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

Transparent mask increases comprehension of speech by 10%, study shows
SDG 3
Transparent mask increases comprehension of speech by 10%, study shows

An online study involving 154 volunteers measured the importance of visual cues to communication for people with normal hearing and hearing loss.


Researchers highlight inconsistencies of Brazilian policy to deal with climate crisis
SDG 13
Researchers highlight inconsistencies of Brazilian policy to deal with climate crisis

In the run-up to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), experts participating in a webinar hosted by FAPESP showed that the 2020 revision of Brazil’s nationally determined contribution failed to improve targets and allows in practice for a higher level of greenhouse gas emissions.


Nanoparticles extend shelf life of fruit and flowers
SDG 9
Nanoparticles extend shelf life of fruit and flowers

A solution developed by a startup based in São Paulo state combines fungicidal action and delayed ripening. The researchers who founded the startup took part in the 17th edition of the PIPE High-Tech Entrepreneurial Training Program.


Project to create innovation districts in São Paulo state makes progress
SDG 8, SDG 9
Project to create innovation districts in São Paulo state makes progress

Researchers have completed the first stage of a technical study on the creation of environments designed to foster the development of innovative solutions and creativity in the cities of São Paulo and Campinas.


Marine sediments explain how part of Brazil’s Northeast region became semi-arid
SDG 13
Marine sediments explain how part of Brazil’s Northeast region became semi-arid

The phenomenon is linked to gradual contraction of the tropical rain belt over the last 5,000 years, according to a study conducted at the University of São Paulo. Its findings can help predict the region’s future climate.


Poaching affects behavior of critically endangered capuchin monkeys in Brazilian biological reserve
SDG 15
Poaching affects behavior of critically endangered capuchin monkeys in Brazilian biological reserve

Contradicting theories of primatologists, a study led by Brazilian scientists shows that in a habitat with high hunting pressure, the risk of predation influences the habits of these monkeys more than the availability of food. They spend less time in areas they perceive as ‘more dangerous’ even if plant biomass and invertebrates are more abundant there.


Concepts from physics explain importance of quarantine to control spread of COVID-19
SDG 3
Concepts from physics explain importance of quarantine to control spread of COVID-19

A study conducted at São Paulo State University shows that mathematical models used to describe the physical behavior of magnetic materials can also be used to describe the spread of the disease.


Tests show antibodies neutralize P.1 in subjects infected by first strain of novel coronavirus
SDG 3
Tests show antibodies neutralize P.1 in subjects infected by first strain of novel coronavirus

Researchers at the University of São Paulo conducted experiments with blood plasma from 60 volunteers infected in 2020 by SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.28. In 84% of cases, antibodies in the samples neutralized the Gamma variant in cultured cells.


Drone-borne radar monitors sugarcane growth
SDG 7, SDG 9
Drone-borne radar monitors sugarcane growth

The system, developed by a startup supported by FAPESP, in partnership with researchers at the University of Campinas, helps plantation managers choose the optimal time to harvest the crop.


COVID-19 creates conditions for emergence of ‘superfungus’ in Brazil
SDG 3
COVID-19 creates conditions for emergence of ‘superfungus’ in Brazil

The presence of Candida auris in a hospital in Salvador, Bahia, was confirmed at end-2020 and reported in an article in the Journal of Fungi. The fungus can cause a lethal invasive disease and is ringing alarm bells because of the speed with which it develops drug resistance.


Experiments simulate possible impact of climate change on crabs
SDG 13, SDG 14
Experiments simulate possible impact of climate change on crabs

Fewer Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab embryos survived in a warmer, more acid environment mimicking conditions forecast for the end of this century. Given the important ecological role of this invertebrate in mangroves, the researchers warn of a potential cascade effect.


Study effects paradigm shift in the understanding of how red rot attacks sugarcane
SDG 15
Study effects paradigm shift in the understanding of how red rot attacks sugarcane

Researchers at the University of São Paulo discover that the fungus Fusarium verticillioides uses volatile compounds to manipulate insects and plants, promoting its own dissemination.


Second-wave SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rate in Manaus may have reached 31%, study suggests
SDG 3
Second-wave SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rate in Manaus may have reached 31%, study suggests

An Anglo-Brazilian research center analyzed samples from blood donors tested for antibodies against the novel coronavirus.


