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

Brazilian physicists create a model to predict mutations in SARS-CoV-2
SDG 3
Brazilian physicists create a model to predict mutations in SARS-CoV-2

The study is published in PLOS ONE. Equations suggest viral population variability can be estimated on the basis of epidemiological data.


Pregnant women with COVID-19 face higher risk of pre-eclampsia, study shows
SDG 3
Pregnant women with COVID-19 face higher risk of pre-eclampsia, study shows

In a review of the scientific literature, researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo concluded that infection by SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy can reduce the availability of ACE2, a protein that plays an important part in placental development, control of blood pressure, and the circulatory adaptations required for fetal development.


Physically active people respond better to COVID-19 vaccine, study shows
SDG 3
Physically active people respond better to COVID-19 vaccine, study shows

More than 1,000 Brazilian volunteers immunized with the CoronaVac vaccine were assessed by researchers at the University of São Paulo. Those who were active for at least 150 minutes per week without long sedentary periods produced more antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.


A smartphone app to monitor cancer patients
SDG 3, SDG 9
A smartphone app to monitor cancer patients

The platform is used by several hospitals, has more than 2,500 users, and performs 800 care processes per month on average.


Genetic profile of tumor can indicate best treatment for brain cancer patients
SDG 3
Genetic profile of tumor can indicate best treatment for brain cancer patients

A study conducted by researchers at the Center for Cell-Based Therapy in São Paulo state, Brazil, identified a genetic signature that can be used to predict whether patients should be submitted to radiation therapy.


Fire in wet area of the Amazon destroys 27% of trees in up to three years, study finds
SDG 13
Fire in wet area of the Amazon destroys 27% of trees in up to three years, study finds

Based on data collected in the field, Brazilian researchers showed that small and medium trees suffer most in the first two years after a fire, but the overall impact on vegetation can last decades. Carbon stocks fall 12.8% in burned areas on average.


Gamma (P1) is more aggressive but can be contained with vaccine and lockdown, study shows
SDG 3
Gamma (P1) is more aggressive but can be contained with vaccine and lockdown, study shows

Correlating whole-genome sequencing with epidemiological data for the city of São José do Rio Preto in Brazil, researchers show that severe COVID-19 and deaths from the disease rose sharply when the variant became prevalent in the region. A two-week lockdown and vaccination of the elderly averted a collapse of the health system.


First genetic sequencing of Brazilian pit viper is completed
SDG 15
First genetic sequencing of Brazilian pit viper is completed

In an article published in PNAS, researchers affiliated with Butantan Institute describe the genome of Bothrops jararaca and suggest the origin of genes responsible for toxins in its venom.


Tree falls during dry season in São Paulo City are due to poor management, study suggests
SDG 11
Tree falls during dry season in São Paulo City are due to poor management, study suggests

An article in Trees - Structure and Function reports findings from an analysis of 7,000 tree falls in a three-year period. Stormy weather was the main cause during the rainy season.


Birds that disperse more types of seed have better evolutionary chances
SDG 15
Birds that disperse more types of seed have better evolutionary chances

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo and published in Science correlates birds and plants in seed dispersal networks.


Without proper management, wildfires in natural areas will intensify in the months ahead, study warns
SDG 13
Without proper management, wildfires in natural areas will intensify in the months ahead, study warns

A study alerts to the conjunction between a climate change scenario and little inspection with the arrival of the dry season in the country, which favors large-scale fires – such as that which occurred in the Pantanal in 2020. To avoid further tragedies, researchers defend the implementation of a policy of integrated fire management.


Drugs used to treat autoimmune rheumatic disease may weaken the immune response induced by COVID-19
SDG 3
Drugs used to treat autoimmune rheumatic disease may weaken the immune response induced by COVID-19

A study published in Nature Medicine evaluated individuals before and after taking CoronaVac. Based on the results, researchers at the University of São Paulo’s Medical School are testing novel strategies such as suspending treatment one or two weeks before vaccination.


