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

Funders discuss how to foster scientific collaboration amid growing geopolitical tensions
SDG 17
Funders discuss how to foster scientific collaboration amid growing geopolitical tensions

Debate was hosted by Swedish, American and Japanese research funding agencies at the Annual Meeting of the Global Research Council.


The quest for equity and inclusion in the research ecosystem has moved beyond the gender issue
SDG 5, SDG 10
The quest for equity and inclusion in the research ecosystem has moved beyond the gender issue

This assessment was made by participants of an event promoted on Tuesday by the Gender Working Group of the Global Research Council. One of the panelists was Marco Antonio Zago, president of FAPESP.


Researchers develop a sweet potato with nearly twice as much beta-carotene as the main commercial variety
SDG 2
Researchers develop a sweet potato with nearly twice as much beta-carotene as the main commercial variety

Research groups in São Paulo state and Mozambique analyzed carotenoids in over 1,000 sweet potatoes and found some with 88% more beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A.


Research project analyzes medical, nutritional and environmental applications of new Antarctic bacteria
SDG 9
Research project analyzes medical, nutritional and environmental applications of new Antarctic bacteria

Discovered by Uruguayan scientists in 2013, two psychrophilic (cold-adapted) species have been experimented with since 2018 by a partnership between IIBCE in Montevideo and the University of São Paulo in Brazil.


Rather than being a risk factor, asthma could protect patients from progressing to severe COVID-19
SDG 3
Rather than being a risk factor, asthma could protect patients from progressing to severe COVID-19

Researchers in São Paulo state analyzed data for over 1 million patients hospitalized for treatment by the public health service after contracting COVID-19. Lower levels of inflammatory cytokines and fewer ACE2 receptors for the virus to bind to may be the explanation.


Study associates sleep apnea in babies with increased risk of hypertension in adulthood
SDG 3
Study associates sleep apnea in babies with increased risk of hypertension in adulthood

In experiments involving rats, researchers at São Paulo State University found that periods of low oxygen levels in the first months of life can lead to dysregulation of the sympathetic autonomic nervous system, which controls functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. The discovery points to possible routes to the development of novel therapies.


Biodressing accelerates skin wound healing in diabetic mice
SDG 3, SDG 9
Biodressing accelerates skin wound healing in diabetic mice

A biodressing containing human umbilical cord stem cells was produced in a 3D printer by the startup In Situ Cell Therapy. Researchers at the University of São Paulo found that when used on diabetic mice, the “smart” biodressing modulated the immune response, stimulated collagen synthesis and enhanced tissue repair.


At the United Nations, FAPESP takes part in a forum on the Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 17
At the United Nations, FAPESP takes part in a forum on the Sustainable Development Goals

FAPESP has funded more than 40,000 research projects linked to one or more SDGs, said Marco Antonio Zago.


<i>Leishmania</i> parasite manipulates organism’s defense system to continue replicating, study shows
SDG 3
<i>Leishmania</i> parasite manipulates organism’s defense system to continue replicating, study shows

Leishmania alters the structure of the human protein that would normally induce the death of infected cells and weakens the inflammatory response. Reported in Nature Communications, the discovery could serve as a basis for better treatment.


Toxins are detected in samples of curd cheese and artisan mozzarella in Brazil
SDG 3
Toxins are detected in samples of curd cheese and artisan mozzarella in Brazil

An analysis conducted at the University of São Paulo showed that no sample exceeded the recommended limit for aflatoxin M1, a contaminant of fungal origin considered carcinogenic. Nevertheless, the researchers warn of the need to demand best practices in dairy production.


Study proposes criteria to help delimit and conserve Cerrado wetlands
SDG 13
Study proposes criteria to help delimit and conserve Cerrado wetlands

No fewer than eight important hydrographic basins depend on the ecosystems that make up the Cerrado, Brazil’s savanna-like biome, but ambiguities in the legislation have permitted the advance of soybean plantations in the region. The warning is in an article by Brazilian researchers in the journal Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation.


In resistance training, focusing on load or number of repetitions leads to same muscle growth
SDG 3
In resistance training, focusing on load or number of repetitions leads to same muscle growth

A study by researchers at the State University of Campinas showed that although the two types of training produce similar metabolic stress, muscle activation is different.


