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

Applications are open for the São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Quantum Materials
Applications are open for the São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Quantum Materials

The event will take place on July 16-26 at the University of São Paulo’s Physics Institute, for 100 graduate students and/or young researchers, half from Brazil and half from other countries.


Study helps explain why stress in adolescence can lead to predisposition to mental illness in adulthood
SDG 3
Study helps explain why stress in adolescence can lead to predisposition to mental illness in adulthood

In experiments with rats, researchers at the University of São Paulo analyzed brain tissue and detected alterations in genes associated with energy metabolism.


Study explains why protein-poor diet during pregnancy increases risk of prostate cancer in offspring
SDG 3
Study explains why protein-poor diet during pregnancy increases risk of prostate cancer in offspring

In experiments with rats, researchers at São Paulo State University detected changes in the expression of more than 700 genes in offspring. One of these genes is known to be associated with prostate cancer.


Computational tool processes data to produce predictive analysis for agribusiness
SDG 9
Computational tool processes data to produce predictive analysis for agribusiness

The solution, which was developed via a project supported by FAPESP, aims to help farmers assess risks and forecast future prices.


Study of gigantism in whales provides clues to genomic mechanism involved in tumor suppression
SDG 3, SDG 14
Study of gigantism in whales provides clues to genomic mechanism involved in tumor suppression

Some species of cetacean are up to 4 meters in length, while others reach 30 meters. According to researchers at the State University of Campinas, genes that favor the colossal growth of these mammals also inhibit the development of cancer.


Novel methodology projects growth of native trees, enhancing return on investment in forest restoration
SDG 13, SDG 15
Novel methodology projects growth of native trees, enhancing return on investment in forest restoration

The study analyzed data for 13 Atlantic Rainforest restoration areas involving ten species of native trees that could be commercially useful to the timber industry. Publication of the findings comes during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.


ASEAN delegation meets with senior executives of FAPESP to discuss ways of intensifying research and innovation partnerships
SDG 17
ASEAN delegation meets with senior executives of FAPESP to discuss ways of intensifying research and innovation partnerships

Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore Thailand and Vietnam have dynamic economies and similarities with Brazil that make collaboration particularly relevant.


FAPESP and UK’s Royal Society hold bilateral meeting in London
SDG 17
FAPESP and UK’s Royal Society hold bilateral meeting in London

The purpose of the event was to build ties and foster collaboration between researchers in São Paulo state and the United Kingdom.


Study identifies priority areas for conservation of endangered crustacean in Brazil
SDG 14
Study identifies priority areas for conservation of endangered crustacean in Brazil

The land crab Johngarthia lagostoma occurs only on four ocean islands, three of which are in Brazil, but little is known of its natural history. Brazilian researchers discovered that a hill and beach on Trindade Island play a key role in the species’ reproductive cycle and survival.


Cases of chikungunya and zika fall in Brazil, but most risk clusters exhibit an upward trend
SDG 3
Cases of chikungunya and zika fall in Brazil, but most risk clusters exhibit an upward trend

Researchers at the University of São Paulo and São Paulo state’s Center for Epidemiological Surveillance observed spatial and temporal patterns of occurrence and co-occurrence for the two arboviral diseases in all Brazilian municipalities, alongside the influence of environmental and socio-economic factors.


More than 80% of tree species endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest are threatened with extinction
SDG 13, SDG 15
More than 80% of tree species endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest are threatened with extinction

A study published in the journal Science shows for the first time the degree of threat to all tree species in the biome, classifying 65% as vulnerable or endangered to some extent. According to the authors, their findings are conservative – the actual situation could be even more alarming.


Startups present results of projects conducted under aegis of Centelha SP program
SDG 9
Startups present results of projects conducted under aegis of Centelha SP program

Representatives of 44 startups based in São Paulo received technical support for a year to develop products and business plans via in-person training, mentoring and workshops run by experts from FAPESP and associations that foster entrepreneurship.


