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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

Vegans’ intake of protein and essential amino acids is adequate but ultra-processed products are also needed
SDG 3
Vegans’ intake of protein and essential amino acids is adequate but ultra-processed products are also needed

The conclusion is from a study of 774 vegans conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil. An article reporting its findings is published in JAMA Network Open.


Agricultural sector is strategic for action to mitigate climate change, says NASA scientist
SDG 12, SDG 13
Agricultural sector is strategic for action to mitigate climate change, says NASA scientist

Alex Ruane delivered the 7th FAPESP Lecture 2024 on “Climate Change and Food Security”


Study reveals mechanism that activates glucose production in the liver in response to stress
SDG 3
Study reveals mechanism that activates glucose production in the liver in response to stress

In addition to providing a detailed description of the morphology of hepatic nerves, the study led by Brazilians showed that the increase in blood sugar was activated by a protein called CREB.


Wildfires highlight urgent need for action to understand, mitigate and adapt to climate change
SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 15
Wildfires highlight urgent need for action to understand, mitigate and adapt to climate change

Researchers affiliated with the FAPESP Research Program on Global Climate Change met at the State University of Campinas in Brazil to discuss current research priorities in the effort to understand and combat the consequences of the extreme events caused by global warming.


Natural disasters endanger 10% of the world’s terrestrial vertebrate species
SDG 15
Natural disasters endanger 10% of the world’s terrestrial vertebrate species

A study conducted by Brazilian scientists and colleagues in other countries shows that earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions increase the risk of extinction for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The natural events may have synergies with hazards due to human activity.


High-intensity interval training is more beneficial for older women than moderate exercise or resistance training alone, study shows
SDG 3
High-intensity interval training is more beneficial for older women than moderate exercise or resistance training alone, study shows

Researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil evaluated the effect of three different low-cost training programs on a group of socially vulnerable female volunteers. HIIT combined with muscle strength exercises was the most efficacious in terms of reducing blood pressure and arterial stiffness, the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease.


Internet of things platform helps producers plan water use
SDG 6
Internet of things platform helps producers plan water use

The solution, developed by a startup supported by FAPESP, enables farmers to forecast water availability for a six-month horizon.


Climate change has increased frequency and intensity of conditions favorable to extreme wildfires, report shows
SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 15
Climate change has increased frequency and intensity of conditions favorable to extreme wildfires, report shows

A report by an international group of researchers including three Brazilians shows that climate change tripled the probability of weather conditions favoring unprecedented wildfires in Canada and multiplied it by a factor of 20 in western Amazonia between March 2023 and February 2024. Global carbon emissions were 16% above average.


Brazilian researchers discover key gene regulating virulence of fungus that causes severe lung infections
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers discover key gene regulating virulence of fungus that causes severe lung infections

The researchers are now looking for a molecule that inactivates the protein expressed by the gene as a basis for a drug that could complement existing medications, which are not always effective and can have adverse side-effects.


FAPESP renews memorandum of understanding to strengthen research cooperation with US National Institutes of Health
SDG 17
FAPESP renews memorandum of understanding to strengthen research cooperation with US National Institutes of Health

The MoU is the first cooperation agreement between NIH and a foreign partner to cover a wide array of research areas.


Severe COVID-19 can involve either exacerbated lung inflammation or high viral replication
SDG 3
Severe COVID-19 can involve either exacerbated lung inflammation or high viral replication

In PLOS Pathogens, researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil report a study based on autopsies of 47 patients who died after being infected by the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2. The findings will support clinical decisions on the treatment of critical cases.


In a book, a scientist narrates a journey through the Anthropocene, with an optimistic ending
SDG 13
In a book, a scientist narrates a journey through the Anthropocene, with an optimistic ending

A member of the Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change, Mauro Galetti uses his experience from his undergraduate studies in biology to his most recent studies in ecology to tell stories in accessible language that inspire readers to fight for the planet.


Sustainable agricultural systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions
SDG 2, SDG 13
Sustainable agricultural systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Scientists at the University of São Paulo present this conclusion based on a systematic review of the literature in a paper published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.


Directors of FAPESP meet with new United States Consul General in São Paulo
SDG 17
Directors of FAPESP meet with new United States Consul General in São Paulo

Richard Glenn’s aim on his first official visit to Brazil was to strengthen the ties of partnership with FAPESP.


Research group identifies novel probiotics in traditional Brazilian cheeses
SDG 3
Research group identifies novel probiotics in traditional Brazilian cheeses

In the journal Current Microbiology, Brazilian researchers describe how three strains of bacteria in the genus Lactobacillus can benefit human health and meet the needs of the cheese industry.


Preterm delivery by cesarean section is a growing tendency in Brazil and entails risks for babies, study shows
SDG 3
Preterm delivery by cesarean section is a growing tendency in Brazil and entails risks for babies, study shows

Brazilian researchers investigated the effects of delivery date manipulation to avoid the Carnival holiday. Their findings suggest Brazilian women are giving birth too early, impairing the health of their babies.


Automated coffee sorting helps select beans for export
SDG 9
Automated coffee sorting helps select beans for export

A system created by a startup supported by FAPESP evaluates coffee cherry quality with precision on the production line, reducing waste and enhancing yield.


Brain enlargement is linked to severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, study shows
SDG 3
Brain enlargement is linked to severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, study shows

The researchers based their findings, published in Molecular Autism, on data for more than 900 children with ASD and experiments with brain organoids derived from blood cells donated by some of the children.


Study details effects of laser and electron irradiation of silver-based compounds
SDG 9
Study details effects of laser and electron irradiation of silver-based compounds

An article reporting the study is featured on the cover of Nano Letters; the findings can help design next-generation electronic materials for the semiconductor and nanotechnology industry.


A book on challenges to an inclusive bioeconomy in the Amazon
SDG 2, SDG 8, SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 13
A book on challenges to an inclusive bioeconomy in the Amazon

Thirty-two experts affiliated with academic and research institutions in the North, Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil wrote its 12 chapters.


To subvert immune response, COVID virus stimulates production of proteins without protective function
SDG 3
To subvert immune response, COVID virus stimulates production of proteins without protective function

According to Brazilian researchers, SARS-CoV-2 uses this strategy to manipulate the machinery of the host’s defense cells. The discovery paves the way for the development of novel therapies.


Molecules extracted from microalgae accelerate seed germination
SDG 2, SDG 9
Molecules extracted from microalgae accelerate seed germination

A startup supported by FAPESP has created a solution that promotes development and growth of the roots and aerial part of plants.


Researchers map brain circuits that signal immediate danger and create memories to help avoid threats
SDG 3
Researchers map brain circuits that signal immediate danger and create memories to help avoid threats

Experiments with mice at the University of São Paulo used cutting-edge techniques to investigate the neural circuits behind aversive behavior and fear memory. The findings are reported in Current Biology.


Oropouche virus: 200-fold increase in infections this year in Brazil compared to the last decade due to novel variant
SDG 3
Oropouche virus: 200-fold increase in infections this year in Brazil compared to the last decade due to novel variant

Brazilian researchers publish preliminary data showing that the pathogen has undergone mutations making it more aggressive and contributing to resurgence of the disease in Brazil since 2023.


Study finds that dopaminergic medication improves sleep quality in Parkinson’s disease patients
SDG 3
Study finds that dopaminergic medication improves sleep quality in Parkinson’s disease patients

The analysis was conducted by researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP), showing that when the patients took the drug, the number of times they woke up during the night fell by 25% and the amount of time they remained awake fell 30% on average.


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