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

Enhanced scorpion venom molecules can be used to treat Chagas disease
SDG 3, SDG 15
Enhanced scorpion venom molecules can be used to treat Chagas disease

Brazilian researchers tested the antichagasic properties of VmCT1, obtained from the venom of Vaejovis mexicanus, a scorpion harmless to humans, and synthesized novel analogs to redesign the native molecule.


Device refines analysis of materials for fuel cells and batteries
SDG 7, SDG 9
Device refines analysis of materials for fuel cells and batteries

Developed at an Engineering Research Center supported by FAPESP, the novel spectroelectrochemical cell can be used to study the behavior of electrolytes and catalysts by means of X-rays and infrared or even visible light.


Brazilian researcher experiments with electron-plasma interactions
SDG 9
Brazilian researcher experiments with electron-plasma interactions

The study could help upgrade satellite communications equipment.


Hospitalization for treatment of COVID-19 is 34% lower among physically active people, study shows
SDG 3
Hospitalization for treatment of COVID-19 is 34% lower among physically active people, study shows

The online survey was conducted in Brazil and completed by 938 survivors of the disease whose diagnosis was confirmed by RT-PCR or serological test. Those who regularly had at least 150 minutes per week of moderately intense aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity training were considered sufficiently active, in accordance with the WHO’s recommendations.


Drug for pulmonary hypertension may become an option against cancer
SDG 3
Drug for pulmonary hypertension may become an option against cancer

In experiments by Brazilian researchers with mice and tumor cell lines, the drug showed potential to combat metastasis. The scientists are planning to conduct clinical trials with patients who are on chemotherapy.


Molecules derived from omega-3 can regenerate inflamed periodontal tissue
SDG 3
Molecules derived from omega-3 can regenerate inflamed periodontal tissue

An in vitro study by a Brazilian researcher shows that maresin and resolvin synthesized from fatty acid stimulate periodontal ligament stem cells even in the presence of inflammation.


Virtual reality applied to rehabilitation for stroke and neurodegenerative disease patients
SDG 3, SDG 9
Virtual reality applied to rehabilitation for stroke and neurodegenerative disease patients

A study performed at one of the Research Centers supported by FAPESP resulted in development of a novel rehabilitation device. The article was recognized as outstanding by the 20th International Conference on Computational Science and its Applications.


Industrial waste is reused to produce alternatives to plastic
SDG 12
Industrial waste is reused to produce alternatives to plastic

Researchers at São Paulo State University reused bacterial cellulose scraps usually thrown away by manufacturers of wound dressings to make strong biodegradable film for food packaging.


Study can facilitate screening of COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors
SDG 3
Study can facilitate screening of COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors

Brazilian researchers show that commercial serological tests available in laboratories nationwide can be used to screen donated plasma in order to see if it contains enough antibodies capable of neutralizing the novel coronavirus


Caterpillars mimic leaves or offer rewards for protection by ants
SDG 15
Caterpillars mimic leaves or offer rewards for protection by ants

Study reveals different forms of interaction between insect groups: while some caterpillar species have bodies covered with molecules identical to those of the plants they inhabit and are ‘invisible’ to ants, others offer ants nectar in exchange for protection from predators.


The impact of the pandemic on the Brazilian labor market
SDG 10
The impact of the pandemic on the Brazilian labor market

Black people and women are worst-off – blacks because they mainly work in the informal sector and women because they are mainly considered non-essential workers.


Study can orient use of melatonin in the treatment of breast cancer
SDG 3
Study can orient use of melatonin in the treatment of breast cancer

In an article published in the Journal of Pineal Research, researchers at São Paulo State University and collaborators describe a set of genes potentially regulated by the “sleep hormone” in some types of tumor


Red propolis could be used to treat schistosomiasis
SDG 3, SDG 10
Red propolis could be used to treat schistosomiasis

In vitro studies and experiments with mice show that the natural extract was more effective than the only drug available to combat this parasitic disease.