A single session of aerobic exercise improves blood pressure in rheumatoid arthritis patients
SDG 3
A single session of aerobic exercise improves blood pressure in rheumatoid arthritis patients

A study involving 20 women with rheumatoid arthritis and high blood pressure demonstrates the benefits of walking at moderate speed for 30 minutes even after tests that simulate stressful situations and tend to raise blood pressure.


FAPESP at COP28 reinforces coalition to create new international body to protect the oceans
SDG 13, SDG 14
FAPESP at COP28 reinforces coalition to create new international body to protect the oceans

The International Panel for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS) will translate scientific information into policymaking decisions that help protect the world’s oceans.


Amazon+10 Initiative receives more than BRL 30 million from the United Kingdom
SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13
Amazon+10 Initiative receives more than BRL 30 million from the United Kingdom

The funding will be for scientific expeditions under the current call for proposals which is taking applications until April 29, 2024.


Climate intelligence platform supports decision-making by farmers and agroindustry
SDG 2, SDG 9, SDG 13
Climate intelligence platform supports decision-making by farmers and agroindustry

Agrosmart, a startup based in São Paulo state, presented its portfolio of solutions during COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference held in Dubai.


Intravaginal sponge can make treatment of candidiasis more comfortable and effective
SDG 3
Intravaginal sponge can make treatment of candidiasis more comfortable and effective

The device is under preclinical trials; the sponge is made of soft, biodegradable material and releases medication slowly into the organism.


Startup develops rapid test to help detect cervical cancer
SDG 3, SDG 9
Startup develops rapid test to help detect cervical cancer

The kit is designed to be used for screening. If the result is negative, it should be repeated a year later. If positive, the individual should see a specialist.


Growth hormone influences regulation of anxiety via a specific group of neurons
SDG 3
Growth hormone influences regulation of anxiety via a specific group of neurons

Researchers at the University of São Paulo identified in mice the neurons associated with the anxiolytic effect of growth hormone. Their discovery paves the way for the development of novel classes of medications for neuropsychiatric disorders.


Researchers at São Paulo State University propose conditions for maximizing quantum entanglement
SDG 9
Researchers at São Paulo State University propose conditions for maximizing quantum entanglement

Entanglement is a key concept in quantum physics and a condition for the success of quantum computing.


Diversity of bioluminescent beetles in Brazilian savanna has declined sharply in 30 years
SDG 15
Diversity of bioluminescent beetles in Brazilian savanna has declined sharply in 30 years

Surveys conducted in the Cerrado since the 1990s show falling biodiversity as the agricultural frontier advances in the vicinity of Emas National Park. Species with biotechnological potential are dwindling and even disappearing.


Brazilian researchers discover two novel peptides with biotechnological potential in snake venom
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers discover two novel peptides with biotechnological potential in snake venom

Fragments of hemorrhagic toxins that may help treat high blood pressure were found in the venom of the pit viper Cotiara, which inhabits the South of Brazil, and that of the South American bushmaster, a denizen of tropical rainforests. The molecules might one day be used in drugs with fewer adverse side effects.


Incomplete notification and underreporting of snakebites can hinder public health actions, study suggests
SDG 3
Incomplete notification and underreporting of snakebites can hinder public health actions, study suggests

A survey conducted in a Brazilian state with the country’s second-highest number of ophidic accidents draws attention to the need to train health workers to complete notification forms correctly. Better data will help improve research and antivenom distribution.


A new map showing all above-ground biomass in the Brazilian Amazon
SDG 13
A new map showing all above-ground biomass in the Brazilian Amazon

The map is derived from a study conducted by researchers at Brazil’s space research institute and collaborators, and combined airborne laser scanning, satellite imagery and forest inventories. The results will support planning, conservation and sustainable management decisions.


3D material found to break down antidepressant that contaminates water bodies worldwide
SDG 6
3D material found to break down antidepressant that contaminates water bodies worldwide

Brazilian researchers tested a photocatalyst based on zinc oxide and found it to perform well in degrading sertraline, an emerging pollutant.


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