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

Researchers test novel strategy to accelerate drug development
SDG 3
Researchers test novel strategy to accelerate drug development

By combining acoustic levitation and X-ray diffraction with synchrotron light, the researchers were able to analyze the interactions of a drug’s atoms in real time and improve its formulation.


Risk of obesity is 45% higher among adolescents whose diet is based on ultra-processed food products
SDG 3
Risk of obesity is 45% higher among adolescents whose diet is based on ultra-processed food products

The finding by Brazilian researchers was based on data for 3,587 adolescents who took part in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Another finding of concern is a 63% higher risk of visceral obesity, which correlates closely with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.


Metabolic syndrome impairs pulmonary function and immune response in over-sixties, study shows
SDG 3
Metabolic syndrome impairs pulmonary function and immune response in over-sixties, study shows

Results published in Scientific Reports by a research group at the Federal University of São Paulo help scientists understand why patients with metabolic syndrome are among those worst affected by COVID-19.


Extant species of <i>Atta</i> leaf-cutting ants may have benefited from expansion of the Cerrado
SDG 15
Extant species of <i>Atta</i> leaf-cutting ants may have benefited from expansion of the Cerrado

These ants emerged some 8.5 million years ago and underwent an intense speciation process between 1 million and 3 million years ago, when the Brazilian savanna was expanding. The recent advance of agriculture in the region, however, appears to be reducing this biodiversity and selecting species that damage crops.


Researchers discover bacteria capable of killing fungus that causes yield-reducing disease in sugarcane
SDG 2
Researchers discover bacteria capable of killing fungus that causes yield-reducing disease in sugarcane

Known as pineapple sett rot, the disease reduces cane budding by up to 50%. Results obtained by scientists in Brazil will bolster the search for biological fungicides that offer an alternative to agrochemicals.


Innovation in industry is essential to economic growth in Brazil
SDG 9
Innovation in industry is essential to economic growth in Brazil

The importance of innovation was stressed by participants in the ninth FAPESP 60 Years Conference, who also highlighted the fall in public-sector investment in R&D in recent years.


Bioactive compounds in orange juice help control blood sugar, study suggests
SDG 3
Bioactive compounds in orange juice help control blood sugar, study suggests

This was the main finding of a study by scientists affiliated with a FAPESP-supported research center. The effect may be associated with a mechanism whereby the fruit increases expression of an insulin-related microRNA.


Evidence abounds for capacity of physical activity to combat complications from COVID-19, scientist says
SDG 3
Evidence abounds for capacity of physical activity to combat complications from COVID-19, scientist says

In an editorial in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, Bruno Gualano, a professor at the University of São Paulo (Brazil), reviews what scientists know about the relationship between regular exercise and the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2.


Inequality and poverty increase vulnerability to climate change in Central and South America
SDG 13
Inequality and poverty increase vulnerability to climate change in Central and South America

The point was stressed by Jean Ometto, a senior researcher at Brazil’s National Space Research Institute (INPE) and a Lead Author of the latest installment of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, during a webinar held by FAPESP. Four other Brazilian researchers who contributed to the document also took part in the event.


Pen-like sensor detects bisphenol-A in water quickly and inexpensively
SDG 6
Pen-like sensor detects bisphenol-A in water quickly and inexpensively

Researchers at the University of São Paulo have developed a portable device made from graphite, silver particles and polyurethane that detects BPA, a chemical compound harmful to health and considered an indicator of the presence of emerging pollutants in river or tap water.


Aquatic plants can be effective in removing contamination of estuary by iron mine tailings, study shows
SDG 6
Aquatic plants can be effective in removing contamination of estuary by iron mine tailings, study shows

Brazilian researchers analyzed the mechanisms by which estuarine plants absorb iron at the mouth of the Doce River, which was polluted by massive amounts of tailings from the 2015 Fundão dam disaster.


Structures involved in communication among pathogenic fungi could be targets for novel treatments
SDG 3
Structures involved in communication among pathogenic fungi could be targets for novel treatments

A study shows how extracellular vesicles share information among cells in the same species, enabling the colony to respond in a coordinated manner to the host organism’s defenses.


