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

Sugar consumption and early interruption of breastfeeding are risk factors for dental caries in infancy
SDG 3
Sugar consumption and early interruption of breastfeeding are risk factors for dental caries in infancy

In a Brazilian study involving 800 children, researchers found that extended breastfeeding protects the baby’s teeth as long as it is not given sugary food.


Severity of post-COVID syndrome may be linked to antibodies involved in auto-immune diseases
SDG 3
Severity of post-COVID syndrome may be linked to antibodies involved in auto-immune diseases

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo provides knowledge for use in diagnosing and treating chronic fatigue syndrome, which affects 10%-20% of patients who recover from COVID-19.


Scientists combine remote sensing and field experiments to study the effects of fire on Amazon savanna
SDG 13
Scientists combine remote sensing and field experiments to study the effects of fire on Amazon savanna

Using experimental fires set at different times of year in the Campos Amazônicos National Park, Brazilian researchers found that lags in acquiring and assessing information obtained from satellite imaging can lead to misinterpretation. The study points to the need for adjustments to monitoring algorithms.


Study reveals biomarkers that can be used to personalize treatment of head and neck cancer
SDG 3
Study reveals biomarkers that can be used to personalize treatment of head and neck cancer

Cetuximab is one of the few drugs approved for this type of cancer, but it is expensive and effective only for 40% of patients. An article in the journal Cells describes molecular alterations observed in tumor cells that indicate resistance to the drug, paving the way to the development of a predictive test.


Biogas produced with waste from apple juice making can minimize use of fossil fuels in industry
SDG 12, SDG 13
Biogas produced with waste from apple juice making can minimize use of fossil fuels in industry

A study by Brazilian researchers shows that the use of bioenergy avoids greenhouse gas emissions. Another benefit of their bioreactor is conversion of apple pomace into organic fertilizer.


Children of overprotective parents tend to live less, study suggests
SDG 3
Children of overprotective parents tend to live less, study suggests

Based on an analysis of data for nearly 1,000 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing born in the 1950s and 1960s, researchers concluded that children’s relationships with parents influence longevity, although the impact is different for men and women.


Study shows that COVID-19 virus can be detected in tears sampled by ocular swab
SDG 3
Study shows that COVID-19 virus can be detected in tears sampled by ocular swab

Researchers at the University of São Paulo detected SARS-CoV-2 on the ocular surface in 18.2% of samples taken from patients hospitalized with the disease. The findings point to an alternative to nasopharyngeal swabbing and highlight the need for health workers to protect themselves from infection by ocular fluids.


Repressive methods used in training women’s artistic gymnasts can be extremely harmful, study warns
SDG 3
Repressive methods used in training women’s artistic gymnasts can be extremely harmful, study warns

An article by researchers at the State University of Campinas in Sport, Education and Society investigates the dark side of Olympic fame. The lead author’s PhD research included interviews with former gymnasts in the Brazilian team.


Proper soil management could make Amazon pasturelands a better methane sink
SDG 13
Proper soil management could make Amazon pasturelands a better methane sink

Grass-covered pasture captures more methane than bare soil, albeit much less than forest-covered soil. Researchers at the University of São Paulo showed that proper pasture management strategies have the potential to reduce the impact of livestock production and mitigate global warming.


Protein with anti-aging action combats inflammation and avoids death of neurons
SDG 3
Protein with anti-aging action combats inflammation and avoids death of neurons

Results of in vitro tests are described by researchers at the University of São Paulo in the journal Scientific Reports point to avenues for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.


Startup wants to train bees to pollinate coffee more precisely
SDG 2, SDG 12
Startup wants to train bees to pollinate coffee more precisely

As part of a project supported by FAPESP, researchers at a startup called PollinTech are developing a strategy to use to sniffer bees to pollinate coffee crops. The firm took part alongside several other startups in the 22nd PIPE High Tech Entrepreneurship Program hosted by FAPESP to showcase innovative research.


Identified mechanism involved in development and intensification of cancer treatment-related pain
SDG 3
Identified mechanism involved in development and intensification of cancer treatment-related pain

Scientists who analyzed the combined use of two drugs – paclitaxel and immune checkpoint inhibitors – made discoveries that could pave the way for future research to combat the pain caused by other diseases.