Leader of federal agency lists suggestions for revitalization of Brazilian science
SDG 16
Leader of federal agency lists suggestions for revitalization of Brazilian science

Ricardo Galvão, President of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), discussed the status quo and outlook for Brazilian science in the first of the 2023 FAPESP Lectures.


Study reveals novel action mechanism of corticosteroids in combating inflammation caused by COVID-19
SDG 3
Study reveals novel action mechanism of corticosteroids in combating inflammation caused by COVID-19

Brazilian researchers observed an increase in production of endocannabinoid, a natural anti-inflammatory neurotransmitter, in COVID-19 patients given glucocorticoids. The discovery points to possibilities of novel treatments for various inflammatory and neurological diseases.


Brazilian researchers test technique that can make analysis of male fertility potential more accurate
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers test technique that can make analysis of male fertility potential more accurate

Scientists at São Paulo State University repurposed a device already used to analyze bovine reproductive cells to observe different characteristics of human sperm simultaneously.


Novel disinfectant turns into gel on application
SDG 9
Novel disinfectant turns into gel on application

A sprayable solution developed by researchers at the State University of Campinas does not spread rapidly over a surface and efficiently eliminates harmful microorganisms. The technology can be licensed from the university’s innovation agency.


Researchers find compound that combats multidrug-resistant bacteria in less than one hour
SDG 3
Researchers find compound that combats multidrug-resistant bacteria in less than one hour

In vitro experiments were conducted at a FAPESP-supported research center with a synthetic peptide inspired by molecules secreted by the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum.


Study proves efficacy of remote physical training in rehabilitation of severe COVID patients
SDG 3
Study proves efficacy of remote physical training in rehabilitation of severe COVID patients

A program developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo included three weekly sessions of up to 80 minutes each for 16 weeks, with positive effects on cardiorespiratory fitness, lung function, functional capacity, body composition and persistent symptoms.


Managing the food-water-energy nexus to make cities sustainable
SDG 2, SDG 11, SDG 13
Managing the food-water-energy nexus to make cities sustainable

An online event presented the results of five projects selected in a call issued by FAPESP in partnership with the Belmont Forum and JPI Urban Europe.


Study points to novel method for early diagnosis of cachexia in lung cancer patients
SDG 3
Study points to novel method for early diagnosis of cachexia in lung cancer patients

Predictive model developed at São Paulo State University (UNESP) helps identify tumor biomarkers of this metabolic syndrome characterized by acute weight loss and muscle wasting.


Melatonin, commonly used to improve sleep, can aggravate bowel inflammation
SDG 3
Melatonin, commonly used to improve sleep, can aggravate bowel inflammation

In laboratory mice, the hormone easily bought from pharmacies and widely consumed as a supplement aggravated Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, depending on the animal’s gut microbiota profile, according to a study by researchers at the University of São Paulo.


Márcio de Castro Silva takes office as Scientific Director of FAPESP
SDG 9, SDG 17
Márcio de Castro Silva takes office as Scientific Director of FAPESP

In an interview given to Agência FAPESP, the new director reveals his plans to seek more partnerships with institutions, strengthen the Foundation’s international ties and simplify processes by cutting bureaucracy.


Startups selected for Centelha program in São Paulo begin training and capacity building
SDG 9
Startups selected for Centelha program in São Paulo begin training and capacity building

Representatives of 44 startups will receive 12 months of technical support for the development of products and processes through in-person training, mentoring and workshops run by experts from FAPESP and institutions that promote innovative entrepreneurship.


COVID-19: institutional politics was crucial to success of vaccine technology transfer in Brazil
SDG 3, SDG 17
COVID-19: institutional politics was crucial to success of vaccine technology transfer in Brazil

Researchers show the importance of political skill on the part of federal research institution Fiocruz and regulatory agency ANVISA in the process that resulted in the signature of an agreement with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca in mid-pandemic.


Genetic sequencing of sea turtles can help understand disease that threatens species
SDG 14
Genetic sequencing of sea turtles can help understand disease that threatens species

The most comprehensive sequencing to date of the genomes of the Leatherback and Green sea turtles shows they are mostly identical. An article in PNAS helps scientists understand how the group has evolved and provides ideas for conservation strategies.


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