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

Leaders of higher education institutions meet to discuss equity and diversity policies
SDG 5, SDG 10
Leaders of higher education institutions meet to discuss equity and diversity policies

Rectors, vice-rectors, pro-rectors and heads of department at universities in São Paulo state established Rede Equidade as a force for formulating and promoting equity programs that take into account the links between gender and other differences and inequalities.


FAPESP-supported research center develops ammonia production process with high energy efficiency
SDG 9, SDG 13
FAPESP-supported research center develops ammonia production process with high energy efficiency

Annual production of NH3, the world’s most synthesized molecule, totals 1.2 million metric tons. Its successful use in fuel cells will boost demand.


Post-bariatric surgery exercise modulates brain regions associated with regulation of food intake
SDG 3
Post-bariatric surgery exercise modulates brain regions associated with regulation of food intake

In a study conducted in São Paulo, Brazil, exercise training increased connectivity between the hypothalamus and sensory regions, accelerating satiety, for example.


University of São Paulo and France’s CNRS seal accord to establish joint research center
SDG 17
University of São Paulo and France’s CNRS seal accord to establish joint research center

France’s leading public-sector scientific research organization already has similar partnerships in the US, UK and Japan. FAPESP President Marco Antonio Zago expressed interest in supporting projects conducted at the center to be set up in São Paulo, Brazil, focusing on areas such as oceanography, biodiversity, and sustainability.


Novel material can be used to oxidize water molecules and produce hydrogen
SDG 9
Novel material can be used to oxidize water molecules and produce hydrogen

Thin films of transition metal tungstate showed potential for use in water splitting reactions and other photoelectrocatalytic applications.


Emerging deforestation frontier in southwestern Amazon sees increase in burnings
SDG 13
Emerging deforestation frontier in southwestern Amazon sees increase in burnings

Fire destroyed 4,141 km² of forest and 6,484 km² of pasture and cropland between 2003 and 2019 in the area of Boca do Acre, Amazonas state, North Brazil, according to a recently published report. A year-by-year breakdown shows that the area affected by fire ranged from a low of 33 km² in 2011 to a high of 681 km² in 2019.


Book proposes strategies to help cities cope with climate change
SDG 11, SDG 13
Book proposes strategies to help cities cope with climate change

Researchers discuss 17 case studies conducted in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Africa involving ways to implement integrated management of water, energy and food.


Study detects pesticide residues in baby food
SDG 3
Study detects pesticide residues in baby food

Analysis conducted in Spain used a methodology developed by researchers at the State University of Campinas to detect many toxins simultaneously.


News coverage highlights some threats to deer conservation but may mislead or omit key information
SDG 15
News coverage highlights some threats to deer conservation but may mislead or omit key information

A survey of news items on Brazilian deer published between 2011 and 2021 shows that most referred to habitat loss and poaching, but diseases transmitted by cattle and low reproductive efficiency were ignored as factors that can lead to species extinction. Lack of the right information can hinder conservation efforts.


Scientists identify pattern of brain activity associated with resistance to stress
SDG 3
Scientists identify pattern of brain activity associated with resistance to stress

A study in rats analyzed neural rhythm in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus with machine learning techniques. The results could guide future personalized treatments for psychiatric disorders.


Artificial intelligence model can help Brazil earn money from carbon credits
SDG 13
Artificial intelligence model can help Brazil earn money from carbon credits

Machine learning tool measures how environmental variables such as humidity and solar radiation affect the amount of carbon captured in a given area.


Agricultural certification stimulates compliance with environmental legislation by coffee farms in Brazil
SDG 12
Agricultural certification stimulates compliance with environmental legislation by coffee farms in Brazil

The researchers analyzed data for more than 500 coffee farms in areas of Atlantic Rainforest and Cerrado, Brazil’s savanna-type biome, in 84 municipalities in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais.


Brazilian researchers investigate diversity of <i>E. coli</i> bacteria in hospitalized patients
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers investigate diversity of <i>E. coli</i> bacteria in hospitalized patients

The aim of the study was to analyze the virulence and antimicrobial resistance profile of the main agent of urinary tract infections.


