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

New molecules associated with hyperinflammation in COVID-19 are identified
SDG 3
New molecules associated with hyperinflammation in COVID-19 are identified

A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo showed that the blood serum of severe patients contained high levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid. The discovery may help improve the prognosis of such patients and the treatment available to them.


Small insect communities respond less predictably to environmental change
SDG 13
Small insect communities respond less predictably to environmental change

Researchers who studied riverine insect communities in the Atlantic Rainforest and Finland’s boreal forests discovered that random events are more frequent in Brazil.


Why it is harder for Brazilians of African descent to find bone marrow donors
SDG 3, SDG 10
Why it is harder for Brazilians of African descent to find bone marrow donors

According to a study published in Frontiers in Immunology, the reason is their genetic heterogeneity and lack of proportional representation in the Brazilian bone marrow bank.


Startup develops yeast-based COVID-19 diagnostic test
SDG 3
Startup develops yeast-based COVID-19 diagnostic test

Based on a reaction between yeast and the novel coronavirus, the test will rapidly detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva and will be available by mid-2021.


US will take at least 300 days to beat COVID-19 even with vaccination, scientists estimate
SDG 3
US will take at least 300 days to beat COVID-19 even with vaccination, scientists estimate

Researchers at York University in Canada and the University of Campinas in Brazil used mathematical modeling to estimate the short-term impact of vaccination. Abandoning non-pharmaceutical interventions too soon could cancel out the benefit, they warn.


Melatonin produced in the lungs prevents infection by novel coronavirus
SDG 3
Melatonin produced in the lungs prevents infection by novel coronavirus

The hormone acts as a barrier against SARS-CoV-2, blocking the expression of genes that encode proteins in cells serving as viral entry points, according to a study by researchers at the University of São Paulo.


Study helps understand why obese mothers tend to have children with susceptibility for metabolic diseases
SDG 3
Study helps understand why obese mothers tend to have children with susceptibility for metabolic diseases

The phenomenon may be associated with a deficiency of the protein mitofusin-2 in the mother’s eggs, which affects the shape and functioning of mitochondria. The finding was based on experiments with mice conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos and reported in the journal Molecular Human Reproduction.


Inflammation caused by scorpion venom should be blocked immediately, study shows
SDG 3
Inflammation caused by scorpion venom should be blocked immediately, study shows

In an article published in Nature Communications, Brazilian researchers show for the first time that in severe cases of scorpion envenomation it is the neuroimmune reaction triggered by the venom that leads to death.


Researchers analyze the growth of anti-vaccine movements during the pandemic
SDG 16
Researchers analyze the growth of anti-vaccine movements during the pandemic

Pro-Vaccine Union, an initiative of the University of São Paulo in partnership with other organizations including Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers funded by FAPESP, is monitoring anti-vaccine groups on Facebook in an effort to understand the workings of the social media ecosystem that spreads disinformation.


Study identifies a factor that makes the novel coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 more contagious
SDG 3
Study identifies a factor that makes the novel coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 more contagious

Researchers at the University of São Paulo found that the SARS-CoV-2 variant’s spike protein interacted more strongly with the ACE2 receptor used by the virus to invade and replicate in human cells.


Lack of physical exercise during COVID-19 confinement may lead to a rise in mortality, study shows
SDG 3
Lack of physical exercise during COVID-19 confinement may lead to a rise in mortality, study shows

In a review article published in Frontiers of Endocrinology, Brazilian researchers estimate a reduction of 35% in levels of physical activity and a rise of 28% in sedentary behavior in the initial months of confinement imposed by the pandemic.


Second wave of COVID-19 in Manaus rekindles debate on herd immunity
SDG 3
Second wave of COVID-19 in Manaus rekindles debate on herd immunity

Experts tell Agência FAPESP about factors that may be associated with the rapid rise in daily case numbers in the capital of Amazonas State, where a six-month state of emergency has been declared.


