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

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.


A novel method to obtain acetone more simply, safely and cheaply
SDG 9
A novel method to obtain acetone more simply, safely and cheaply

Acetone, a key input for the chemical industry, is usually produced by an elaborate and hazardous process. A more sustainable strategy has been developed by a scientific collaboration between researchers in Brazil and Germany.


New ‘encyclopedia’ of sedentary behavior emphasizes importance of movement to health
SDG 3
New ‘encyclopedia’ of sedentary behavior emphasizes importance of movement to health

A comprehensive review by researchers in Brazil and elsewhere provides a wealth of information about the effects on the organism of remaining seated for much of the day, and calls for more research to analyze the effectiveness of interventions to reduce or interrupt sedentary behavior.


Hydroelectric power plants in Brazil threaten turtles that depend on rapids, study warns
SDG 14, SDG 15
Hydroelectric power plants in Brazil threaten turtles that depend on rapids, study warns

The researchers correlated data on the animal’s ecological niche and connectivity among populations with existing and planned hydropower development sites in Brazil’s South region. They estimated that 30% of its habitat could be lost, heightening the risk of extinction.


Study suggests paternal diet can influence propensity to obesity in offspring
SDG 3
Study suggests paternal diet can influence propensity to obesity in offspring

Researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo conducted experiments involving rats to analyze the effects of a high-fat high-sugar parental diet. The results suggested that ingestion of hypercaloric food by male progenitors favors weight gain and a build-up of body fat in their offspring.


iSystems implements AI-based solution for biofuel production
SDG 9
iSystems implements AI-based solution for biofuel production

A software tool developed by a company supported by FAPESP raises productivity and lowers operating costs in the bioenergy sector.


Legal mining sites in Brazil store 2.55 gigatonnes of CO2 in vegetation and soil, study estimates
SDG 12, SDG 13
Legal mining sites in Brazil store 2.55 gigatonnes of CO2 in vegetation and soil, study estimates

Researchers at the University of São Paulo highlight the importance of monitoring these areas and advocate the use of technosols based on tailings and other waste to offset part of their emissions.


Santos estuary in Brazil has one of the highest levels of microplastic contamination in the world
SDG 6, SDG 14
Santos estuary in Brazil has one of the highest levels of microplastic contamination in the world

Researchers sampled oysters and mussels at three locations between the port of Santos and the nearby city of Guarujá. Their aims included assembling data as a basis for public policy on basic sanitation. The law does not currently require removal of microplastic particles from sewage.


Study explains role of certain types of oxide in structure and development of specialty glass
SDG 9
Study explains role of certain types of oxide in structure and development of specialty glass

Applications of specialty glass range from astronomy to medicine, as well as data and power transmission. The study combined spectroscopy and computational modeling to show how the structure of the material is affected by addition of niobium oxide.


COVID-19 can trigger auto-immune disorders-related antibodies, causing thrombosis and other complications
SDG 3
COVID-19 can trigger auto-immune disorders-related antibodies, causing thrombosis and other complications

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo helps explain why older people are more susceptible to the severe form of the disease and why it involves blood clotting disorders.


A thyroid tumor diagnostic test wins Octavio Frias de Oliveira Award
SDG 3, SDG 9
A thyroid tumor diagnostic test wins Octavio Frias de Oliveira Award

Technology developed with FAPESP’s support was the winner in the “Technological Innovation” category. Also, a University of São Paulo study that found a molecule capable of killing leukemic cells was awarded in “Oncology Research” category.


Oral health deteriorates before and after bariatric surgery, study shows
SDG 3
Oral health deteriorates before and after bariatric surgery, study shows

Researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo analyzed saliva, oral microbiota and dental health of volunteers who were preparing for gastroplasty and after the operation. The results showed an increase in caries and periodontitis, as well as alterations in salivary inflammatory markers.


Food supplementation with coconut oil can cause obesity, study shows
SDG 3
Food supplementation with coconut oil can cause obesity, study shows

In experiments with mice, researchers at the State University of Campinas observed alterations in feed consumption, weight gain, anxious behavior and an increase in central nervous system, adipose tissue and liver inflammation.


Sanitized ready-to-eat salad may contain disease-causing bacteria
SDG 3
Sanitized ready-to-eat salad may contain disease-causing bacteria

A review of research on minimally processed vegetables highlights cases of unsatisfactory microbiological safety and calls for best practice assurance throughout the supply chain.


Researchers track yeast population dynamics in fuel bioethanol production
SDG 7, SDG 9
Researchers track yeast population dynamics in fuel bioethanol production

A study by researchers at the State University of Campinas and Harvard University shows that despite the presence of invasive strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, all of them belong to the ethanol fermentation environment, keeping the industrial process stable. Their findings can help cut costs and assure better results for producers.


A new system for predicting fire propagation in the Cerrado in quasi-real time
SDG 13, SDG 15
A new system for predicting fire propagation in the Cerrado in quasi-real time

Available free of charge on the internet, the platform simulates fire propagation in the savanna biome three times a day and is in use in nine conservation units.


In Situ Cell Therapy wins eAwards Brazil 2023
SDG 3, SDG 9
In Situ Cell Therapy wins eAwards Brazil 2023

With FAPESP’s support, the startup developed a smart biodressing produced by 3D printing and designed to accelerate skin wound healing. It will compete for a Global eAward in October.


Leading scholar for a greener agriculture, Mr. Cantarella retires from FAPESP Bioenergy Research Program
SDG 2, SDG 13
Leading scholar for a greener agriculture, Mr. Cantarella retires from FAPESP Bioenergy Research Program

Heitor Cantarella was a member of BIOEN-FAPESP’s steering committee for 14 years. As a researcher at the São Paulo State Institute of Agronomy in Campinas, he has made groundbreaking contributions to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture.


Study reveals how deep brain stimulation helps control epilepsy
SDG 3
Study reveals how deep brain stimulation helps control epilepsy

Experiments with rats at the Federal University of São Paulo suggest that the technique promotes reprogramming of the neurons affected by the disease, making them return to a normal state and interrupting seizures. Increased production of adenosine appears to play a key role in the process.


World’s first hydrogen-from-ethanol plant will be built at University of São Paulo
SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 13
World’s first hydrogen-from-ethanol plant will be built at University of São Paulo

The project is the result of a partnership between FAPESP and Shell and could help make hydrogen a widely used fuel in Brazil. Hydrogen from a pilot plant to be built at USP using Raízen’s ethanol will power buses on the campus.


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