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

Scientists assess how reptiles and amphibians are coping with climate change on an island in the state of Roraima, Brazil
SDG 13, SDG 15
Scientists assess how reptiles and amphibians are coping with climate change on an island in the state of Roraima, Brazil

An expedition to the Maracá Ecological Station, about 130 kilometers from the capital Boa Vista, collected more than 400 specimens to study how these animals are coping with the temperature increases predicted for the coming decades. The work is part of the Amazon+10 Initiative.


Researchers map genetic variants associated with pancreatic cancer in Brazilian patients
SDG 3
Researchers map genetic variants associated with pancreatic cancer in Brazilian patients

The pioneering initiative by scientists at the University of São Paulo aimed to promote early diagnosis and improve treatment of the disease, which is relatively infrequent but one of the leading causes of death from cancer in Brazil.


From innovation to sustainability: precision methods transform livestock farming
SDG 2
From innovation to sustainability: precision methods transform livestock farming

Cutting-edge technologies and systems promise to contribute to more sustainable practices but need academics, scientists, processors and farmers to join forces, according to speakers at the São Paulo School of Advanced Science held on the Jaboticabal campus of São Paulo State University.


Radiopharmaceutical synthesized in Brazil improves quality of life for prostate cancer patients
SDG 9
Radiopharmaceutical synthesized in Brazil improves quality of life for prostate cancer patients

The formula developed by a startup supported by FAPESP is used to treat patients without therapeutic possibilities.


Brazilian researchers develop 3D artificial skin that is more similar to human skin
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers develop 3D artificial skin that is more similar to human skin

In vitro model has all three layers of the organ, simulates diseases and injuries more accurately, and could replace animals in toxicological studies of medicines and cosmetics; innovation was presented at FAPESP Week Spain.


São Paulo and Spain discuss strategies to increase cooperation in science, technology and innovation
SDG 17
São Paulo and Spain discuss strategies to increase cooperation in science, technology and innovation

According to participants at the opening session of FAPESP Week Spain in Madrid, there is still a lot of room for increased collaboration between the two countries in these areas.


FAPESP-supported startups seek to increase internationalization
SDG 9
FAPESP-supported startups seek to increase internationalization

Deep techs supported by the Foundation’s innovative research program and that participated in FAPESP Week Spain are looking for partnership opportunities and potential investors in the European market.


Digital technologies help increase productivity and reduce agricultural impacts
SDG 2
Digital technologies help increase productivity and reduce agricultural impacts

Scientists from Brazil and Spain use sensors embedded in drones and agricultural machinery, as well as satellite imagery, to predict the ideal time to harvest, reduce CO2 emissions, and manage water use in plantations; work was presented at FAPESP Week Spain.


Study shows possible reduction in pollutant emissions from diesel-electric vessels
SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 13
Study shows possible reduction in pollutant emissions from diesel-electric vessels

Using a mathematical model, researchers at the Research Center for Greenhouse Gas Innovation demonstrated a potential reduction of more than 15% in polluting gases.


Paternal weight influences baby’s size at birth, study finds
SDG 3
Paternal weight influences baby’s size at birth, study finds

Researchers at the University of São Paulo analyzed data from 89 mother-father-baby triads and concluded that the higher the father’s body mass index, the smaller the baby, and that this can influence the baby’s health far into adulthood.


Method to enhance solubility of pea protein favors its use in food and beverages
SDG 3, SDG 9
Method to enhance solubility of pea protein favors its use in food and beverages

The strategy developed at the State University of Campinas consists of submitting the ingredient to heat treatment and combining it with guarana extract and vitamin D. The result could become an alternative to animal products.


Bringing genomics into public policy requires greater awareness, professional training, and investment
SDG 3
Bringing genomics into public policy requires greater awareness, professional training, and investment

WHO advisory group publishes first article in scientific journal outlining challenges and actions that can help make the field more equitable and promote progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, including rare ones.


Rainwater is insufficient to replenish the Guarani Aquifer owing to overuse and drought, study warns
SDG 6
Rainwater is insufficient to replenish the Guarani Aquifer owing to overuse and drought, study warns

The Guarani Aquifer is the source of drinking water for some 90 million people and is being overused in several areas of São Paulo state (Brazil). The researchers deployed stable isotopes to estimate the relative contributions of rainwater and groundwater to the maintenance of springs in the region.


