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

Startup helps cut the cost of molecular testing to diagnose COVID-19
SDG 3, SDG 9
Startup helps cut the cost of molecular testing to diagnose COVID-19

Through a project supported by FAPESP, the São Paulo-based firm is developing an RT-qPCR diagnostic kit in which all reactions take place in a single tube.


Enzyme cocktail developed in Brazil powers production of second-generation ethanol
SDG 7, SDG 9
Enzyme cocktail developed in Brazil powers production of second-generation ethanol

Brazilian researchers used genetic engineering to develop a low-cost platform for the production of enzymes that break down sugarcane trash and bagasse for conversion into biofuel. The novel molecules have many potential industrial applications.


FAPESP joins UN global committee to support postpandemic recovery
SDG 8, SDG 10, SDG 16, SDG 17
FAPESP joins UN global committee to support postpandemic recovery

Scientific Director Luiz Eugênio Mello is taking part in a group charged with providing scientific support to the United Nations Research Roadmap for the COVID-19 Recovery.


Researchers explore pollen fertilization mechanisms
SDG 15
Researchers explore pollen fertilization mechanisms

A study showing how pollen tubes grow into flowers to reach the ovule paves the way for the improvement of food crop varieties as well as a deeper understanding of the growth of fungi and neurons.


Oxytocin can help prevent osteoporosis
SDG 3
Oxytocin can help prevent osteoporosis

In a laboratory experiment with rats, Brazilian researchers succeeded in reversing natural processes associated with aging that lead to loss of bone density and strength.


University of São Paulo-bred mechanical ventilator already in use at the institution’s general hospital
SDG 3, SDG 9
University of São Paulo-bred mechanical ventilator already in use at the institution’s general hospital

Ten units of the device developed at the university’s Engineering School (POLI-USP) began operating at Hospital das Clínicas in July.


Group produces materials via self-organization in chemical systems
SDG 9
Group produces materials via self-organization in chemical systems

Possible applications range from sensors to fuel cells. The researchers are affiliated with the University of Campinas, and their work is featured on the cover of the current issue of ChemElectroChem.


Herd immunity to novel coronavirus can be reached when up 20% are infected, study suggests
SDG 3
Herd immunity to novel coronavirus can be reached when up 20% are infected, study suggests

Researchers from Portugal, the UK and Brazil produced the estimate using a mathematical model that takes into account variations in the risk of catching the disease within different population groups. Despite being good news, the finding does not diminish the importance of non-pharmaceutical interventions to contain transmission, the authors stress.


Lab-created molecule achieves positive results in the treatment of arthritis
SDG 3
Lab-created molecule achieves positive results in the treatment of arthritis

Tested in mice with genetically induced arthritis, the substance decreased the area affected, reduced local swelling, and assuaged the pain associated with the inflammatory process.


Novel coronavirus also causes death from heart failure
SDG 3
Novel coronavirus also causes death from heart failure

Autopsies performed on COVID-19 patients treated at the largest hospital complex in Latin America show that some died mainly as a result of cardiovascular alterations.


An inventory providing information on more than 200 viruses that infect plants in Brazil
SDG 2
An inventory providing information on more than 200 viruses that infect plants in Brazil

The largest database of plant viruses in Brazil serves as a tool for researchers, growers and policymakers.


Photodynamic therapy can combat secondary infections in COVID-19 patients
SDG 3
Photodynamic therapy can combat secondary infections in COVID-19 patients

Researchers at the Optics and Photonics Research Center, supported by FAPESP, advocate the technique as an additional treatment for patients with the disease.


Specialists discuss contact tracing as a tool to plan action against COVID-19
SDG 3, SDG 17
Specialists discuss contact tracing as a tool to plan action against COVID-19

Researchers from Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria and the US took part in a webinar organized by FAPESP to discuss privacy and data security and how people’s behavior shapes the pandemic


COVID-19 had already spread in Brazil when measures to contain it were implemented
SDG 3
COVID-19 had already spread in Brazil when measures to contain it were implemented

Study determined how the disease was transmitted using genomic data for SARS-CoV-2 obtained by sequencing almost 500 viral isolates from Brazilian patients and cross-referencing this with air travel data and deaths from the disease in the period.


