulo presents promising results in animal trials
SDG 3
COVID-19 vaccine developed at University of São Paulo presents promising results in animal trials

The vaccine formulation has proved to be highly protective, safe and versatile. Moreover, it can serve as a basis for the development of zika and dengue vaccines, for example.


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