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

Study assesses the prevalence of mental illness during the pandemic among people aged 50-80
SDG 3
Study assesses the prevalence of mental illness during the pandemic among people aged 50-80

The study was conducted in the city of São Paulo, with over 2,000 participants who were active or retired staff of the University of São Paulo and enrolled in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brazil). The researchers say the city has one of the highest prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders in the world.


Project creates system to track circulation of variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the city of São Paulo
SDG 3
Project creates system to track circulation of variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the city of São Paulo

The initiative is being implemented as a partnership between local government, DASA Laboratories and FAPESP.


COVID-19 Data Sharing/BR repository helps scientists make discoveries in health and computation
SDG 3, SDG 9
COVID-19 Data Sharing/BR repository helps scientists make discoveries in health and computation

The platform holds more than 50 million datasets from 800,000 patients in Brazil and has registered some 4,000 downloads by users in 36 countries.


Most survivors of severe COVID-19 experience long-term symptoms of the disease
SDG 3
Most survivors of severe COVID-19 experience long-term symptoms of the disease

In an online seminar organized by FAPESP, researchers in Brazil and the United States presented preliminary results of studies on mental health and quality of life among survivors of COVID-19 up to six months after discharge from hospital.


Company develops paper that inactivates novel coronavirus
SDG 9
Company develops paper that inactivates novel coronavirus

Packaging paper and corrugated cardboard eliminate 99.99% of viral particles in up to 10 minutes of contact.


Impact of rising levels of CO2 in the Amazon could outdo that of deforestation in reducing rainfall
SDG 13
Impact of rising levels of CO2 in the Amazon could outdo that of deforestation in reducing rainfall

Simulations run by Brazilian scientists on a supercomputer at the National Space Research Institute (INPE) show that the direct impact of rising levels of carbon dioxide over the Amazon rainforest would be a reduction in rainfall equivalent to or even greater than the impact of complete substitution of the forest by pasture. The result calls attention to the need for regional and global action to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.


Lack of physical activity while in quarantine had adverse effects on the health of women aged 50-70
SDG 3
Lack of physical activity while in quarantine had adverse effects on the health of women aged 50-70

Tests performed by Brazilian researchers after the first 16 weeks of COVID-19-induced confinement showed loss of muscle strength and diminished aerobic capacity, as well as an increase in cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin, both of which are risk factors for metabolic disorders.


FAPESP is supporting the development of nine COVID-19 vaccines
SDG 3
FAPESP is supporting the development of nine COVID-19 vaccines

Butantan Institute produces CoronaVac and is testing two new vaccines. Four projects are under way at the University of São Paulo, and two at startups supported by FAPESP’s PIPE innovation funding program.


Transparent mask increases comprehension of speech by 10%, study shows
SDG 3
Transparent mask increases comprehension of speech by 10%, study shows

An online study involving 154 volunteers measured the importance of visual cues to communication for people with normal hearing and hearing loss.


Researchers highlight inconsistencies of Brazilian policy to deal with climate crisis
SDG 13
Researchers highlight inconsistencies of Brazilian policy to deal with climate crisis

In the run-up to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), experts participating in a webinar hosted by FAPESP showed that the 2020 revision of Brazil’s nationally determined contribution failed to improve targets and allows in practice for a higher level of greenhouse gas emissions.


Nanoparticles extend shelf life of fruit and flowers
SDG 9
Nanoparticles extend shelf life of fruit and flowers

A solution developed by a startup based in São Paulo state combines fungicidal action and delayed ripening. The researchers who founded the startup took part in the 17th edition of the PIPE High-Tech Entrepreneurial Training Program.


Project to create innovation districts in São Paulo state makes progress
SDG 8, SDG 9
Project to create innovation districts in São Paulo state makes progress

Researchers have completed the first stage of a technical study on the creation of environments designed to foster the development of innovative solutions and creativity in the cities of São Paulo and Campinas.


Marine sediments explain how part of Brazil’s Northeast region became semi-arid
SDG 13
Marine sediments explain how part of Brazil’s Northeast region became semi-arid

The phenomenon is linked to gradual contraction of the tropical rain belt over the last 5,000 years, according to a study conducted at the University of São Paulo. Its findings can help predict the region’s future climate.


