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

Black carbon found in the Amazon River reveals recent forest burnings
SDG 13
Black carbon found in the Amazon River reveals recent forest burnings

International study quantified and characterized charcoal and soot produced by incomplete burning of trees and transported by river to the Atlantic.


New tool facilitates genetic mapping of polyploid plants
SDG 2, SDG 9
New tool facilitates genetic mapping of polyploid plants

Available online for free, polyploid mapping system developed in Brazil helps breeders of sugarcane, kiwi, blueberry, sweet potato and forages, among other crops.


New molecule reduces the aggressiveness of pediatric cancer
SDG 3
New molecule reduces the aggressiveness of pediatric cancer

A microRNA inhibitor identified by researchers at the FAPESP-supported Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center reduced the sizes of aggressive tumors and improved survival in mice.


Study measures impact of agriculture on diet of wild mammals
SDG 2, SDG 15
Study measures impact of agriculture on diet of wild mammals

In an article published in PNAS, Brazilian researchers stress the need for agricultural management that favors the maintenance of wildlife.


Brazilian firm develops three-dimensional multilayer fabric for body armor
SDG 9
Brazilian firm develops three-dimensional multilayer fabric for body armor

Use of the composite is also being tested in manhole covers for sewers, water mains, power conduits, etc.


Extinction of lowland tapir and white-lipped peccary would impair forest diversity
SDG 15
Extinction of lowland tapir and white-lipped peccary would impair forest diversity

Study suggests these two species of large herbivores have complementary ecological functions, favoring seed dispersal and growth of adult trees.


Study aims at boosting antitumoral activity of compound extracted from an Amazon plant
SDG 3
Study aims at boosting antitumoral activity of compound extracted from an Amazon plant

Researchers in Brazil altered the chemical structure of alkaloids from cat’s claw, aiming to obtain more potent compounds for the treatment of tumors and inflammations; scientists plan to develop a modified strain of U. guianensis and use its own metabolism to scale up the production of therapeutic compounds.


Study shows how climate change may affect environmental conservation areas
SDG 13
Study shows how climate change may affect environmental conservation areas

Researchers classify 258 protected areas in Brazil as “moderately vulnerable” and 17 as “highly vulnerable”. Areas at greatest risk are in the Amazon, Atlantic Rainforest and Cerrado biomes.


First South American insect that emits blue light is discovered
SDG 9, SDG 15
First South American insect that emits blue light is discovered

Larvae of a fungus gnat found in Iporanga, São Paulo State, Brazil, have bioluminescent properties previously observed only in species native to North America, New Zealand and Asia. This study paves the way for new biotech applications.


Cognitive training methodology can improve athletes’ performance
SDG 3, SDG 9
Cognitive training methodology can improve athletes’ performance

Systems that assess and train decision-making skills have been developed by a startup supported by FAPESP and tested on athletes belonging to top-tier Brazilian sports clubs. The researchers responsible say the technology can also be used in sectors such as healthcare.


Study highlights the importance of managing the use of sugarcane straw to generate bioenergy
SDG 7, SDG 12
Study highlights the importance of managing the use of sugarcane straw to generate bioenergy

Brazilian researchers calculated the amount of nutrients in sugarcane leaves, which are normally left on the ground after harvest, and the equivalent in fertilizer required to maintain crop yield if the straw is removed.


Novel formulation of an injectable drug to treat joint inflammation acts for up to ten days
SDG 3
Novel formulation of an injectable drug to treat joint inflammation acts for up to ten days

Tests in rats showed enhanced efficacy of the drug as well as the absence of side effects, such as stomach bleeding. This innovation could be used to treat temporomandibular joint inflammation.


University of São Paulo to host the new FAPESP-IBM joint center for Artificial Intelligence
SDG 9, SDG 17
University of São Paulo to host the new FAPESP-IBM joint center for Artificial Intelligence

USP has been chosen to partner with the new Engineering Research Center, which will start operating in 2020, with an investment of up to USD20 million in ten years.


Stingless bee species depend on a complex fungal community to survive
SDG 15
Stingless bee species depend on a complex fungal community to survive

A report published in PLOS ONE describes key roles of various microorganisms in the development of the larvae of Scaptotrigona depilis. Researchers warn that this symbiotic relationship is threatened by the indiscriminate use of pesticides.


Startup develops segmented probiotics for animal nutrition
SDG 9
Startup develops segmented probiotics for animal nutrition

Technology created by startup with FAPESP’s support helps customize formulations of microorganisms that promise to enhance livestock health and performance.


Belo Monte has failed to fulfill the promise of fostering sustainable development in the Amazon
SDG 8, SDG 11
Belo Monte has failed to fulfill the promise of fostering sustainable development in the Amazon

Construction of hydroelectric dam contributed to rise in cost of living and electricity for local population, and exacerbated problems in housing, water supply and sanitation, according to study supported by FAPESP.


Reforesting is a good idea, but it is necessary to know where and how
SDG 13
Reforesting is a good idea, but it is necessary to know where and how

An international group of ecologists contests an article published in Science, which among other controversial statements proposed “reforestation” of the Cerrado, Brazil’s savanna biome.


Protecting native vegetation on rural properties yields Brazil USD 1.5 trillion per year
SDG 13
Protecting native vegetation on rural properties yields Brazil USD 1.5 trillion per year

Paper endorsed by 407 scientists in Brazil estimates the value of ecosystem services linked to nature conservation, such as pollination, pest control and water security.


Patient’s own cells are used in innovative treatment for cancer
SDG 3
Patient’s own cells are used in innovative treatment for cancer

Patient with advanced refractory lymphoma was treated in Brazil by researchers at a center funded by FAPESP. The technique known as CAR T-cell therapy was used for first time ever in Latin America.


An electronic vision system wants to control everything from drones to automated guided vehicles
SDG 9
An electronic vision system wants to control everything from drones to automated guided vehicles

A system of cameras tracks eye movements, processes images and inputs them into a computer, where special software translates the data and sends commands to telemetry-controlled devices.


An online platform will facilitate beehive rental for the pollination of crops
SDG 9, SDG 12
An online platform will facilitate beehive rental for the pollination of crops

Brazilian tech startup develops app that will feature advanced tools for hive quality monitoring and georeferencing.


Material permits simultaneous, controlled release of drugs with different actions
SDG 3, SDG 9
Material permits simultaneous, controlled release of drugs with different actions

Researchers tested a material known as polyether siloxane, a flexible transparent hydrogel that can absorb large amounts of water without dissolving and is ideal for controlled-release drug delivery.


Protein could extend saphenous vein graft durability
SDG 3
Protein could extend saphenous vein graft durability

Scientists show that CRP3, normally produced in arteries, is expressed in saphenous vein grafts following coronary artery bypass surgery. The finding suggests that this molecule participates in adaptation to the increased blood flow and pressure resulting from arterialization.


The benefits of lithium in older people with Alzheimer’s disease are starting to be understood
SDG 3
The benefits of lithium in older people with Alzheimer’s disease are starting to be understood

Experiments using human brain cells and mice suggest that lithium delays cellular aging, one of the factors in neurodegenerative disorders.


New species of parasite is identified in fatal case of visceral leishmaniasis
SDG 3
New species of parasite is identified in fatal case of visceral leishmaniasis

Phylogenomic analysis shows that pathogen isolated in Brazilian hospital does not belong to the genus Leishmania. Researchers are investigating whether this species alone can cause severe disease or intensifies symptoms in co-infected patients.


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