Leisure facilities are increasing in São Paulo City but are still mainly in high-income areas
SDG 3, SDG 10, SDG 11
Leisure facilities are increasing in São Paulo City but are still mainly in high-income areas

A study analyzed changes to the built environment to promote physical activity in Brazil’s largest city between 2015 and 2020, using data from online public libraries as well as the city and state governments.


Loss of muscle mass in acute stage of COVID-19 is associated with persistent symptoms, study shows
SDG 3
Loss of muscle mass in acute stage of COVID-19 is associated with persistent symptoms, study shows

In Brazil, researchers tracked 80 patients with moderate and severe forms of the disease for up to six months after they left hospital. Muscle impairment during hospitalization was also a predictor of higher healthcare costs in the ensuing months.


Study shows that bioprinted artificial skin can be used in cosmetics and drugs testing
SDG 3
Study shows that bioprinted artificial skin can be used in cosmetics and drugs testing

In experiments conducted by scientists at the University of São Paulo, the performance of a model obtained in a 3D printer was equivalent to that of the conventional model produced manually. The biomimetic material can be produced on a large scale, reducing animal testing by the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.


Brazilian researchers combine genetics and nutricosmetics to develop customizable hair care product line
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian researchers combine genetics and nutricosmetics to develop customizable hair care product line

A company funded by FAPESP’s program to support innovation by small businesses is launching a dietary supplement for consumer hair care.


Researchers at the University of São Paulo create a low-cost sensor that detects heavy metals in sweat
SDG 3
Researchers at the University of São Paulo create a low-cost sensor that detects heavy metals in sweat

Flexible copper device identifies lead and cadmium in sweat and can be used by untrained personnel to monitor exposure to toxic materials.


Novel technique developed to obtain key chemical industry input without emitting CO2
SDG 7, SDG 13
Novel technique developed to obtain key chemical industry input without emitting CO2

Hydrogen peroxide is used to sterilize medical equipment, to bleach fabric, pulp and paper, and whiten teeth, among other applications.


Survey reveals physical and mental problems among health workers during pandemic
SDG 3
Survey reveals physical and mental problems among health workers during pandemic

Stress, burnout, pain and poor sleep were some of the most frequent symptoms reported by nursing and other staff who care for patients in a study conducted by researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos in São Paulo state, Brazil.


Study points to link between schizophrenia and vascular alterations in the brain
SDG 3
Study points to link between schizophrenia and vascular alterations in the brain

Brazilian researchers have discovered that central nervous system cells from patients with schizophrenia secrete substances that reduce the thickness of blood vessels in the brain, possibly leading to diminished metabolic flux in some parts of the CNS.


Increase in marine heatwaves expected to affect organisms at bottom of food chain, study suggests
SDG 13
Increase in marine heatwaves expected to affect organisms at bottom of food chain, study suggests

In an experiment, the survival and physiology of crab larvae on which other species feed were affected by rising sea surface temperatures. Events of this kind will be up to 35% more frequent between now and the end of the century in the study area.


Number of science- and technology-based startups in São Paulo state increases
SDG 9
Number of science- and technology-based startups in São Paulo state increases

Deep techs established in São Paulo have flourished in recent years, particularly in 2017-19, according to a survey led by the Brazilian Small Business Support Service.


Toxins produced by Amazonian spider have potential for development of drugs and insecticides
SDG 2, SDG 3
Toxins produced by Amazonian spider have potential for development of drugs and insecticides

Researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo and Butantan Institute used several advanced techniques to analyze the venom of the Orange banded tarantula Acanthoscurria juruenicola and tested its capacity to paralyze crickets. The findings could contribute to the development of biodiversity-based solutions.


Study reveals mechanism involved in neuropathic pain and could help develop specific treatment
SDG 3
Study reveals mechanism involved in neuropathic pain and could help develop specific treatment

Neuropathic pain is chronic and caused by injury to the nervous system, affecting between 3% and 15% of the population. The only treatment options currently available are drugs originally developed for other conditions, such as epilepsy or depression.


Microbes could be used by farmers as natural fertilizer for poor soil
SDG 2
Microbes could be used by farmers as natural fertilizer for poor soil

A study shows that archaea, bacteria and fungi found in campos rupestres, a Brazilian ecoregion with low-fertility soil, are essential sources of plant nutrients. Products originating in the discovery could be used in future as substitutes for chemical phosphate fertilizer.


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