Poaching affects behavior of critically endangered capuchin monkeys in Brazilian biological reserve
SDG 15
Poaching affects behavior of critically endangered capuchin monkeys in Brazilian biological reserve

Contradicting theories of primatologists, a study led by Brazilian scientists shows that in a habitat with high hunting pressure, the risk of predation influences the habits of these monkeys more than the availability of food. They spend less time in areas they perceive as ‘more dangerous’ even if plant biomass and invertebrates are more abundant there.


Concepts from physics explain importance of quarantine to control spread of COVID-19
SDG 3
Concepts from physics explain importance of quarantine to control spread of COVID-19

A study conducted at São Paulo State University shows that mathematical models used to describe the physical behavior of magnetic materials can also be used to describe the spread of the disease.


Tests show antibodies neutralize P.1 in subjects infected by first strain of novel coronavirus
SDG 3
Tests show antibodies neutralize P.1 in subjects infected by first strain of novel coronavirus

Researchers at the University of São Paulo conducted experiments with blood plasma from 60 volunteers infected in 2020 by SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.28. In 84% of cases, antibodies in the samples neutralized the Gamma variant in cultured cells.


Drone-borne radar monitors sugarcane growth
SDG 7, SDG 9
Drone-borne radar monitors sugarcane growth

The system, developed by a startup supported by FAPESP, in partnership with researchers at the University of Campinas, helps plantation managers choose the optimal time to harvest the crop.


COVID-19 creates conditions for emergence of ‘superfungus’ in Brazil
SDG 3
COVID-19 creates conditions for emergence of ‘superfungus’ in Brazil

The presence of Candida auris in a hospital in Salvador, Bahia, was confirmed at end-2020 and reported in an article in the Journal of Fungi. The fungus can cause a lethal invasive disease and is ringing alarm bells because of the speed with which it develops drug resistance.


Experiments simulate possible impact of climate change on crabs
SDG 13, SDG 14
Experiments simulate possible impact of climate change on crabs

Fewer Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab embryos survived in a warmer, more acid environment mimicking conditions forecast for the end of this century. Given the important ecological role of this invertebrate in mangroves, the researchers warn of a potential cascade effect.


Study effects paradigm shift in the understanding of how red rot attacks sugarcane
SDG 15
Study effects paradigm shift in the understanding of how red rot attacks sugarcane

Researchers at the University of São Paulo discover that the fungus Fusarium verticillioides uses volatile compounds to manipulate insects and plants, promoting its own dissemination.


Second-wave SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rate in Manaus may have reached 31%, study suggests
SDG 3
Second-wave SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rate in Manaus may have reached 31%, study suggests

An Anglo-Brazilian research center analyzed samples from blood donors tested for antibodies against the novel coronavirus.


Nationwide survey shows that several COVID-19 epidemics are under way in Brazil
SDG 3
Nationwide survey shows that several COVID-19 epidemics are under way in Brazil

Supported by FAPESP and led by a researcher at the Federal University of São Paulo, EPICOVID-19 BR 2 tested 120,000 people in 133 cities between January 25 and April 24, 2021. Amazonas was the state with the highest seroprevalence, with positive test results accounting for 31.4%. The nationwide average was 15%.


Chip mimicking bovine endometrium used in study of factors that can jeopardize pregnancy
SDG 15
Chip mimicking bovine endometrium used in study of factors that can jeopardize pregnancy

The device was used for the first time to culture two maternal endometrial cell types, revealing the effects of alterations in glucose and insulin levels in the uterine environment. It can also be converted into a model for study of pregnancy in humans and endometriosis.


Non-invasive sensor shows correlation between blood pressure and intracranial pressure
SDG 3
Non-invasive sensor shows correlation between blood pressure and intracranial pressure

The discovery, made possible by a partnership between a research group and a startup in São Paulo state (Brazil), could lead to novel treatments for intracranial hypertension and its complications, such as stroke.


Study contributes to deeper understanding of brain dysfunctions in patients with schizophrenia
SDG 3
Study contributes to deeper understanding of brain dysfunctions in patients with schizophrenia

A group at the University of Campinas used protein mapping to show how abnormal levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate impair the functioning of neurons and oligodendrocytes. The findings could serve as a basis for more effective treatment.


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