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

Lack of physical exercise during COVID-19 confinement may lead to a rise in mortality, study shows
SDG 3
Lack of physical exercise during COVID-19 confinement may lead to a rise in mortality, study shows

In a review article published in Frontiers of Endocrinology, Brazilian researchers estimate a reduction of 35% in levels of physical activity and a rise of 28% in sedentary behavior in the initial months of confinement imposed by the pandemic.


Second wave of COVID-19 in Manaus rekindles debate on herd immunity
SDG 3
Second wave of COVID-19 in Manaus rekindles debate on herd immunity

Experts tell Agência FAPESP about factors that may be associated with the rapid rise in daily case numbers in the capital of Amazonas State, where a six-month state of emergency has been declared.


Drought favors plant-pathogenic fungi in pasturelands and release of carbon dioxide from the soil
SDG 2, SDG 13
Drought favors plant-pathogenic fungi in pasturelands and release of carbon dioxide from the soil

Researchers at the University of São Paulo conducted field experiments to estimate the impact of drought and rising temperatures on soil quality and plant health.


Women’s immune system responds better to COVID-19, study shows
SDG 3
Women’s immune system responds better to COVID-19, study shows

When researchers reanalyzed datasets from more than 1,000 patients, they found differences between men and women in the expression of genes associated with the functioning of immune cells and the production of inflammatory molecules. The findings point to possible targets for treatment of both sexes.


Large mammals make soil more fertile in tropical forests
SDG 15
Large mammals make soil more fertile in tropical forests

A study conducted by scientists at São Paulo State University demonstrates that animals like peccaries and tapirs boost soil levels of nitrogen, an essential element to plant growth.


Scientists study use of abundant enzyme in tumor cells to monitor cancer treatment
SDG 3
Scientists study use of abundant enzyme in tumor cells to monitor cancer treatment

After 14 years studying the action of the enzyme LMWPTP in tumor cells, Brazilian researchers conclude that the molecule is associated with chemotherapy resistance and metastasis.


Online platform offers reference gene database for biomolecular research
SDG 17
Online platform offers reference gene database for biomolecular research

Open-access atlas created by researchers at the University of Campinas provides information on 2,176 human and 3,277 mouse housekeeping genes that can be used as calibrators in experiments designed to measure variations in gene expression.


Novel method identifies areas most suitable for conservation of black lion tamarin
SDG 15
Novel method identifies areas most suitable for conservation of black lion tamarin

The researchers used modeling to show which areas are suitable in terms of forest cover and climate for occupation by the endangered species, which is endemic to the state of São Paulo. Their study is a contribution to translocation initiatives that move groups of these animals to areas from which the species has disappeared.


Research reveals structure of protein and permits search for drugs to combat neglected diseases
SDG 3
Research reveals structure of protein and permits search for drugs to combat neglected diseases

Discovery by Brazilian scientists paves the way for the study of more potent molecules capable of directly destroying parasites underlying elephantiasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis, with fewer adverse side-effects.


Artificial intelligence at the service of healthcare management
SDG 3, SDG 9
Artificial intelligence at the service of healthcare management

Technology to manage hospital flows is being tested by health units in metropolitan São Paulo.


Global Research Council discusses the role of funding agencies in the pandemic
SDG 16, SDG 17
Global Research Council discusses the role of funding agencies in the pandemic

Fast-track project selection and the capacity to make efficient use of resources and cross-border partnerships have made funders fundamental to the response to the challenges of COVID-19 in the Americas, according to participants in the GRC’s regional meeting.


Scientists seek faster route to treat depression
SDG 3
Scientists seek faster route to treat depression

The Brazilian research group used epigenetic modulators to try to “erase” the damage done by stress to neuroplasticity. The study showed that acute intervention in epigenetic mechanisms produces antidepressant-like effects more rapidly than conventional drugs.


Experts explain challenges of COVID-19 vaccine supply chain logistics and management
SDG 3
Experts explain challenges of COVID-19 vaccine supply chain logistics and management

The raw materials and inputs for vaccines are produced in different countries and subject to undersupply risk, said speakers in a webinar on Facing the Challenges of Vaccine Distribution organized by FAPESP.


