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

Absorption of light by molecules has applications in microscopy, medicine and data storage
SDG 9
Absorption of light by molecules has applications in microscopy, medicine and data storage

An alternative method proposed by a Brazilian physicist cuts the time for computer simulation of the absorption spectrum from two days to a few hours.


Perfect storm: poor sleep quality worsens health problems in obese older people, study shows
SDG 3
Perfect storm: poor sleep quality worsens health problems in obese older people, study shows

Research conducted at the University of São Paulo involving 95 volunteers associated poor sleep quality with a deterioration in the complications caused by aging and overweight, such as anxiety, depression, body fat gain, and loss of muscle mass and strength.


Cerrado requires strict protection and rehabilitation of areas to curb deforestation, scientists warn
SDG 13, SDG 15
Cerrado requires strict protection and rehabilitation of areas to curb deforestation, scientists warn

Record levels of destruction of native vegetation in the Brazilian savanna, the second-largest biome in South America, motivated the letter published in Nature Sustainability. The scientists who wrote it stress the need for specific measures to conserve the Cerrado’s rich biodiversity.


Researcher who transformed soil physics and vadose zone hydrology delivers fifth 2023 FAPESP Lecture
SDG 2
Researcher who transformed soil physics and vadose zone hydrology delivers fifth 2023 FAPESP Lecture

Dutch-born scientist Martinus Theodorus van Genuchten is the author of a famous equation describing the hydraulic conductivity of unsaturated soil. His discoveries are central to agricultural operations and climate science, and he recently won the prestigious Wolf Prize in Agriculture.


FAPESP seeks to attract investment in small enterprises that participate in its pro-innovation program
SDG 9
FAPESP seeks to attract investment in small enterprises that participate in its pro-innovation program

Two calls have been issued to register equity crowdfunding platforms and angel investor networks interested in investing in deep techs.


Amazon+10 Initiative and CNPq issue new call to support scientific expeditions in the region
SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 15, SDG 17
Amazon+10 Initiative and CNPq issue new call to support scientific expeditions in the region

Subnational funding agencies and Brazil’s National Scientific Council will partner to allocate almost BRL 60 million to research projects that explore little-known areas of the world’s largest tropical forest.


Discovery of mechanism involved in dental inflammation paves way to therapies against bone loss
SDG 3
Discovery of mechanism involved in dental inflammation paves way to therapies against bone loss

Researchers at the University of São Paulo showed in mice the importance of the signaling pathway mediated by the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and its receptor TNFR1; the discovery could now help scientists develop medications for oral health.


Study identifies six drugs that can be repurposed for treatment of toxoplasmosis
SDG 3
Study identifies six drugs that can be repurposed for treatment of toxoplasmosis

Brazilian researchers screened 160 compounds known to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 and identified those that also act against the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The most promising will be tested in humans for treatment of the chronic form of the disease.


FAPESP assembles experts to discuss the Amazon during UN Science Summit in New York
SDG 12, SDG 13
FAPESP assembles experts to discuss the Amazon during UN Science Summit in New York

‘Amazon Day: Science for the Amazon’ was held on September 15, during the 78th United Nations General Assembly. Panelists discussed the role of science, technology and innovation in sustainable development for the region.


Biofungicide based on essential oils developed to combat soybean disease
SDG 2
Biofungicide based on essential oils developed to combat soybean disease

The technology was invented by a FAPESP-supported startup. It consists of a blend of essential oils from various plants, encapsulated in natural polymers that release the biofungicide gradually over a long period.


Study shows how ‘superbacteria’ were prevented from spreading in a large tertiary hospital
SDG 3
Study shows how ‘superbacteria’ were prevented from spreading in a large tertiary hospital

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo, highlighting the importance of identify and isolating infected patients on admission to the emergency room. The findings also showed that containment may be impaired if patients stay more than two days in the ER.


Tool uses artificial intelligence in support of decisions on actions to combat hunger
SDG 2, SDG 9
Tool uses artificial intelligence in support of decisions on actions to combat hunger

Algorithms developed at the University of São Paulo interpret information from different databases and help identify city areas susceptible to food insecurity.


Risk of eating disorders among vegan diet followers is low, study suggests
SDG 3
Risk of eating disorders among vegan diet followers is low, study suggests

The prevalence of dysfunctional eating behaviors among almost 1,000 vegans studied by researchers at the University of São Paulo was less than a tenth of the average for the Brazilian population. The explanation, according to the researchers, lies in the reasons for which people choose a restrictive diet.


