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

How the FAPESP Genome Project advanced genomics and molecular biology
SDG 9
How the FAPESP Genome Project advanced genomics and molecular biology

Researchers who participated in the groundbreaking initiative met at the Genome Workshop 20+2 to celebrate past achievements, analyze the current situation and assess future opportunities in the genomics of pathogens, cancer and agri-environmental management.


Study links genetic variant to digestive disturbances in patients with Chagas disease
SDG 3
Study links genetic variant to digestive disturbances in patients with Chagas disease

An article on the study is published in Biomedicines. The findings offer an avenue for the development of novel therapies for Chagas megaesophagus.


Chi Van Dang of Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research: ‘I think we can envision a cancer-free future’
SDG 3
Chi Van Dang of Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research: ‘I think we can envision a cancer-free future’

On a visit to Brazil, the scientific director for LICR and one of the most cited researchers in the field of oncology spoke about advances in cancer treatment and the development of tools that in his view enable physicians to detect tumors very early on.


Despite peculiarities, conservation challenges are similar in Madagascar and Brazil
SDG 13, SDG 15
Despite peculiarities, conservation challenges are similar in Madagascar and Brazil

Two articles published in the journal Science by an international group of researchers that includes Brazilians present an up-to-date review of existing knowledge of the island’s rich biodiversity and how it is protected. Maintaining harmony between the species found on this tropical island off the coast of Africa and its human population is a daunting challenge.


Expanding protected Atlantic Rainforest by 2% would help conserve endangered deer species, study shows
SDG 15
Expanding protected Atlantic Rainforest by 2% would help conserve endangered deer species, study shows

According to a mapping exercise by a group of Brazilian researchers, 56.8% of the areas that should be priorities for conservation are not legally protected. They identified 21 large forests that could be converted into new conservation units.


Nanophotonic circuits could revolutionize data processing
SDG 9
Nanophotonic circuits could revolutionize data processing

A study conducted at a FAPESP-supported research center shows that light interacting with free electrons in a metal can traverse nanometric structures far smaller than its wavelength.


Study conducted at hospital in São Paulo state detects measles antibodies in only 75% of under-fifteens
SDG 3
Study conducted at hospital in São Paulo state detects measles antibodies in only 75% of under-fifteens

A total of 252 children living in a city in northwestern São Paulo took part in the study, in which blood samples from hospitalized children were analyzed. The percentage with measles antibodies was less than the 94% target considered ideal to prevent outbreaks.


Novel device detects COVID-19 antibodies in five minutes
SDG 3, SDG 9
Novel device detects COVID-19 antibodies in five minutes

Brazilian scientists have developed a biosensor using zinc oxide combined for the first time with an electron-conducting glass substrate and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The results outperformed ELISA, the current gold standard for diagnosing infectious diseases.


Post-pandemic outbreak of drug-resistant fungus in Brazil owing to abuse of medications and full up ICUs
SDG 3
Post-pandemic outbreak of drug-resistant fungus in Brazil owing to abuse of medications and full up ICUs

The worst-ever outbreak of fungal disease caused by the same strain of Candida parapsilosis in severe COVID-19 patients was reported in a hospital in Salvador. Novel drug-resistant strains of Candida will emerge in Brazil, the authors predict.


Study inspired by global agendas focuses on relationships between human beings and nature
SDG 11
Study inspired by global agendas focuses on relationships between human beings and nature

Researchers and stakeholders in Brazil and the United Kingdom investigated the effects of proximity to the sea on physical and mental health.


Public network should integrate data nationwide for use by researchers to improve health in Brazil
SDG 3, SDG 9
Public network should integrate data nationwide for use by researchers to improve health in Brazil

The importance of organizing and assuring access to the government’s healthcare data via the SUS was highlighted in a presentation by Ester Sabino, a professor at the University of São Paulo, to a webinar hosted by the São Paulo State Academy of Sciences. Data integration and access would benefit researchers and the Health Ministry, and help to direct investment in the sector.


Risk management policies are still insufficient to limit the effects of extreme weather events
SDG 13
Risk management policies are still insufficient to limit the effects of extreme weather events

A study reported in Nature analyzed floods and droughts that affected the same place twice, finding that the second occurrence caused more damage, generally speaking. The authors included scientists affiliated with the University of São Paulo.


