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

Drugs used to treat autoimmune rheumatic disease may weaken the immune response induced by COVID-19
SDG 3
Drugs used to treat autoimmune rheumatic disease may weaken the immune response induced by COVID-19

A study published in Nature Medicine evaluated individuals before and after taking CoronaVac. Based on the results, researchers at the University of São Paulo’s Medical School are testing novel strategies such as suspending treatment one or two weeks before vaccination.


Nature-based solutions are essential to combat the adverse effects of climate change
SDG 13
Nature-based solutions are essential to combat the adverse effects of climate change

Researchers analyzed strategies for ecosystem conservation and rehabilitation of degraded areas in the second part of the FAPESP 60 Years Lectures.


Brazilian company develops and exports DNA polymerases
SDG 9
Brazilian company develops and exports DNA polymerases

With FAPESP’s support, Cellco created a novel process to produce enzymes used in DNA manipulation in vitro, including cloning, sequencing and mutagenesis, among other techniques, with applications in medical diagnostics and forensic analysis based on genetic material.


Enzyme from Amazon fungus could enhance efficiency of second-generation ethanol production
SDG 7
Enzyme from Amazon fungus could enhance efficiency of second-generation ethanol production

The molecule described by Brazilian researchers in the journal Scientific Reports acts on different sugars present in several sources of plant biomass, making it attractive to other industries as well.


Vaccinated people can be infected by and transmit the coronavirus Alpha variant
SDG 3
Vaccinated people can be infected by and transmit the coronavirus Alpha variant

Outbreaks at two care homes in São Paulo state (Brazil) show that even people who have been vaccinated with one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine or two doses of CoronaVac can transmit the virus. The cases were asymptomatic or mild and did not require hospitalization, but underscore the importance of rapidly vaccinating the entire population while continuing to require face coverings and social distancing even for those who have been vaccinated.


States and cities have potential to advance climate change mitigation
SDG 13
States and cities have potential to advance climate change mitigation

Action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by subnational governments could help countries achieve their climate targets and contribute to the post-pandemic economic recovery, experts suggested at an event hosted by FAPESP.


New studies elucidate the effects of coronavirus on the brain
SDG 3
New studies elucidate the effects of coronavirus on the brain

A webinar held by FAPESP featured researchers from Brazil and Germany whose findings offer clues as to how SARS-CoV-2 invades the central nervous system and which cells are most affected.


Duckweed and Amazon shrub reveal potential for bioenergy production
SDG 7
Duckweed and Amazon shrub reveal potential for bioenergy production

Two plants frequently found in the North of Brazil could become alternatives to sugarcane as raw materials for the production of second-generation ethanol and bioelectricity, according to studies by Brazilian researchers.


Bioluminescent enzyme produced by firefly can be used to detect novel coronavirus
SDG 3
Bioluminescent enzyme produced by firefly can be used to detect novel coronavirus

Brazilian researchers coupled the molecule with a protein that binds to SARS-CoV-2. The presence of antibodies against the virus in the sample is confirmed by light emission.


Biodressing made from stem cells permits smart treatment of wounds and burns
SDG 3, SDG 9
Biodressing made from stem cells permits smart treatment of wounds and burns

Developed by startup In Situ from stem cells and a hydrogel, the product is bioprinted and placed lightly on the skin.


Scientists describe paternal behavior unique to spiders in species that lives in Brazil
SDG 15
Scientists describe paternal behavior unique to spiders in species that lives in Brazil

Study shows that males of the species Manogea porracea protect spiderlings and eggs against predators even if they cannot be sure of their paternity.


Biosensor permits ultra-fast and cheap detection of SARS-CoV-2
SDG 3, SDG 9
Biosensor permits ultra-fast and cheap detection of SARS-CoV-2

Non-invasive method uses samples of saliva or other body fluids. The diagnosis can be obtained by means of computational techniques for visualizing data and machine learning.


Droughts may increase in South America by the end of the century, study suggests
SDG 13
Droughts may increase in South America by the end of the century, study suggests

If greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current level, the average temperature will tend to rise by as much as 4 °C in some regions. Under this scenario, extreme weather events will be more intense and frequent, according to projections made using the IPCC’s new climate models.


Researchers innovate in gluten-free bread formulations, creating more palatable and nutritious product
SDG 3
Researchers innovate in gluten-free bread formulations, creating more palatable and nutritious product

Study at the Federal University of São Paulo developed a recipe combining chickpea flour and psyllium, a plant-derived soluble fiber. The product is nourishing and rated highly by consumers in qualitative surveys.


Study refutes suspicion that dengue increases risk of microcephaly associated with zika
SDG 3
Study refutes suspicion that dengue increases risk of microcephaly associated with zika

Researchers compared data for pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro and Manaus who were infected by zika virus in 2015-16. Factors that influenced the risk of fetal malformation were the high zika attack rate in the area and being infected in the first trimester of pregnancy.


Study points to remotely supervised exercise classes as best option during lockdown
SDG 3
Study points to remotely supervised exercise classes as best option during lockdown

Based on data for 344 volunteers, Brazilian researchers compared the physical and mental health benefits of workouts led in person by a fitness instructor, unsupervised online sessions, and classes supervised remotely via video call. Gradually increasing intensity was associated with improvements in mental health.


Social protection is decisive to contain COVID-19, according to a study covering 77 countries
SDG 3, SDG 16
Social protection is decisive to contain COVID-19, according to a study covering 77 countries

A project led by researchers at Getúlio Vargas Foundation in Brazil and the University of Michigan in the US produced a detailed analysis of the effects of public policies and government decisions on the response to COVID-19, highlighting the factors that influenced its success or failure in many countries and regions around the world.


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.


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