Discovery could contribute to diagnosis and treatment of skin disease caused by false fungus
SDG 3
Discovery could contribute to diagnosis and treatment of skin disease caused by false fungus

Pythiosis affects humans, horses and other animals, often requiring surgery and even amputation. A study conducted at São Paulo State University has discovered seven potential antigens that can serve as a basis for tests and vaccines.


Stroke patients face higher risk of heart attack, study suggests
SDG 3
Stroke patients face higher risk of heart attack, study suggests

A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo advocates closer monitoring of these patients and prescribing more powerful drugs to combat atherosclerosis.


A model that mimics malformation associated with severe epilepsy paves way to novel therapies
SDG 3
A model that mimics malformation associated with severe epilepsy paves way to novel therapies

Scientists at a FAPESP-funded research center reprogrammed skin cells from patients with epilepsy to differentiate into cortical organoids with hallmarks of the malformation known as focal cortical dysplasia.


Deforestation is starting to affect fish diversity in Amazon streams
SDG 14
Deforestation is starting to affect fish diversity in Amazon streams

Species sensitive to habitat change are gradually being replaced by more resistant species, according to a study conducted in Brazil. The trend is leading to a loss of the ecological functions performed by the vanishing species.


Whole-genome database will help refine diagnosis of genetic diseases in Brazil
SDG 3
Whole-genome database will help refine diagnosis of genetic diseases in Brazil

Whole-genome sequences of 1,171 elderly people living in São Paulo City were analyzed to detect mutations responsible for disease or that play a key role in healthy aging.


Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine as booster magnifies antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by a factor of 25
SDG 3
Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine as booster magnifies antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by a factor of 25

Brazilian researchers measured this increase in immunity in a study involving health workers who had received two doses of CoronaVac. In subjects given the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, the same booster raised immunity by a factor of 7.


Study reveals strategy for novel treatment of aggressive type of breast cancer
SDG 3
Study reveals strategy for novel treatment of aggressive type of breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer grows rapidly and is highly likely to metastasize. Experiments with mice identified a molecule that binds to a defense cell receptor and activates an immune response against the tumor.


Smartphone app helps communities monitor floods and supplies data for disaster prevention
SDG 13
Smartphone app helps communities monitor floods and supplies data for disaster prevention

The app is one of the outcomes of an initiative by researchers in Brazil, Germany and the UK to engage local communities in generating data on flood-prone areas. The researchers are also collecting memories of past incidents.


Diversity of coralline red algae is greater than expected and could increase further
SDG 13, SDG 14
Diversity of coralline red algae is greater than expected and could increase further

Genetic sequencing enables scientists to identify 79 different species of coralline algae serving as a habitat for countless marine organisms on the Brazilian coast, with many yet to be explored in deep waters.


Scientists use biodegradable material to encapsulate fertilizers
SDG 2
Scientists use biodegradable material to encapsulate fertilizers

The strategy was tested at the Federal University of São Carlos and found to permit a reduction in the amount of fertilizer used by farmers, mitigating its environmental impact.


Even mild or moderate COVID-19 can affect the cardiovascular system in young adults, study shows
SDG 3
Even mild or moderate COVID-19 can affect the cardiovascular system in young adults, study shows

Researchers at São Paulo State University followed young men and women aged 20-40 without pre-existing disease. The findings show that obesity and physical inactivity increase the impact of the disease on the autonomic nervous system, which regulates blood pressure, heart rate and breathing, among other functions.


Scientists discover possible biomarker for vascular disease
SDG 3
Scientists discover possible biomarker for vascular disease

First-ever study to show correlation between inhibition of protein HSP70 and dysfunction of cells in inner lining of blood vessels, one of the factors involved in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.


Study proposes to involve high school students in mapping natural disaster hazards and impact prevention
SDG 11, SDG 13
Study proposes to involve high school students in mapping natural disaster hazards and impact prevention

Brazilian scientists tested a participatory disaster risk monitoring strategy in a town that was partially destroyed in 2010 after an unprecedented flood. The methodology can be applied in other parts of the country.


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