Research details how aerobic exercise reverses degenerative process that leads to metabolic diseases
SDG 3
Research details how aerobic exercise reverses degenerative process that leads to metabolic diseases

Experiments with mice and humans showed that exercise training increased the expression in adipose tissue of a key enzyme for the organism’s metabolic health, combating the harmful effects of aging and obesity.


Drug attenuates weight gain in animals fed a high-fat diet
SDG 3
Drug attenuates weight gain in animals fed a high-fat diet

Medication originally developed to kill bacteria displayed the capacity to increase cell energy expenditure in tests with mice. Researchers at the University of Campinas and the biopharmaceutical AstraZeneca are testing compounds with a similar structure that could give rise to novel approaches to the treatment of obesity.


Study sheds light on immune mechanism that triggers cytokine storm typical of COVID-19
SDG 3
Study sheds light on immune mechanism that triggers cytokine storm typical of COVID-19

In defense cells from patients hospitalized with the disease, Brazilian researchers found signs of activation of a protein complex called the inflammasome, responsible for initiating the inflammatory response that can damage organs and lead to death. The findings could help identify drugs capable of interrupting the process.


Molecule that regulates muscle adaptation to exercise is discovered
SDG 3
Molecule that regulates muscle adaptation to exercise is discovered

An article in Cell by researchers affiliated with Harvard and the University of São Paulo shows that the metabolite succinate is released by muscle cells during physical exercise and triggers a process of tissue remodeling that makes muscles stronger and enhances metabolic efficiency.


UN mobilizes researchers to pursue solutions to the socio-economic crisis triggered by COVID-19
SDG 8, SDG 17
UN mobilizes researchers to pursue solutions to the socio-economic crisis triggered by COVID-19

Roadmap proposes 25 research priorities in strategic areas to build a more equitable, resilient and sustainable future.


Researchers create ingredients to produce food by 3D printing
SDG 2, SDG 3
Researchers create ingredients to produce food by 3D printing

Food engineers in Brazil and France developed gels based on modified starch for use as “ink” to make foods and novel materials by additive manufacturing.


Agência FAPESP produces video series on epidemiological study of COVID-19 in Brazilian Amazon
SDG 3
Agência FAPESP produces video series on epidemiological study of COVID-19 in Brazilian Amazon

The special series “Field Diary” (“Diário de Campo”) features University of São Paulo scientists Marcelo Urbano Ferreira and Marly Augusto Cardoso on an expedition to Mâncio Lima, a small town in the Amazon where they collect samples from patients to investigate transmission of the novel coronavirus.


Tree lifespan decline in forests could neutralize part of rise in net carbon uptake
SDG 13
Tree lifespan decline in forests could neutralize part of rise in net carbon uptake

Study by Brazilian researchers reported in Nature Communications shows that trees are growing faster in forests worldwide, including the Amazon, but their lives are getting shorter.


Genomic analysis of mako shark reveals genes relating to tumor suppression in humans
SDG 3, SDG 14
Genomic analysis of mako shark reveals genes relating to tumor suppression in humans

Genetic mapping of the shark’s liver and eye tissue showed overexpression of nine genes known for action in tumor suppression, wound healing, and probable monochrome vision. The species is considered globally endangered and caught on a large scale by industrial fishing vessels.


Production of nanoradiopharmaceuticals in São Paulo takes first steps
SDG 3, SDG 9
Production of nanoradiopharmaceuticals in São Paulo takes first steps

With FAPESP’s support, the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute is assembling a world-class laboratory that associates nanotechnology with radiopharmacy. The aim is to develop new products, mainly for cancer treatment.


Researchers investigate energy storage solution for electric vehicles and homes
SDG 7, SDG 9
Researchers investigate energy storage solution for electric vehicles and homes

Study by FAPESP-Shell Engineering Research Center hosted at University of Campinas set out to develop supercapacitors that store more energy and batteries that charge faster.


Study could give rise to test able to predict whether COVID-19 patients will need to be hospitalized
SDG 3
Study could give rise to test able to predict whether COVID-19 patients will need to be hospitalized

Researchers at the University of São Paulo identified proteins found at augmented levels in the blood plasma of high-risk patients using equipment present in Brazilian hospitals. The result of the test could help physicians make better-targeted decisions.


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