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

Wood condition, root constriction and improper pruning can be used as predictors of urban tree failure
SDG 11, SDG 13
Wood condition, root constriction and improper pruning can be used as predictors of urban tree failure

A study of the São Paulo city center in Brazil proposed guidelines and specified stakeholder roles for reducing the number of tree failures, which average 2,000 per year there.


System detects microorganisms that mar the quality of beer
SDG 9
System detects microorganisms that mar the quality of beer

A startup supported by FAPESP is developing a solution to detect beer spoilage microorganisms, which affect flavor and aroma, both in the brewery and at the point of sale.


Study with rodents identifies key genes for control of blood pressure and heart rate
SDG 3
Study with rodents identifies key genes for control of blood pressure and heart rate

After inducing mutations in the genotypes of mice and analyzing their effects on several generations of descendants, Brazilian and American researchers mapped the genetic determinants essential to an understanding of cardiovascular disease. Their findings are published in the journal Science Advances.


Restoration of degraded areas in semi-arid region contributes to ‘return’ of soil microorganisms, study shows
SDG 2, SDG 13
Restoration of degraded areas in semi-arid region contributes to ‘return’ of soil microorganisms, study shows

Bacteria, fungi and archaea living in the soil provide several ecosystem services, including carbon storage, and help restore native characteristics. The result contributes to advances in sustainable agriculture, one of the key points for this year’s G20 meetings.


Curcumin nanoemulsion is tested for treatment of intestinal inflammation
SDG 3
Curcumin nanoemulsion is tested for treatment of intestinal inflammation

A formulation developed by Brazilian researchers proved effective in tests involving mice.


Patients with Parkinson’s disease who experience freezing of gait have sleep disorders, study shows
SDG 3
Patients with Parkinson’s disease who experience freezing of gait have sleep disorders, study shows

The correlation between these two symptoms of the disease was observed by researchers affiliated with institutions in Brazil and France in a systematic review of 20 studies.


Study explains how a fungus can control the Corn leafhopper, an extremely harmful pest
SDG 2
Study explains how a fungus can control the Corn leafhopper, an extremely harmful pest

Described in the journal Scientific Reports, the research was conducted at SPARCBio, a center established by FAPESP and biological control company Koppert at the University of São Paulo’s Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture.


Leading oncologist says working in bubbles must go and teamwork is essential to achieve a cure for metastatic cancer
SDG 3
Leading oncologist says working in bubbles must go and teamwork is essential to achieve a cure for metastatic cancer

Patricia LoRusso, President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), gave Agência FAPESP an exclusive interview during a visit to Brazil. She spoke about the importance of attracting early-career researchers to oncology, the future of clinical cancer research, and potential new discoveries in the field.


Prosthetic device developed in Brazil improves results of chest malformation repair surgery
SDG 3, SDG 9
Prosthetic device developed in Brazil improves results of chest malformation repair surgery

The device was developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo’s Heart Institute (INCOR) and a Brazilian company with FAPESP’s support. It is biocompatible and offers other advantages over the imported product used hitherto.


Novel material degrades a widely used antibiotic that contaminates water
SDG 3, SDG 6
Novel material degrades a widely used antibiotic that contaminates water

An electrode with films of iridium dioxide and niobium oxide on a titanium substrate removed molecules of the drug levofloxacin, considered an emerging pollutant.


Study confirms benefits of auricular acupuncture to treat depression
SDG 3
Study confirms benefits of auricular acupuncture to treat depression

For three months, Brazilian researchers tracked 74 patients submitted to 12 sessions lasting 15 minutes each and observed remission of symptoms. The ancient Chinese practice had no side effects, according to an article on the study published in JAMA Network Open.


Analysis of photographs of building facades can help map high-risk urban areas for dengue
SDG 3
Analysis of photographs of building facades can help map high-risk urban areas for dengue

The methodology was developed by Brazilian and British researchers, who tested it in Campinas, a large city in São Paulo state. Its aim is to optimize monitoring and combating the mosquito Aedes aegypti.


Factors that increase risk of frailty in old age are different in men and women
SDG 3
Factors that increase risk of frailty in old age are different in men and women

Brazilian and British researchers analyzed data for 1,747 older participants tracked by ELSA over a period of 12 years, and mapped the different routes that can lead to a negative outcome. They advocate use of their findings by policymakers.


