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

Study suggests shortening quarantine for people infected by novel coronavirus to ten days would be risky
SDG 3
Study suggests shortening quarantine for people infected by novel coronavirus to ten days would be risky

In October the CDC recommended ten instead of 14 days of isolation for patients with mild or moderate symptoms, but Brazilian researchers found viable viral particles in 25% of samples collected from patients on the tenth day of symptoms.


COVID-19 evidences the need for advances in scientific data management, specialists insist
SDG 17
COVID-19 evidences the need for advances in scientific data management, specialists insist

There is no universally adopted system or standard for collecting, documenting and sharing the massive amount of data from research on the disease, noted an expert who took part in the Second Latin American and Caribbean Scientific Data Management Workshop.


Innovative cancer treatment found to be a promising approach to the control of fungal infections
SDG 3
Innovative cancer treatment found to be a promising approach to the control of fungal infections

The use of CAR T-cells reprogrammed to “recognize” Cryptococcus spp. proved effective to combat the infection in vitro and in mice.


Model describes interactions between light and mechanical vibration in microcavities
SDG 9
Model describes interactions between light and mechanical vibration in microcavities

Study by researchers at the University of Campinas published in Physical Review Letters discusses both light dispersion by vibrations inside the device and light dissipation to the exterior, an aspect rarely studied hitherto.


An international research group proposes six guidelines for managing the impacts of invasive species
SDG 11, SDG 15
An international research group proposes six guidelines for managing the impacts of invasive species

Researchers in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and the UK are participating in the initiative. Results are published in the journal BioScience.


Behavior of wild capuchin monkeys can be identified by marks left on their tools
SDG 15
Behavior of wild capuchin monkeys can be identified by marks left on their tools

Scientists who study capuchin monkeys on a nature reserve in Brazil found that stone tools are used for digging, seed pounding, and stone-on-stone percussion. The monkeys can serve as a model to help understand how humans evolved to use tools.


Startup creates transgenic sugarcane with enhanced pest resistance
SDG 7, SDG 13
Startup creates transgenic sugarcane with enhanced pest resistance

With FAPESP’s support, PangeiaBiotech develops genetically modified varieties of sugarcane that are protected against attacking insects and glyphosate-tolerant.


Over 80% of Atlantic Rainforest remnants have been impacted by human activity
SDG 13, SDG 15
Over 80% of Atlantic Rainforest remnants have been impacted by human activity

Researchers at the University of São Paulo estimated biodiversity and biomass losses in the biome using data from 1,819 forest inventories. In terms of carbon storage, the losses correspond to the destruction of 70,000 km² of forest, representing some USD 2.6 billion in carbon credits.


Models to predict dengue, zika and yellow fever outbreaks are developed by international research group
SDG 3
Models to predict dengue, zika and yellow fever outbreaks are developed by international research group

Scientists will monitor areas in which these diseases are endemic, such as São Paulo, the Amazon, the Pantanal and Panama, to investigate the factors that trigger outbreaks.


Structure of novel coronavirus inspires design of nanoparticles for drug delivery
SDG 3, SDG 9
Structure of novel coronavirus inspires design of nanoparticles for drug delivery

According to a paper by Brazilian researchers published in Nano Today, the spatial arrangement of proteins on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 assures highly efficient interaction with target receptors on human cells.


COVID-19 vaccines are not comparable in terms of efficacy, according to specialists
SDG 3
COVID-19 vaccines are not comparable in terms of efficacy, according to specialists

The different criteria used in Phase 3 clinical trials of the vaccines approved so far were explained by scientists in a webinar hosted by FAPESP. The impact of delays in vaccinating Brazilians was one of the topics discussed.


Markers of COVID-19 severity and therapeutic targets possibly unveiled in patients’ blood plasma
SDG 3
Markers of COVID-19 severity and therapeutic targets possibly unveiled in patients’ blood plasma

An analysis conducted in the Brazilian state of São Paulo detected seven proteins in plasma from hospitalized patients that could be used in novel treatments and methods of identifying potentially severe or critical cases.