Nationwide survey shows that several COVID-19 epidemics are under way in Brazil
SDG 3
Nationwide survey shows that several COVID-19 epidemics are under way in Brazil

Supported by FAPESP and led by a researcher at the Federal University of São Paulo, EPICOVID-19 BR 2 tested 120,000 people in 133 cities between January 25 and April 24, 2021. Amazonas was the state with the highest seroprevalence, with positive test results accounting for 31.4%. The nationwide average was 15%.


Chip mimicking bovine endometrium used in study of factors that can jeopardize pregnancy
SDG 15
Chip mimicking bovine endometrium used in study of factors that can jeopardize pregnancy

The device was used for the first time to culture two maternal endometrial cell types, revealing the effects of alterations in glucose and insulin levels in the uterine environment. It can also be converted into a model for study of pregnancy in humans and endometriosis.


Non-invasive sensor shows correlation between blood pressure and intracranial pressure
SDG 3
Non-invasive sensor shows correlation between blood pressure and intracranial pressure

The discovery, made possible by a partnership between a research group and a startup in São Paulo state (Brazil), could lead to novel treatments for intracranial hypertension and its complications, such as stroke.


Study contributes to deeper understanding of brain dysfunctions in patients with schizophrenia
SDG 3
Study contributes to deeper understanding of brain dysfunctions in patients with schizophrenia

A group at the University of Campinas used protein mapping to show how abnormal levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate impair the functioning of neurons and oligodendrocytes. The findings could serve as a basis for more effective treatment.


Nanomodified sugarcane bagasse can ‘clean up’ water contaminated by copper or chromium
SDG 6, SDG 9
Nanomodified sugarcane bagasse can ‘clean up’ water contaminated by copper or chromium

Hybrid material made from magnetite nanoparticles sticks to contaminants and can be removed from water by a magnet. The technique can be adapted for use in removing synthetic dyes, drugs, hormones and pesticides.


Most cities in São Paulo state have low potential capacity to adapt to climate change
SDG 13
Most cities in São Paulo state have low potential capacity to adapt to climate change

Cities located in metropolitan areas of this Brazilian state score better according to an index that measures the existence of public policies designed to adjust critical sectors to the impacts of climate change.


Alzheimer’s disease increases the risk of severe COVID-19 and death from this viral disease
SDG 3
Alzheimer’s disease increases the risk of severe COVID-19 and death from this viral disease

Patients with dementia and especially Alzheimer’s run a threefold risk of dying as a result of infection by SARS-CoV-2. The risk is six times greater if they are over 80, according to a study by Brazilian researchers.


A study conducted in Brazil evaluated the filtration efficacy of 227 commercially available face masks
SDG 3
A study conducted in Brazil evaluated the filtration efficacy of 227 commercially available face masks

Models for professional use were the most effective at retaining aerosol particles of a size equivalent to the novel coronavirus, followed by TNT masks sold in drugstores. The efficacy of fabric masks ranged from 15% to 70%. A tight fit and lack of seams enhanced protection.


Direct action of SARS-CoV-2 on several organs may cause exacerbated immune response in children
SDG 3
Direct action of SARS-CoV-2 on several organs may cause exacerbated immune response in children

The largest series of autopsies ever performed on children who died from COVID-19 showed that the ability of the novel coronavirus to invade and damage the tissue of all major organs is one of the factors leading to multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).


Increase in deforestation of the Amazon threatens Brazil’s ability to achieve its climate goals
SDG 13
Increase in deforestation of the Amazon threatens Brazil’s ability to achieve its climate goals

Illegal logging to clear land for cattle grazing has fueled growth in Brazil’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to participants in a webinar on the prospects for COP26 hosted by FAPESP.


Cell-mediated immunity is essential to prevent reinfection by the novel coronavirus, study suggests
SDG 3
Cell-mediated immunity is essential to prevent reinfection by the novel coronavirus, study suggests

Brazilian researchers studied the case of identical twins in which only one sibling was reinfected and developed complications after a second exposure to the virus. Their analysis showed that the adaptive immune response can be different even between individuals with the same genome.


FAPESP and 15 other funders launch joint call for research proposals in social sciences and humanities
SDG 10, SDG 16, SDG 17
FAPESP and 15 other funders launch joint call for research proposals in social sciences and humanities

The call aims to advance knowledge of the societal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and solutions to mitigate them. The submission deadline is July 12. Eligibility checking ends June 14.


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