Low-cost equipment helps keep overhead power grid up and running in areas affected by wind and rain
SDG 9
Low-cost equipment helps keep overhead power grid up and running in areas affected by wind and rain

The producer is a company supported by FAPESP. It is developing an advanced three-phase recloser that isolates a section of the grid cut off by a tree fall and lets power be restored remotely.


São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Hologenomic Data Analysis for Agriculture is receiving applications
SDG 2, SDG 9
São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Hologenomic Data Analysis for Agriculture is receiving applications

The event will take place in São Carlos (São Paulo state, Brazil) with FAPESP’s support. Twenty participants from Brazil and 20 from other countries will be selected.


Metal in glitter impairs aquatic plant growth, study shows
SDG 14
Metal in glitter impairs aquatic plant growth, study shows

Researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos found that glitter’s metal coating reduced the amount of light penetrating water bodies and hence impaired photosynthesis by the Large-flowered waterweed Egeria densa. The problem may impact primary producer organisms at the bottom of the food chain, they warn.


Novel material increases efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells
SDG 7, SDG 9
Novel material increases efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells

The results of a study conducted by researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP) could be highly positive for the future of the solar power sector.


The most comprehensive survey of Brazilian coastal and marine biodiversity conducted to date has been launched
SDG 13, SDG 14
The most comprehensive survey of Brazilian coastal and marine biodiversity conducted to date has been launched

The report was written by 53 academic and government specialists, 12 young researchers, and 26 representatives of Indigenous and traditional communities. It aims to be useful to policymakers and to raise the general public’s awareness of the importance of protecting the ocean and coastline.


Novel treatment strategy reduces inflammation and cardiometabolic risk in adolescents with obesity
SDG 3
Novel treatment strategy reduces inflammation and cardiometabolic risk in adolescents with obesity

An interdisciplinary approach tested at the Federal University of São Paulo combined clinical, nutritional, psychological and exercise counseling. The intervention involved remote and in-person sessions, favoring adherence and lowering the cost to the health system.


Applications for São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Biodiversity are now being received by State University of Campinas
SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 15
Applications for São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Biodiversity are now being received by State University of Campinas

The event, which is supported by FAPESP, is for young researchers and environmental technicians. Thirty applicants from Brazil and 30 from other countries will be selected.


Startup based in São Paulo state proposes use of drones to eradicate dengue-carrying mosquitoes
SDG 9
Startup based in São Paulo state proposes use of drones to eradicate dengue-carrying mosquitoes

The solution developed by the firm, with FAPESP’s support, permits controlled release of sterile males of Aedes aegypti in urban areas with the aim of reducing the population of these mosquitoes.


Nanoparticles containing natural substance treat visceral leishmaniasis with scant side effects
SDG 3
Nanoparticles containing natural substance treat visceral leishmaniasis with scant side effects

In animal tests conducted at São Paulo State University (UNESP), the strategy reduced spleen and liver parasite numbers by 99.9%.


Study highlights importance of genetic sequencing to diagnosis of growth disorders
SDG 3
Study highlights importance of genetic sequencing to diagnosis of growth disorders

Researchers at the University of São Paulo analyzed data from 115 children who suffered from conditions considered syndromic (with several associated symptoms) and found a high incidence of overlapping genetic alterations. They argue that identification of genetic mutations can make diagnosis and treatment more accurate.


Rare case of opossum infected by rabies sounds alarm regarding circulation of this virus in urban environments
SDG 3
Rare case of opossum infected by rabies sounds alarm regarding circulation of this virus in urban environments

The opossum was found dead in a park in the center of Campinas, a large city in São Paulo state (Brazil), with the same viral variant as fruit-eating bats. These mammals are regularly detected in cities, where they are often attacked by dogs, so they can be considered sentinel species for infectious disease surveillance.


An important molecular pathway for control of aging is discovered
SDG 3
An important molecular pathway for control of aging is discovered

Through experiments in roundworms of the species C. elegans, scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center showed that lifespan is reduced when RNA transfer between cells in different tissues is dysregulated.


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