Fapesp

FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

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Research funded by FAPESP aligned with the SDGs

News

Research funded by FAPESP aligned with the SDGs

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.


A method to access genetic information in blood samples and find correlations with mental health problems
SDG 3
A method to access genetic information in blood samples and find correlations with mental health problems

In a study with 116 participants, researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo evaluated the genetic material contained in extracellular vesicles possibly secreted by brain tissue. The analysis pointed to patterns of microRNA expression associated with depression, anxiety and ADHD.


Biotech startup aims to transform Brazilian biodiversity’s natural products into innovative therapies
SDG 9, SDG 13
Biotech startup aims to transform Brazilian biodiversity’s natural products into innovative therapies

A startup based in São Paulo is working with research centers, laboratories and private enterprise to develop novel medications from plant-based natural products. The drugs will be designed to combat multifactorial diseases.


German delegation visits FAPESP to strengthen existing agreements and discuss new partnerships
SDG 17
German delegation visits FAPESP to strengthen existing agreements and discuss new partnerships

Representatives of German universities, research institutions and funding agencies were welcomed at FAPESP’s headquarters in late March. The Amazon and renewable energy are areas of interest for new bilateral partnerships.


FAPESP and Mozambique’s National Research Foundation plan research collaborations
SDG 17
FAPESP and Mozambique’s National Research Foundation plan research collaborations

A webinar co-hosted by the two organizations featured researchers from São Paulo and the southeast African country discussing ways to promote scientific collaboration in areas such as climate change, natural disaster monitoring, agriculture, health, and bioenergy.


Used coffee pods can be recycled to produce filaments for 3D printing
SDG 12
Used coffee pods can be recycled to produce filaments for 3D printing

Tested by Brazilian and British researchers, the process is an example of circular economy technology, in which waste produced in one economic activity is converted into resources for other sectors.


New center will provide technologies to enhance competitiveness of small and medium farmers
SDG 2, SDG 9
New center will provide technologies to enhance competitiveness of small and medium farmers

Launched on April 11 at a ceremony attended by the Governor of São Paulo state, the Science for Development Center in Digital Agriculture is a collaboration between FAPESP and EMBRAPA, with other institutions. Its remit will be to connect farmers to innovations that cut costs and assure sustainability.


COVID-19 can lead immune system to exhaustion even in young people with mild to moderate symptoms
SDG 3
COVID-19 can lead immune system to exhaustion even in young people with mild to moderate symptoms

Researchers in Brazil and Portugal have been following patients under 40 who had the disease before being vaccinated. Alterations found in immune cells up to 180 days after infection resemble those found in patients with chronic diseases.


Exposure to cannabinoids in pregnancy increases newborn mortality and respiratory problems
SDG 3
Exposure to cannabinoids in pregnancy increases newborn mortality and respiratory problems

This was the main finding of a study involving rats conducted by Brazilian researchers. Mortality was 29% higher for fetuses exposed to a synthetic compound that acts on the brain in a similar manner to natural cannabinoids. Respiratory control and CO2 sensitivity, which influence sudden infant death syndrome, were also altered.


New research center aims to fill key gap for advancement of biotechnology in Brazil
SDG 3, SDG 9
New research center aims to fill key gap for advancement of biotechnology in Brazil

With the support of FAPESP’s Science for Development Center Program, the unit hosted by São Paulo State University will produce pilot batches of candidate biopharmaceuticals and vaccines for clinical trials. The aim is to help researchers and startups survive the “valley of death” in clinical research.


FAPESP and US National Science Foundation (NSF) announce partnership in all research areas
SDG 17
FAPESP and US National Science Foundation (NSF) announce partnership in all research areas

Agreement simplifies design of new instruments and tools for collaboration between researchers in São Paulo and the United States.


Obese pregnant women infected by zika virus have impaired immune response
SDG 3
Obese pregnant women infected by zika virus have impaired immune response

Researchers at the University of São Paulo analyzed placental samples from women with and without obesity who contracted the infection while pregnant. The results show that maternal overweight can compromise the placenta’s immune response and impair fetal protection.


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