Photodynamic therapy with annatto colorant found to be effective against bad breath
SDG 3
Photodynamic therapy with annatto colorant found to be effective against bad breath

The study involved 52 mouth-breathing children aged 6-12 with halitosis. The results are published in PLOS ONE.


Study published in <i>Nature</i> reveals new factor involved in controlling calorie expenditure
SDG 3
Study published in <i>Nature</i> reveals new factor involved in controlling calorie expenditure

Researchers from the University of Oxford and the State University of Campinas have discovered a neuropeptide that acts on the peripheral nervous system, outside the brain, to speed up metabolism. The finding opens the way to more efficient and cheaper treatments for obesity.


Study shows why it is beneficial to preserve native forest around agricultural areas
SDG 2
Study shows why it is beneficial to preserve native forest around agricultural areas

While studying a region of vineyards in the interior of the state of São Paulo, researchers observed that the most preserved sites had a greater diversity of birds and the ecological functions they perform.


Enzyme produced by pathogenic fungus helps evade immune system and facilitates infection
SDG 3
Enzyme produced by pathogenic fungus helps evade immune system and facilitates infection

Researchers at the University of São Paulo found 62 proteins specific to spores of Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungal species that causes lung disease. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, showed that at least one of these proteins inhibits human defense mechanisms.


Emerging countries can contribute almost half the target for reduction of CO2 emissions from global transportation
SDG 7, SDG 13
Emerging countries can contribute almost half the target for reduction of CO2 emissions from global transportation

The use of biofuels in Brazil and other developing countries can avoid some 400 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector by 2030, according to a report produced by an International Energy Agency task force led by researchers affiliated with the FAPESP Bioenergy Research Program.


Newborn blood spot test extended to detect more than 50 immunodeficiencies
SDG 3, SDG 9
Newborn blood spot test extended to detect more than 50 immunodeficiencies

São Paulo-based startup supported by FAPESP develops cheaper and more sensitive alternative to imported test kits.


Study of paper wasps shows that body size is larger in habitats nearer the equator
SDG 15
Study of paper wasps shows that body size is larger in habitats nearer the equator

An analysis of 429 specimens belonging to 39 species representative of the diversity of Polistes in the Americas confirmed the inverse of Bergmann’s rule by pointing to larger body size for species occurring in or near the tropics compared with species inhabiting higher latitudes.


World’s first ethanol-to-hydrogen conversion plant completed at the University of São Paulo
SDG 7, SDG 13
World’s first ethanol-to-hydrogen conversion plant completed at the University of São Paulo

The fuel produced at the experimental station will power three city buses that will circulate around the university campus, as well as a bus that can drive 450 Km on a to and fro travel between São Paulo and Piracicaba.


Joint pain associated with depressive symptoms accelerates cognitive decline in the elderly
SDG 3
Joint pain associated with depressive symptoms accelerates cognitive decline in the elderly

Conclusion comes from study that followed more than 4,000 people aged 50 or older for 12 years; damage is mainly in brain areas associated with memory.


Cerebellar atrophy in epilepsy patients is linked to the disease, not to medication use, says study
SDG 3
Cerebellar atrophy in epilepsy patients is linked to the disease, not to medication use, says study

Discovery contributes to advances in understanding of the disorder; study is one of the most comprehensive on the subject, with samples from 1,600 patients, including Brazilians.


Community protected by law on coast of Southeast Brazil is threatened by litter tourists leave on beach
SDG 11, SDG 14
Community protected by law on coast of Southeast Brazil is threatened by litter tourists leave on beach

Researchers partnering with the City of Guarujá (São Paulo state) conducted a study that found a high level of contamination on Perequê Beach, with plastics and cigarette butts predominating. The results will be useful for policymakers to implement measures that can mitigate the problem.


Multidrug-resistant bacterium posing a global public health threat is detected in Northeast Brazil
SDG 3
Multidrug-resistant bacterium posing a global public health threat is detected in Northeast Brazil

This particular strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae had previously been detected in the United States. The bacterium frequently causes infections in hospitals, is not eliminated by any existing antibiotic, and is especially dangerous for people with low immunity.


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