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

COVID-19 should be treated as a thrombotic disease, Brazilian pulmonologist argues
SDG 3
COVID-19 should be treated as a thrombotic disease, Brazilian pulmonologist argues

Dr. Elnara Negri, who works in São Paulo City at the largest hospital complex in Latin America, advocates the use of the anti-coagulant drug heparin to treat complications caused by novel coronavirus.


Project to investigate how the novel coronavirus affects the olfactory system
SDG 3
Project to investigate how the novel coronavirus affects the olfactory system

A group of scientists in the state of São Paulo plan to determine whether a sudden loss of smell is an early indication of COVID-19.


Median age of first patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brazil was lower than elsewhere
SDG 3
Median age of first patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brazil was lower than elsewhere

Study shows that the 20-39 age group accounted for almost half the cases confirmed in the first month, possibly explaining why a smaller proportion of the total number infected were hospitalized in the period.


Use of anticoagulant medication leads to 70% reduction in cell infection by novel coronavirus
SDG 3
Use of anticoagulant medication leads to 70% reduction in cell infection by novel coronavirus

Laboratory tests conducted by collaborating Brazilian and European researchers showed that heparin alters the shape of the protein used by SARS-CoV-2 to penetrate host cells.


Academia-business partnership stimulates local production of inputs for key COVID-19 diagnostic test
SDG 3, SDG 17
Academia-business partnership stimulates local production of inputs for key COVID-19 diagnostic test

Researchers at the University of Campinas partner with biotech startups to promote local production of hitherto imported reagents. The goal is to increase Brazil’s capacity to perform RT-PCR tests, considered the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis.


Face shield developed by the University of São Paulo is produced by industrial firms
SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 17
Face shield developed by the University of São Paulo is produced by industrial firms

3D printed face shields are worn by frontline health workers over a conventional surgical mask.


Study indicates the need to revise the protocol for detecting Zika in placenta
SDG 3
Study indicates the need to revise the protocol for detecting Zika in placenta

Brazilian researchers show that the virus can infect different placental regions and that collection and storage methods should be taken into consideration to ensure that the results are trustworthy and representative.


Artificial intelligence to track news of COVID-19
SDG 3
Artificial intelligence to track news of COVID-19

Digital tool developed at the University of São Paulo’s Mathematics and Computer Sciences Institute (ICMC-USP) in São Carlos refines projections for the spread of the pandemic.


Novel coronavirus can infect human neurons
SDG 3
Novel coronavirus can infect human neurons

Brazilian researchers are conducting tests with cultured cells to find out how COVID-19 changes patterns of proteins and other metabolites present in samples.


Researchers in São Paulo will combine biotechnological techniques to formulate COVID-19 vaccine
SDG 3
Researchers in São Paulo will combine biotechnological techniques to formulate COVID-19 vaccine

Scientists in Butantan Institute’s Special Vaccine Development Laboratory will couple SARS-CoV-2 antigen to bacterial membrane in order to trigger defense against coronavirus.


Brazilian startup develops technology for remote monitoring of patients with suspected COVID-19
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian startup develops technology for remote monitoring of patients with suspected COVID-19

Based on the Internet of Things, the system was developed in a project supported by FAPESP. Patients can be advised to seek hospital care if they detect a deterioration in clinical signs.


Satellite images confirm a decrease in airborne pollution in São Paulo
SDG 13
Satellite images confirm a decrease in airborne pollution in São Paulo

A drop of 33% in levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is associated with a reduction in diesel vehicle traffic and industrial production due to isolation measures taken to slow the spread of novel coronavirus.


Blood cells could serve as a ‘thermometer’ to detect breast cancer
SDG 3
Blood cells could serve as a ‘thermometer’ to detect breast cancer

This study shows that patients develop alterations in a type of leukocyte at the initial stage of the disease. This discovery paves the way for the enhanced diagnosis and treatment of this type of tumor.


Study identifies group of genes with altered expression in autism
SDG 3
Study identifies group of genes with altered expression in autism

The dysregulation appeared to affect communication among neurons in the subjects of the study, which was conducted in Brazil. The discovery could improve diagnosis, which is currently based on the clinical analysis of symptoms.


Researchers develop rapid tests to diagnose COVID-19
SDG 3
Researchers develop rapid tests to diagnose COVID-19

Several initiatives are pursuing alternatives to increase the number of diagnostic tests performed in Brazil. Research groups who previously developed low-cost rapid tests for Zika fever and other viral diseases are adapting these models for use in detecting SARS-CoV-2.


Pollution in São Paulo fell by 50% in just one week but remains high in the city center
SDG 3, SDG 13
Pollution in São Paulo fell by 50% in just one week but remains high in the city center

A drastic reduction in traffic due to the coronavirus lockdown resulted in a rapid decrease in airborne pollution: The levels of carbon monoxide fell by 50% in São Paulo City in a single week.


Startup develops reusable mask with enhanced protection against novel coronavirus
SDG 3, SDG 9
Startup develops reusable mask with enhanced protection against novel coronavirus

Developed with FAPESP’s support via its small business program, the N95-type respirator is made of material containing silica-silver microparticles with antimicrobial and antifungal properties that hinder surface adhesion by SARS-CoV-2.


A method that facilitates the discovery of biomarkers for psychiatric and immune-related diseases
SDG 3
A method that facilitates the discovery of biomarkers for psychiatric and immune-related diseases

Brazilian researchers show that proteins associated with diseases and key biological processes can be found in the blood plasma fraction usually discarded in proteomic analysis.


Antioxidant reverses damage to fertility caused by exposure to bisphenol A
SDG 3
Antioxidant reverses damage to fertility caused by exposure to bisphenol A

A study shows that administering coenzyme Q10 reverses damage done to germinative cells by BPA, a contaminant found in many kinds of plastic.


Antibodies to treat COVID-19 will be developed in laboratory
SDG 3
Antibodies to treat COVID-19 will be developed in laboratory

To develop a drug capable of treating the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, a research institution in São Paulo will deploy a platform used to produce monoclonal antibodies against tetanus and zika.


Study identifies potential target for treatment of COVID-19
SDG 3
Study identifies potential target for treatment of COVID-19

Brazilian researchers show that the activity of the gene TRIB3 in lung cells declines in men as they age. Compounds capable of reversing the process could be tested against the novel coronavirus.


FAPESP selects 30 projects in call for research proposals to combat novel coronavirus
SDG 3
FAPESP selects 30 projects in call for research proposals to combat novel coronavirus

Selected projects aim to repurpose existing drugs for treatment of COVID-19, find novel compounds with therapeutic potential and develop alternative diagnostic methods. The call remains open until June 22.


Startups develop system that detects fever remotely in people approaching hospital front desks
SDG 3
Startups develop system that detects fever remotely in people approaching hospital front desks

AI-based technology developed by a São Paulo startup supported by FAPESP is in use at Albert Einstein Jewish Hospital to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission


FAPESP and São Martinho set a center aimed at developing biological control technology for sugarcane
SDG 2, SDG 12
FAPESP and São Martinho set a center aimed at developing biological control technology for sugarcane

The new Engineering Research Center will be hosted by São Paulo State University’s School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences in Jaboticabal. Its scientists will also research biotechnology and plant resistance.


Brazilian and Indian scientists produce crystal with many potential applications
SDG 9
Brazilian and Indian scientists produce crystal with many potential applications

Thanks to its magnetic properties, the material – zinc-doped manganese chromite – can be used in a range of products, from gas sensors to data storage devices.


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