International Energy Agency will assess Brazil’s policies to promote biofuels
SDG 7, SDG 12, SDG 13
International Energy Agency will assess Brazil’s policies to promote biofuels

The IEA aims to help countries move the bioenergy agenda forward by identifying bottlenecks, recommending solutions and sharing best practices. The initiative was presented during a conference organized by BIOEN, FAPESP’s bioenergy research program.


Large rural properties account for 54% of the environmental deficit in the state of São Paulo
SDG 2, SDG 13
Large rural properties account for 54% of the environmental deficit in the state of São Paulo

The estimate comes from a research project supported by FAPESP to produce scientific input for implementation of Brazil’s new forest code in the state.


Enhanced scorpion venom molecules can be used to treat Chagas disease
SDG 3, SDG 15
Enhanced scorpion venom molecules can be used to treat Chagas disease

Brazilian researchers tested the antichagasic properties of VmCT1, obtained from the venom of Vaejovis mexicanus, a scorpion harmless to humans, and synthesized novel analogs to redesign the native molecule.


Device refines analysis of materials for fuel cells and batteries
SDG 7, SDG 9
Device refines analysis of materials for fuel cells and batteries

Developed at an Engineering Research Center supported by FAPESP, the novel spectroelectrochemical cell can be used to study the behavior of electrolytes and catalysts by means of X-rays and infrared or even visible light.


Brazilian researcher experiments with electron-plasma interactions
SDG 9
Brazilian researcher experiments with electron-plasma interactions

The study could help upgrade satellite communications equipment.


Hospitalization for treatment of COVID-19 is 34% lower among physically active people, study shows
SDG 3
Hospitalization for treatment of COVID-19 is 34% lower among physically active people, study shows

The online survey was conducted in Brazil and completed by 938 survivors of the disease whose diagnosis was confirmed by RT-PCR or serological test. Those who regularly had at least 150 minutes per week of moderately intense aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity training were considered sufficiently active, in accordance with the WHO’s recommendations.


Drug for pulmonary hypertension may become an option against cancer
SDG 3
Drug for pulmonary hypertension may become an option against cancer

In experiments by Brazilian researchers with mice and tumor cell lines, the drug showed potential to combat metastasis. The scientists are planning to conduct clinical trials with patients who are on chemotherapy.


Molecules derived from omega-3 can regenerate inflamed periodontal tissue
SDG 3
Molecules derived from omega-3 can regenerate inflamed periodontal tissue

An in vitro study by a Brazilian researcher shows that maresin and resolvin synthesized from fatty acid stimulate periodontal ligament stem cells even in the presence of inflammation.


Virtual reality applied to rehabilitation for stroke and neurodegenerative disease patients
SDG 3, SDG 9
Virtual reality applied to rehabilitation for stroke and neurodegenerative disease patients

A study performed at one of the Research Centers supported by FAPESP resulted in development of a novel rehabilitation device. The article was recognized as outstanding by the 20th International Conference on Computational Science and its Applications.


Industrial waste is reused to produce alternatives to plastic
SDG 12
Industrial waste is reused to produce alternatives to plastic

Researchers at São Paulo State University reused bacterial cellulose scraps usually thrown away by manufacturers of wound dressings to make strong biodegradable film for food packaging.


Study can facilitate screening of COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors
SDG 3
Study can facilitate screening of COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors

Brazilian researchers show that commercial serological tests available in laboratories nationwide can be used to screen donated plasma in order to see if it contains enough antibodies capable of neutralizing the novel coronavirus


Caterpillars mimic leaves or offer rewards for protection by ants
SDG 15
Caterpillars mimic leaves or offer rewards for protection by ants

Study reveals different forms of interaction between insect groups: while some caterpillar species have bodies covered with molecules identical to those of the plants they inhabit and are ‘invisible’ to ants, others offer ants nectar in exchange for protection from predators.


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