Nature-based solutions are essential to combat the adverse effects of climate change
SDG 13
Nature-based solutions are essential to combat the adverse effects of climate change

Researchers analyzed strategies for ecosystem conservation and rehabilitation of degraded areas in the second part of the FAPESP 60 Years Lectures.


Brazilian company develops and exports DNA polymerases
SDG 9
Brazilian company develops and exports DNA polymerases

With FAPESP’s support, Cellco created a novel process to produce enzymes used in DNA manipulation in vitro, including cloning, sequencing and mutagenesis, among other techniques, with applications in medical diagnostics and forensic analysis based on genetic material.


Enzyme from Amazon fungus could enhance efficiency of second-generation ethanol production
SDG 7
Enzyme from Amazon fungus could enhance efficiency of second-generation ethanol production

The molecule described by Brazilian researchers in the journal Scientific Reports acts on different sugars present in several sources of plant biomass, making it attractive to other industries as well.


Vaccinated people can be infected by and transmit the coronavirus Alpha variant
SDG 3
Vaccinated people can be infected by and transmit the coronavirus Alpha variant

Outbreaks at two care homes in São Paulo state (Brazil) show that even people who have been vaccinated with one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine or two doses of CoronaVac can transmit the virus. The cases were asymptomatic or mild and did not require hospitalization, but underscore the importance of rapidly vaccinating the entire population while continuing to require face coverings and social distancing even for those who have been vaccinated.


States and cities have potential to advance climate change mitigation
SDG 13
States and cities have potential to advance climate change mitigation

Action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by subnational governments could help countries achieve their climate targets and contribute to the post-pandemic economic recovery, experts suggested at an event hosted by FAPESP.


New studies elucidate the effects of coronavirus on the brain
SDG 3
New studies elucidate the effects of coronavirus on the brain

A webinar held by FAPESP featured researchers from Brazil and Germany whose findings offer clues as to how SARS-CoV-2 invades the central nervous system and which cells are most affected.


Duckweed and Amazon shrub reveal potential for bioenergy production
SDG 7
Duckweed and Amazon shrub reveal potential for bioenergy production

Two plants frequently found in the North of Brazil could become alternatives to sugarcane as raw materials for the production of second-generation ethanol and bioelectricity, according to studies by Brazilian researchers.


Bioluminescent enzyme produced by firefly can be used to detect novel coronavirus
SDG 3
Bioluminescent enzyme produced by firefly can be used to detect novel coronavirus

Brazilian researchers coupled the molecule with a protein that binds to SARS-CoV-2. The presence of antibodies against the virus in the sample is confirmed by light emission.


Biodressing made from stem cells permits smart treatment of wounds and burns
SDG 3, SDG 9
Biodressing made from stem cells permits smart treatment of wounds and burns

Developed by startup In Situ from stem cells and a hydrogel, the product is bioprinted and placed lightly on the skin.


Scientists describe paternal behavior unique to spiders in species that lives in Brazil
SDG 15
Scientists describe paternal behavior unique to spiders in species that lives in Brazil

Study shows that males of the species Manogea porracea protect spiderlings and eggs against predators even if they cannot be sure of their paternity.


Biosensor permits ultra-fast and cheap detection of SARS-CoV-2
SDG 3, SDG 9
Biosensor permits ultra-fast and cheap detection of SARS-CoV-2

Non-invasive method uses samples of saliva or other body fluids. The diagnosis can be obtained by means of computational techniques for visualizing data and machine learning.


Droughts may increase in South America by the end of the century, study suggests
SDG 13
Droughts may increase in South America by the end of the century, study suggests

If greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current level, the average temperature will tend to rise by as much as 4 °C in some regions. Under this scenario, extreme weather events will be more intense and frequent, according to projections made using the IPCC’s new climate models.


Researchers innovate in gluten-free bread formulations, creating more palatable and nutritious product
SDG 3
Researchers innovate in gluten-free bread formulations, creating more palatable and nutritious product

Study at the Federal University of São Paulo developed a recipe combining chickpea flour and psyllium, a plant-derived soluble fiber. The product is nourishing and rated highly by consumers in qualitative surveys.


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