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

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.


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.


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