Fapesp

FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

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Research funded by FAPESP aligned with the SDGs

News

Research funded by FAPESP aligned with the SDGs

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.


Attendance of online classes by school students with mental health problems fell during pandemic
SDG 4
Attendance of online classes by school students with mental health problems fell during pandemic

Study involving 672 Brazilians aged 16-24 with internet access showed that distance education did not have a direct impact on mental health.


Mapping of exposed water tanks and swimming pools based on aerial images can help control dengue
SDG 3
Mapping of exposed water tanks and swimming pools based on aerial images can help control dengue

A study conducted in Brazil combined use of aerial photography and artificial intelligence to identify socio-economically deprived urban areas at risk for diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti.


Brazilian researchers investigate the link between diabetic kidney disease and cardiovascular problems
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers investigate the link between diabetic kidney disease and cardiovascular problems

A group at the University of São Paulo has shown how metabolic alterations lead to a buildup of cholesterol in the cells of diabetic patients.


Edible, biodegradable, anti-microbial plastic boasts higher tensile strength than petroleum-based plastic
SDG 9, SDG 12
Edible, biodegradable, anti-microbial plastic boasts higher tensile strength than petroleum-based plastic

Designed for use as food packaging, the material is produced by scientists at São Paulo State University from gelatin, clay and a nanoemulsion of black pepper essential oil.


Study identifies virus responsible for high mortality rate among pigeons in São Paulo City
SDG 3
Study identifies virus responsible for high mortality rate among pigeons in São Paulo City

A multicenter research team investigated an outbreak in 2019, which proved to be due to a subtype of the pathogen that causes Newcastle disease. According to the researchers, the risk to humans and poultry is low.


Deforestation and climate change threaten Brazil’s new agricultural frontier
SDG 13
Deforestation and climate change threaten Brazil’s new agricultural frontier

These factors combined have worsened the severe drought conditions in the transition zone between the eastern Amazon and the Brazilian savanna, where the main soybean-producing region (MaToPiBa) is located. The researchers who detected the trend warn that crop yields could fall.


Home exercise training with remote supervision can assist post-COVID rehabilitation
SDG 3
Home exercise training with remote supervision can assist post-COVID rehabilitation

Brazilian researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of a 12-week home exercise program for 32 volunteers who had been hospitalized after contracting COVID-19.


Research reveals mechanism involved in transmission of genetic disease from mother to child
SDG 3
Research reveals mechanism involved in transmission of genetic disease from mother to child

Experiments in mice show for the first time that mutant mitochondrial DNA builds up during the final stage of egg formation. The discovery will serve as a basis for novel strategies to prevent transmission.


Artificial intelligence helps predict risk of complications in feet of diabetic patients
SDG 3, SDG 9
Artificial intelligence helps predict risk of complications in feet of diabetic patients

A system developed by a startup supported by FAPESP proves capable of predicting diabetic foot with over 85% accuracy. Foot complications occur in 34% of diabetics.


Vaccination has changed the profile of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and those who die from the disease
SDG 3
Vaccination has changed the profile of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and those who die from the disease

Brazilian researchers analyzed data for 2,777 patients hospitalized between January 5 and September 12, 2021. For those who had been fully vaccinated, being over 60 and having kidney failure were the sole predictors of hospitalization and death from COVID-19.


Bacteria function as barrier against infection and reduce viral load in fruit flies
SDG 3
Bacteria function as barrier against infection and reduce viral load in fruit flies

A study by researchers in Brazil and the UK reinforces the hypothesis that Drosophila melanogaster has a mutualistic relationship with Wolbachia bacteria. Their findings can help make the fight against mosquito-borne diseases more effective.


Study shows how growth hormone acts on the brain and helps stimulate appetite
SDG 3
Study shows how growth hormone acts on the brain and helps stimulate appetite

Experiments were conducted on mice by a group at the University of São Paulo. The results, reported in the journal Endocrinology, could have future implications for therapies to control body weight.


Study details benefits of stem cell transplant for systemic sclerosis patients
SDG 3
Study details benefits of stem cell transplant for systemic sclerosis patients

Patients submitted to a procedure that “resets” the immune system were tracked for a year by scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center. Their clinical improvement correlated with renewal of a group of defense cells known as B lymphocytes.


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