Nanotechnology extends functionality of innovative hospital curtains
SDG 9
Nanotechnology extends functionality of innovative hospital curtains

A firm supported by FAPESP is developing self-cleaning products with flame-retardant, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties that afford protection against ultraviolet radiation.


Scientists discover new mechanism associated with severe COVID-19
SDG 3
Scientists discover new mechanism associated with severe COVID-19

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo shows that flaws in the metabolization of ATP, one of the main sources of cellular energy, can lead to dysregulation of the immune system and a dangerously exacerbated inflammatory response to infection by the novel coronavirus.


Artificial intelligence helps detect gait alterations and diagnose Parkinson’s disease
SDG 3
Artificial intelligence helps detect gait alterations and diagnose Parkinson’s disease

Researchers at São Paulo State University tested machine learning techniques to estimate parameters such as step length, width and velocity. The method makes clinical diagnosis more precise and can determine the stage reached in progression of the disease.


Cultural heritage may influence choice of tools by capuchin monkeys, study suggests
SDG 15
Cultural heritage may influence choice of tools by capuchin monkeys, study suggests

Researchers documented the size and weight of the stones used as tools by three populations of these primates living in Central Brazil, as well as the hardness of the nuts and seeds the tools were used on. Even when more suitable tools were available, some animals preferred the heaviest stones, possibly as a result of cultural learning.


Review of more than 1,000 articles seeks to understand how nanomaterials affect plants
SDG 2
Review of more than 1,000 articles seeks to understand how nanomaterials affect plants

The analysis encompassed studies published between 2009 and 2022, highlighting the importance of experiment design.


Study of proteins secreted by tumor cells points to new ways of combating cancer
SDG 3
Study of proteins secreted by tumor cells points to new ways of combating cancer

Researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo set out to discover why proteins that should be found in cell nuclei ended up in cytoplasm or elsewhere in certain situations. This unexpected phenomenon may indicate a relevant pattern for diagnostic and treatment purposes.


New studies enrich knowledge of genetic factors that naturally protect people against COVID-19
SDG 3
New studies enrich knowledge of genetic factors that naturally protect people against COVID-19

A team at a FAPESP-supported research center investigated over-90s who were resilient to SARS-CoV-2 and identical twins who had severe COVID-19 with different outcomes, including long COVID. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of vaccines and treatments for this and other viral diseases.


Mixed forest plantations tend to be more resilient to climate change, scientists say
SDG 13
Mixed forest plantations tend to be more resilient to climate change, scientists say

To confirm this hypothesis, researchers in Brazil and France are conducting an experiment to find out how tree diversity influences carbon uptake and drought tolerance. The project was discussed by participants in an event held at IPT, the São Paulo State Technological Research Institute.


Climate crisis and anthropic pressure are destabilizing the Pantanal
SDG 13
Climate crisis and anthropic pressure are destabilizing the Pantanal

Brazilian researchers investigated the complexity of the world’s largest wetland biome, predicting heavier rainfall and longer dry periods, and proposing six guidelines for sustainable governance of the region.


Study findings can help breeders select beef cattle that gain weight more easily and emit less methane
SDG 2, SDG 13
Study findings can help breeders select beef cattle that gain weight more easily and emit less methane

An investigation conducted in Brazil analyzed all the microorganisms present in the feces of Nelore bulls and found biomarkers that can identify animals with a low-emission, feed-efficient phenotype.


Study confirms postural control medication efficacy period for Parkinson’s disease patients
SDG 3
Study confirms postural control medication efficacy period for Parkinson’s disease patients

Researchers at São Paulo State University described in detail the positive effects of levodopa on posture and balance, in a study aimed at optimizing treatment. The findings are reported in Brain Research.


Tiger sharks that interact with tourists are larger and have higher hormone levels, study shows
SDG 14
Tiger sharks that interact with tourists are larger and have higher hormone levels, study shows

Sharks that frequent diving tourism sites where food is provided have higher levels of testosterone and corticosteroids than others that spend less time in these areas, as well as a better nutritional state. The effects of shark-human interaction are poorly understood.


SARS-CoV-2 alters RNA in infected cells, study reveals
SDG 3
SARS-CoV-2 alters RNA in infected cells, study reveals

An article by researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo describes how the functioning of RNA changes in cells infected by the COVID-19 virus. The findings provide clues as to how different variants can escape the immune system, and serve as a basis for the development of novel treatments.


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