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

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.


Properly managed fire enhances functional diversity and carbon fixation in savannas
SDG 15
Properly managed fire enhances functional diversity and carbon fixation in savannas

A study led by Brazilian researchers measured species numbers and attributes, as well as carbon dynamics, in two areas of the Brazilian savanna – one is regularly burned and no fires have occurred in the other for 16 years.


Study shows high prevalence of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder after COVID-19
SDG 3
Study shows high prevalence of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder after COVID-19

Brazilian researchers tracked 425 patients for six to nine months after hospital discharge. Over half reported memory decline, and tests showed significant cognitive impairments in the group.


Researchers locate novel targets for development of male contraceptive
SDG 3
Researchers locate novel targets for development of male contraceptive

A group at São Paulo State University (UNESP) is working on pharmacological strategies to block sperm motility.


How front-line physicians have experienced two months of omicron in Brazil
SDG 3
How front-line physicians have experienced two months of omicron in Brazil

Although this variant of SARS-CoV-2 is less aggressive, the explosive growth of case numbers has again driven health services to the verge of collapse. Lack of tests and a “data blackout” at the Health Ministry make an accurate assessment of the situation impossible.


Start of summer in Brazil sees record number of extreme rain events
SDG 13
Start of summer in Brazil sees record number of extreme rain events

Survey by National Disaster Surveillance and Early Warning Center (CEMADEN) highlights simultaneity of extreme weather episodes due to heavy rain in North, Southeast and parts of Center-West, and drought in South and parts of Northeast.


Biologist uses satellite imagery and AI to map glory trees in Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest
SDG 15
Biologist uses satellite imagery and AI to map glory trees in Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest

Innovative, artificial intelligence-based methodology detects occurrences of Pleroma by identifying blooms, and maps distribution in biome.


Omicron has mutations detected in previous variants, which explains vaccine effectiveness, scientists say
SDG 3
Omicron has mutations detected in previous variants, which explains vaccine effectiveness, scientists say

An article in the Journal of Medical Virology by researchers affiliated with the Federal University of São Paulo in Brazil argues that this is the reason for the relatively small proportion of severe cases and deaths among vaccinated patients despite omicron’s greatly increased transmissibility.


Scientists at the University of São Paulo create a glove that detects pesticides in food
SDG 3, SDG 9
Scientists at the University of São Paulo create a glove that detects pesticides in food

The wearable device has screen-printed sensors on three fingers to detect the presence of toxic substances in fruit and vegetables. Prior preparation of samples is not required, and no waste is generated.


Drug developed at University of Campinas achieves positive results in treating bladder cancer
SDG 3
Drug developed at University of Campinas achieves positive results in treating bladder cancer

The clinical trial involved 44 volunteers with advanced bladder cancer. The award of a US patent should facilitate cooperation between the researchers and the pharmaceutical industry to proceed to the next stage of drug development.


Researchers at a Brazilian university develop a protocol for 3D printing of brain cells
SDG 3
Researchers at a Brazilian university develop a protocol for 3D printing of brain cells

The technique is used for in vitro studies of the behavior of astrocytes in a three-dimensional format, and can be adapted for neurons and other cell types. The model has been used to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on the central nervous system.


Even the smallest pollution particles change the rainfall regime in the Amazon
SDG 13
Even the smallest pollution particles change the rainfall regime in the Amazon

Researchers have found that nanoparticles resulting from human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels rapidly grow in the atmosphere and influence cloud formation. The discovery will help make meteorological models and climate change simulations more accurate.


Algorithms and sensors aid soil mapping and optimization of agricultural production
SDG 9
Algorithms and sensors aid soil mapping and optimization of agricultural production

A Brazilian startup has developed technology inspired by the soil mapping techniques used by the oil and gas industry to select drilling sites.


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