Study could lead to treatment for a type of cancer that affects children’s endocrine system
SDG 3
Study could lead to treatment for a type of cancer that affects children’s endocrine system

Experiments conducted at the University of São Paulo showed that expression of the gene that encodes the vitamin D receptor is greatly reduced in pediatric adrenocortical tumor cells. When the gene was activated, an anti-proliferation effect was observed. The only treatment currently available is surgical removal of the tumor.


Researchers create formula for first synthetic sugarcane molasses with fully reproducible composition
SDG 7, SDG 9
Researchers create formula for first synthetic sugarcane molasses with fully reproducible composition

The product will pave the way for researchers and food engineers to develop novel industrial processes based on the use of sugarcane molasses. It was tested as a yeast culture medium for ethanol production.


Specialists discuss priorities for energy transition in aviation
SDG 7
Specialists discuss priorities for energy transition in aviation

A seminar hosted by the steering committee for the FAPESP Bioenergy Research Program featured researchers and representatives of the public and private sectors. A rapid and substantial increase in production of sustainable aviation fuels was the option considered most consistent.


FAPESP issues call for investment funds to boost support for innovation
SDG 9
FAPESP issues call for investment funds to boost support for innovation

The call is one of several initiatives designed by FAPESP to help science and technology startups supported by its entrepreneurship and innovation program attract investors and survive “death valley”.


Understanding of mechanisms behind post-exercise lack of appetite can open new paths to obesity treatment
SDG 3
Understanding of mechanisms behind post-exercise lack of appetite can open new paths to obesity treatment

Hormones and metabolites secreted after physical activity act together to suppress hunger, as highlighted by an editorial in The Journal of Physiology written by researchers at the State University of Campinas and the University of Copenhagen.


Artificial intelligence improves shipping forecasts in port areas
SDG 9
Artificial intelligence improves shipping forecasts in port areas

A technology created by the University of São Paulo’s Center for Artificial Intelligence increases the accuracy of shipping and other weather forecasts by 20%, and is being tested at the Port of Santos.


Genetic mutation leads to precocious puberty associated with neurological disturbances, study shows
SDG 3
Genetic mutation leads to precocious puberty associated with neurological disturbances, study shows

Researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil and collaborators in four other countries analyzed more than 400 patients. They found a link between the endocrine disorder and alterations in the gene MECP2, which encodes a protein of key importance to neuron development.


Researchers develop biodegradable optical fiber to measure or modulate electrical current in the body
SDG 9
Researchers develop biodegradable optical fiber to measure or modulate electrical current in the body

Made from agar, a substance extracted from red algae, the optical fiber can be used to monitor stimuli produced in the brain or muscles, or as an ancillary interface in human-computer connections for assistive or rehabilitation technologies.


Climate change may affect 40% of biodiversity in semi-arid portion of Brazil’s Northeast by 2060
SDG 13
Climate change may affect 40% of biodiversity in semi-arid portion of Brazil’s Northeast by 2060

The main impacts for the Caatinga, as the semi-arid biome is known, will be replacement of trees by shrubs and grasses, and a decrease in the overall number of species. The projections are based on the IPCC’s latest report and a database created by Brazilian researchers.


Brazilian researchers develop method of purifying water contaminated by glyphosate
SDG 6, SDG 12
Brazilian researchers develop method of purifying water contaminated by glyphosate

The technique uses functionalized cellulose fibers from sugarcane bagasse to remove residues of the herbicide from an aqueous medium.


AI-assisted platform helps patients control diabetes and prevent complications
SDG 3, SDG 9
AI-assisted platform helps patients control diabetes and prevent complications

A startup supported by FAPESP is developing an app that leverages artificial intelligence to help users monitor the disease and improve the quality of their lives.


Cell therapy can reduce risk of death from COVID-19 by 60%, study shows
SDG 3
Cell therapy can reduce risk of death from COVID-19 by 60%, study shows

Brazilian researchers and collaborators in Germany and the US compiled data from 195 clinical trials conducted in 30 countries between January 2020 and December 2021. The findings are promising, although the authors stress the need for enhanced controls in the making of the products used in cell therapy.


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