Drought favors plant-pathogenic fungi in pasturelands and release of carbon dioxide from the soil
SDG 2, SDG 13
Drought favors plant-pathogenic fungi in pasturelands and release of carbon dioxide from the soil

Researchers at the University of São Paulo conducted field experiments to estimate the impact of drought and rising temperatures on soil quality and plant health.


Women’s immune system responds better to COVID-19, study shows
SDG 3
Women’s immune system responds better to COVID-19, study shows

When researchers reanalyzed datasets from more than 1,000 patients, they found differences between men and women in the expression of genes associated with the functioning of immune cells and the production of inflammatory molecules. The findings point to possible targets for treatment of both sexes.


Large mammals make soil more fertile in tropical forests
SDG 15
Large mammals make soil more fertile in tropical forests

A study conducted by scientists at São Paulo State University demonstrates that animals like peccaries and tapirs boost soil levels of nitrogen, an essential element to plant growth.


Scientists study use of abundant enzyme in tumor cells to monitor cancer treatment
SDG 3
Scientists study use of abundant enzyme in tumor cells to monitor cancer treatment

After 14 years studying the action of the enzyme LMWPTP in tumor cells, Brazilian researchers conclude that the molecule is associated with chemotherapy resistance and metastasis.


Online platform offers reference gene database for biomolecular research
SDG 17
Online platform offers reference gene database for biomolecular research

Open-access atlas created by researchers at the University of Campinas provides information on 2,176 human and 3,277 mouse housekeeping genes that can be used as calibrators in experiments designed to measure variations in gene expression.


Novel method identifies areas most suitable for conservation of black lion tamarin
SDG 15
Novel method identifies areas most suitable for conservation of black lion tamarin

The researchers used modeling to show which areas are suitable in terms of forest cover and climate for occupation by the endangered species, which is endemic to the state of São Paulo. Their study is a contribution to translocation initiatives that move groups of these animals to areas from which the species has disappeared.


Research reveals structure of protein and permits search for drugs to combat neglected diseases
SDG 3
Research reveals structure of protein and permits search for drugs to combat neglected diseases

Discovery by Brazilian scientists paves the way for the study of more potent molecules capable of directly destroying parasites underlying elephantiasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis, with fewer adverse side-effects.


Artificial intelligence at the service of healthcare management
SDG 3, SDG 9
Artificial intelligence at the service of healthcare management

Technology to manage hospital flows is being tested by health units in metropolitan São Paulo.


Global Research Council discusses the role of funding agencies in the pandemic
SDG 16, SDG 17
Global Research Council discusses the role of funding agencies in the pandemic

Fast-track project selection and the capacity to make efficient use of resources and cross-border partnerships have made funders fundamental to the response to the challenges of COVID-19 in the Americas, according to participants in the GRC’s regional meeting.


Scientists seek faster route to treat depression
SDG 3
Scientists seek faster route to treat depression

The Brazilian research group used epigenetic modulators to try to “erase” the damage done by stress to neuroplasticity. The study showed that acute intervention in epigenetic mechanisms produces antidepressant-like effects more rapidly than conventional drugs.


Experts explain challenges of COVID-19 vaccine supply chain logistics and management
SDG 3
Experts explain challenges of COVID-19 vaccine supply chain logistics and management

The raw materials and inputs for vaccines are produced in different countries and subject to undersupply risk, said speakers in a webinar on Facing the Challenges of Vaccine Distribution organized by FAPESP.


International Energy Agency will assess Brazil’s policies to promote biofuels
SDG 7, SDG 12, SDG 13
International Energy Agency will assess Brazil’s policies to promote biofuels

The IEA aims to help countries move the bioenergy agenda forward by identifying bottlenecks, recommending solutions and sharing best practices. The initiative was presented during a conference organized by BIOEN, FAPESP’s bioenergy research program.


Large rural properties account for 54% of the environmental deficit in the state of São Paulo
SDG 2, SDG 13
Large rural properties account for 54% of the environmental deficit in the state of São Paulo

The estimate comes from a research project supported by FAPESP to produce scientific input for implementation of Brazil’s new forest code in the state.


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