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

São Paulo-based startup creates sustainable method of producing cosmetics
SDG 9, SDG 12
São Paulo-based startup creates sustainable method of producing cosmetics

With support from FAPESP via its program to fund innovative research, the startup has developed a rejuvenating serum based on bioactives obtained from sweet wormwood, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine.


Research identifies climate-change refugia in dry-forest region
SDG 13
Research identifies climate-change refugia in dry-forest region

The study was conducted in a Brazilian national park and was based on analysis of tree rings in the species Amburana cearensis, as well as satellite images.


Researchers identify the causes of the extreme drought that affected the Pantanal
SDG 13
Researchers identify the causes of the extreme drought that affected the Pantanal

The study shows that the 2019-20 drought resulted from a natural meteorological phenomenon similar to the one that caused the 2014-16 critical water shortage in São Paulo state, Southeast Brazil.


People who have had dengue are twice as likely to develop symptomatic COVID-19
SDG 3
People who have had dengue are twice as likely to develop symptomatic COVID-19

This is the main finding of a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. The authors analyzed blood samples collected in a town in the Brazilian Amazon before and after the first wave of the pandemic to detect the presence of antibodies against dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2.


Vegan and omnivorous diets promote equivalent muscle mass gain, study shows
SDG 3
Vegan and omnivorous diets promote equivalent muscle mass gain, study shows

Trials performed by researchers at the University of São Paulo with healthy young adults show that the right level of protein intake is the key to muscle health, regardless of protein source.


Funding agencies discuss how to create a science system that produces solutions to global problems
SDG 17
Funding agencies discuss how to create a science system that produces solutions to global problems

Strategies to increase funding for action-oriented research that helps make societies and economies more resilient, equitable and sustainable were the focus for the Second Global Forum of Funders, held online on April 26-28.


Scientists use genetic engineering to explore mechanisms involved in psychiatric disorders
SDG 3
Scientists use genetic engineering to explore mechanisms involved in psychiatric disorders

The research group created a virus capable of acting on specific adult brain regions, helping to elucidate the role of key neurons in the prefrontal cortex. They tested the technique on mice.


Obese girls face heightened risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood more often than obese boys
SDG 3
Obese girls face heightened risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood more often than obese boys

Conclusion was drawn from a study that involved 92 adolescents aged 11-18. The findings underscore the importance of considering differences between the sexes when treatment is planned.


Study assesses use of stem cells to treat knee injuries
SDG 3
Study assesses use of stem cells to treat knee injuries

Brazilian scientists conducted preclinical trials to test membranes produced from mesenchymal stem cells that can differentiate to cartilage and promote local immunoregulation.


Forest fires drive expansion of savannas in the heart of the Amazon
SDG 13
Forest fires drive expansion of savannas in the heart of the Amazon

Researchers analyzed the effects of wildfires on plant cover and soil quality in the last 40 years. The findings of the study show that the forest is highly vulnerable even in well-conserved areas far from the ‘deforestation arc’.


Atlas of human lung helps understand effects of novel coronavirus on alveoli
SDG 3
Atlas of human lung helps understand effects of novel coronavirus on alveoli

Researchers at the University of Campinas in Brazil reveal the mechanisms whereby SARS-CoV-2 disrupts the regulation of inflammation, coagulation and blood pressure when it infects alveolar cells, responsible for gas exchange in the lungs.


Muscle strength and mass help predict length of stay in hospital for COVID-19 patients, study suggests
SDG 3
Muscle strength and mass help predict length of stay in hospital for COVID-19 patients, study suggests

According to researchers affiliated with the University of São Paulo, these indicators can orient preventive care for the most vulnerable and rehabilitation for survivors who suffer from long-term complications.


Researchers describe possible immune escape mechanism for South African variant of novel coronavirus
SDG 3
Researchers describe possible immune escape mechanism for South African variant of novel coronavirus

A mutation in the variant’s spike protein is associated with glycosylation, which prevents antibodies from binding strongly to the virus. If the discovery is confirmed by further research, it could serve as a basis for future vaccines that are more effective against novel variants.


Soybean and linseed oils added to cows’ diet improve the quality of milk for human consumption
SDG 3
Soybean and linseed oils added to cows’ diet improve the quality of milk for human consumption

Brazilian researchers show that feed supplementation improves fatty acid profile of milk and promotes a healthier omega-6/omega-3 ratio.


Study shows how low-protein intake during pregnancy can cause renal problems in offspring
SDG 3
Study shows how low-protein intake during pregnancy can cause renal problems in offspring

In an article published in PLOS ONE, scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center describe the impact of hypoproteinemia on the expression of microRNAs associated with kidney development in rat embryos.


Mapping of butterfly species distribution in Atlantic Rainforest areas identifies conservation priorities
SDG 13, SDG 15
Mapping of butterfly species distribution in Atlantic Rainforest areas identifies conservation priorities

Butterflies are considered a key biological indicator of trends in the biome. The study quantified the contributions of landscape and climate variables to current species distribution patterns.


Novel water decontamination method combines low-cost composites and solar energy
SDG 6
Novel water decontamination method combines low-cost composites and solar energy

A simple and affordable solution developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo and a Nigerian collaborator eliminates even multi-resistant bacteria. Clay, papaya seeds and banana peel are among the raw materials used by the group.


Air pollution and mobility indicators are shown to be predictors of the rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths
SDG 3
Air pollution and mobility indicators are shown to be predictors of the rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths

A multinational research group used data from São Paulo to perform calculations which suggest that even a minor reduction in the city’s mobility – equivalent to a rise from 45% to 50% in the social distancing index – correlates with a considerable fall in new infections and deaths after a few days.


Analysis of saliva is efficacious to detect COVID-19 in children with symptoms
SDG 3
Analysis of saliva is efficacious to detect COVID-19 in children with symptoms

Sample collection is much easier and less invasive. Self-collecting is feasible, depending on the child’s age. Schools should reopen only with mass testing to keep track of asymptomatic cases, the researchers argue.


Brazilian startup develops rapid test to diagnose bladder cancer
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian startup develops rapid test to diagnose bladder cancer

Inexpensive test is non-invasive and based on detection of bladder cancer biomarkers in urine.


FAPESP will select projects that contribute to public policies for recovery from COVID-19
SDG 3, SDG 8, SDG 10, SDG 17
FAPESP will select projects that contribute to public policies for recovery from COVID-19

A total of BRL 18.5 million will be allocated to funding for collaborative projects by researchers in the state of São Paulo with colleagues in other countries. Proposals must be submitted not later than July 10.


Neotropical wasps were ruled by workers some 55 million years ago
SDG 15
Neotropical wasps were ruled by workers some 55 million years ago

A study by researchers at São Paulo State University reinforces the idea that environmental and climate-related changes resulting from the Andean uplift triggered a revolution in the caste system of these paper wasps.


Researchers at the University of São Paulo find coronavirus in gum tissue of COVID-19 patients
SDG 3
Researchers at the University of São Paulo find coronavirus in gum tissue of COVID-19 patients

Infection of periodontal tissue, not just airways, explains the high viral load found in the saliva of COVID-19 patients, this study suggests.


Brazilian company develops low-cost mechanical ventilators
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian company develops low-cost mechanical ventilators

Machines designed and prototyped by Setup Automação with PIPE-FAPESP’s support could come to market costing 25% less than currently available devices.


High dose of vitamin D fails to improve condition of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients
SDG 3
High dose of vitamin D fails to improve condition of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients

A clinical trial was conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo with 240 patients who were given 200,000 IU of vitamin D3 on admission to hospital. The supplementation did not reduce length of stay or affect the proportion requiring intensive care.


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