FAPESP launches Brazilian Center for Early Child Development
SDG 4, SDG 10
FAPESP launches Brazilian Center for Early Child Development

The new Applied Research Center’s mission is to conduct research that can provide input for public policies. FAPESP is partnering with the Maria Cecilia Souto Vidigal Foundation and INSPER to mount the initiative.


Application of potassium to forage grass used as cover crop guarantees higher-quality cotton
SDG 2
Application of potassium to forage grass used as cover crop guarantees higher-quality cotton

In an article published in Scientific Reports, Brazilian researchers show that besides simplifying operational logistics and improving production, fertilization of the grass used as a cover crop can reduce fertilizer use in the long run.


Smart traps monitor caterpillar infestation of crops
SDG 2
Smart traps monitor caterpillar infestation of crops

Startup supported by FAPESP has developed equipment for biological control of pests that affect soybean and cotton production.


Brazilian study estimates thresholds for protecting riparian zones to avoid aquatic biodiversity collapse
SDG 14
Brazilian study estimates thresholds for protecting riparian zones to avoid aquatic biodiversity collapse

Fifty researchers at 26 institutions analyzed a huge mass of data, finding that no single size of conservation area is valid for the entire country.


Exercising regularly does not affect severe COVID-19 prognosis or outcomes
SDG 3
Exercising regularly does not affect severe COVID-19 prognosis or outcomes

Study involving more than 200 hospitalized patients in São Paulo shows physically active individuals are not fully protected against the disease.


Study confirms safety of COVID-19 convalescent plasma therapy
SDG 3
Study confirms safety of COVID-19 convalescent plasma therapy

Clinical trial conducted in Brazil suggests the treatment can be beneficial if administered within ten days of symptom onset.


COVID-19 can alter the brain’s functional connectivity pattern, study shows
SDG 3
COVID-19 can alter the brain’s functional connectivity pattern, study shows

Brazilian researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess 86 volunteers who had moderate COVID-19 and compared the results with those of uninfected volunteers. Preliminary findings have not yet been published but were presented during a conference held at the University of Campinas.


Scientists create flexible biocompatible cilia that can be controlled by a magnet
SDG 9
Scientists create flexible biocompatible cilia that can be controlled by a magnet

Filaments made of polymer-coated iron oxide nanoparticles are obtained by exposing the material to a magnetic field under controlled temperature. The applications are myriad and include transporting substances into cells or directing fluids.


Brazilian startup exports solutions for hydrogen production
SDG 7, SDG 9
Brazilian startup exports solutions for hydrogen production

With FAPESP’s support, Hytron has developed a containerized solution for hydrogen production via ethanol reforming that eliminates the need for shipping by tanker trucks. The equipment can supply the gas to factories and vehicle service stations.


Social distancing has changed Brazilian women’s eating habits, study shows
SDG 3, SDG 5
Social distancing has changed Brazilian women’s eating habits, study shows

More than 1,000 volunteers completed an online questionnaire designed by Brazilian researchers. The results show that more women are cooking, sitting down to eat, snacking between meals, and ordering takeaway meals, while dieting and supermarket shopping have declined.


Studies use mathematics to analyze the semantics of dream reports during the pandemic
SDG 3
Studies use mathematics to analyze the semantics of dream reports during the pandemic

Researchers at a center for neuromathematics say dreams reflect the fear and anxiety fueled by the disease.


Researchers develop 10-minute COVID-19 diagnostic test that wage workers can afford
SDG 3
Researchers develop 10-minute COVID-19 diagnostic test that wage workers can afford

Technology based on nanoparticles identifies IgG antibodies and costs only about a fifth of similar devices now on the market. It was developed by scientists at the University of São Paulo and Brazilian startup Biolinker.


Lung ultrasound helps predict COVID-19 patient outcomes
SDG 3
Lung ultrasound helps predict COVID-19 patient outcomes

Brazilian researchers applied an examination protocol based on an analysis of 12 lung regions to 180 severe patients and found that the higher the lung ultrasound score the greater the risk of ICU admission, intubation and death.


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