Machine learning makes drug repurposing for psychiatric disorders more effective
SDG 3
Machine learning makes drug repurposing for psychiatric disorders more effective

Researchers have correlated information on drugs, genes and diseases to identify potential candidates for psychiatric and neurological treatment. The methodology they developed will be used to search for drugs against COVID-19.


Deep-seated changes triggered by pandemic could speed up adoption of bioenergy
SDG 7
Deep-seated changes triggered by pandemic could speed up adoption of bioenergy

Novel forms of societal behavior and political priorities during the coronavirus crisis may become permanent, creating even more favorable conditions for increased use of renewables, as discussed in a webinar hosted by the FAPESP Bioenergy Research Program.


Genetically similar fungi cause severe infections in different hospitals
SDG 3
Genetically similar fungi cause severe infections in different hospitals

Present in the human digestive tract, species of Candida can cause bloodstream infections in patients treated in intensive care units. An international study involving 16 hospitals found isolates with high levels of virulence.


Experts indicate avenues to combat pandemic in second-half 2020
SDG 3
Experts indicate avenues to combat pandemic in second-half 2020

The contagion curve in Brazil appears to have plateaued and is set to remain at the current level until at least the end of 2020. Investing in the identification and isolation of infected people and their close contacts, keeping schools closed and improving the quality of the information offered to the public are measures governments should take to make sure the situation does not become even worse.


Oldest South American fossil lizard discovered in Brazil
SDG 15
Oldest South American fossil lizard discovered in Brazil

The animal was approximately 10 cm long and lived more than 130 million years ago in what is now the state of Minas Gerais. Its morphology differs from that of all other known lizard species.


Adipose tissue may be a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2, Brazilian researchers suggest
SDG 3
Adipose tissue may be a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2, Brazilian researchers suggest

A study showed that the novel coronavirus can infect human adipocytes and that the viral load is three times higher in aged adipose cells. The results may help us understand why people with obesity and those who are older are more at risk of developing the severe form of COVID-19.


Over 50% of adults in the state of São Paulo have experienced anxiety frequently since the pandemic began
SDG 3
Over 50% of adults in the state of São Paulo have experienced anxiety frequently since the pandemic began

Online survey with 11,863 respondents also shows that feeling sad or depressed became routine for 39%, while overall health worsened for 26%.


Brazilian researchers develop an optical fiber made of gel derived from marine algae
SDG 9, SDG 12
Brazilian researchers develop an optical fiber made of gel derived from marine algae

Edible, biocompatible and biodegradable, these fibers have potential for various medical applications. The results are described in the journal Scientific Reports.


Study identifies the factors that contributed to the initial spread of COVID-19
SDG 3
Study identifies the factors that contributed to the initial spread of COVID-19

Researchers used statistical techniques to analyze data of 126 countries. The variables that intensified contagion at the start of the outbreak included low temperature, a large proportion of older people, foreign tourist arrivals, and greeting habits involving physical contact.


Social isolation and face covering reduced SARS-CoV-2 spread by 15% in Brazil’s 1st epicenter of COVID-19
SDG 3
Social isolation and face covering reduced SARS-CoV-2 spread by 15% in Brazil’s 1st epicenter of COVID-19

The reduction resulting from implementation of these measures in São Paulo has been calculated for the period between mid-March and early May using a mathematical model developed by a FAPESP-funded research center. The scientists also estimated that these two public health measures reduced the peak of transmission by 25% in Brasília.


Game application monitors health of older people in social isolation owing to COVID-19 pandemic
SDG 3, SDG 9
Game application monitors health of older people in social isolation owing to COVID-19 pandemic

Program developed by startup with FAPESP’s support was initially designed to train cognitive skills and help improve physical fitness but will now have extended functionality.


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