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

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.


Increase in fish consumption can benefit the health of the population and the economy
SDG 2, SDG 3
Increase in fish consumption can benefit the health of the population and the economy

In partnership with private enterprise and government, scientists in São Paulo state (Brazil) plan to strengthen domestic production and consumption of aquatic products.


Exercise hormone protects kidneys from damage caused by diabetes
SDG 3
Exercise hormone protects kidneys from damage caused by diabetes

Researchers at the State University of Campinas conducted experiments on rats and human kidney cells. Their findings, published in Scientific Reports, show that irisin, a hormone secreted in muscle tissue during exercise, avoids the cellular degeneration that leads to diabetic nephropathy and kidney failure.


Advances in computing lead to discoveries in other areas of science and reconfigure life in society
SDG 9
Advances in computing lead to discoveries in other areas of science and reconfigure life in society

Bioinformatics, engineering and other disciplines driven by advances in computing were discussed by participants in an online seminar hosted by the São Paulo State Academy of Sciences to present the fifth chapter of FAPESP 60 Anos: A Ciência no Desenvolvimento Nacional.


Fire in the Amazon is associated more with agricultural burning and deforestation than with drought
SDG 13
Fire in the Amazon is associated more with agricultural burning and deforestation than with drought

Conclusion came from a Brazilian study that analyzed active fire occurrences between 2003 and 2020 in the nine countries with Amazon Rainforest areas. Brazil accounted on average for 73% of the fires detected in the period.


Escalation in racial violence coexists with the more subtle and silent systemic racism, scholars say
SDG 10
Escalation in racial violence coexists with the more subtle and silent systemic racism, scholars say

The 15th FAPESP 60 Years Conference, entitled “Research on racism and its challenges in contemporary society”, featured Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, a professor at Duke University, and Márcia Lima, a professor at the University of São Paulo.


Startup develops sparkling beverage from honey produced by Brazilian native bees
SDG 12
Startup develops sparkling beverage from honey produced by Brazilian native bees

Supported by FAPESP, the project also aims to encourage conservation of Brazilian wildlife and valorize the culture and craftsmanship of local communities.


Reducing childhood poverty could cut criminal convictions by almost a quarter, study shows
SDG 10
Reducing childhood poverty could cut criminal convictions by almost a quarter, study shows

Brazilian researchers interviewed 1,905 children twice in seven years and analyzed 22 risk factors that can influence human development. An article on the study is published in Scientific Reports.


Novel single-crystal production method opens up promising avenues for studies in solid-state physics
SDG 9
Novel single-crystal production method opens up promising avenues for studies in solid-state physics

Researchers at the University of São Paulo created an alternative technique that could contribute to the development of quantum computing.


Loss of limbs in lizards and snakes took different evolutionary paths, study shows
SDG 15
Loss of limbs in lizards and snakes took different evolutionary paths, study shows

Genomic analyses performed by researchers in Brazil and Germany suggest that different groups of reptiles submitted to similar environmental conditions developed convergent adaptations independently.


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