Study associates long COVID with physical inactivity
SDG 3
Study associates long COVID with physical inactivity

Fatigue, breathlessness and other symptoms that may persist months after recovery from the infection may both favor sedentarism and be more frequent as a result of an inactive lifestyle, according to findings described by researchers at the University of São Paulo in an article in Scientific Reports.


Moderate consumption of red wine remodels gut microbiota and offers cardiovascular benefits, study shows
SDG 3
Moderate consumption of red wine remodels gut microbiota and offers cardiovascular benefits, study shows

Significant changes in gut microbiota were observed in 42 men with coronary artery disease after they took 250 ml of red wine per day for five days a week over a period of three weeks.


Resistance training improves sleep quality and reduces inflammation in older people with sarcopenia
SDG 3
Resistance training improves sleep quality and reduces inflammation in older people with sarcopenia

The study involved 28 volunteers diagnosed with sarcopenia, which is characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength.


Third dose of COVID-19 vaccines increases protection against omicron, study shows
SDG 3
Third dose of COVID-19 vaccines increases protection against omicron, study shows

Researchers followed 286 volunteers during a wave of COVID-19 in the Northeast region of Brazil in the first quarter of 2022. The number of cases fell among those who had been vaccinated with three doses, and they had more neutralizing antibodies than subjects who had not completed the vaccination scheme even when previously infected.


Novel method of analyzing microplastic particle pollution can facilitate environmental impact assessment
SDG 3, SDG 12
Novel method of analyzing microplastic particle pollution can facilitate environmental impact assessment

An article by researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo argues that the analysis should consider not just the quantity but also the size and shape of plastic particles in water samples, as these variables influence the impact of plastic pollution on ecosystems.


Nanomaterial degrades organic pollutants when activated by light
SDG 3, SDG 12
Nanomaterial degrades organic pollutants when activated by light

The novel material was synthesized at the Center for Development of Functional Materials. The aim of the study was to combat the contamination caused by inappropriate disposal of pesticides and pharmaceuticals.


FAPESP and University of Münster discuss strategies to intensify bilateral collaboration
SDG 17
FAPESP and University of Münster discuss strategies to intensify bilateral collaboration

Representatives of the German higher education institution met with FAPESP’s senior executives to talk about their shared commitment to fostering research on sustainability.


Yeast used in production of cachaça can prevent asthma, study shows
SDG 3
Yeast used in production of cachaça can prevent asthma, study shows

Brazilian researchers conducted preclinical trials involving mice to find the ideal dose and administration regime. The results suggest high daily doses of the probiotic are needed to obtain the benefit.


Robot helps detect contaminants in water after sewage treatment
SDG 6, SDG 9
Robot helps detect contaminants in water after sewage treatment

Technology developed at the University of São Paulo increases the precision of chemical analysis and reduces the use of expensive toxic solvents. The immediate focus was on parabens, potentially carcinogenic compounds used in industry as preservatives.


Sugar consumption and early interruption of breastfeeding are risk factors for dental caries in infancy
SDG 3
Sugar consumption and early interruption of breastfeeding are risk factors for dental caries in infancy

In a Brazilian study involving 800 children, researchers found that extended breastfeeding protects the baby’s teeth as long as it is not given sugary food.


Severity of post-COVID syndrome may be linked to antibodies involved in auto-immune diseases
SDG 3
Severity of post-COVID syndrome may be linked to antibodies involved in auto-immune diseases

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo provides knowledge for use in diagnosing and treating chronic fatigue syndrome, which affects 10%-20% of patients who recover from COVID-19.


Scientists combine remote sensing and field experiments to study the effects of fire on Amazon savanna
SDG 13
Scientists combine remote sensing and field experiments to study the effects of fire on Amazon savanna

Using experimental fires set at different times of year in the Campos Amazônicos National Park, Brazilian researchers found that lags in acquiring and assessing information obtained from satellite imaging can lead to misinterpretation. The study points to the need for adjustments to monitoring algorithms.


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