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

Group develops robotic platform to make transcranial magnetic stimulation safer and more precise
SDG 9
Group develops robotic platform to make transcranial magnetic stimulation safer and more precise

The technology was developed at the Research, Innovation, and Dissemination Center for Neuromathematics in collaboration with scientists from Finland.


Scientists develop method to obtain colorants and enzymes from orange peel thrown away by juice industry
SDG 12
Scientists develop method to obtain colorants and enzymes from orange peel thrown away by juice industry

The process designed by researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil and collaborators in Chile and Mexico results in low-cost raw materials and reduced environmental damage.


Study shows how emissions from Brazilian Pantanal’s soda lakes contribute to climate change
SDG 13
Study shows how emissions from Brazilian Pantanal’s soda lakes contribute to climate change

Characterized by high pH and salinity, these water bodies have practically dried up because of rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and wildfires. The findings show how the local microbial community and other factors influence greenhouse gas emissions.


Strategy to combat breast cancer involves two-pronged attack on enzyme that ‘feeds’ tumor
SDG 3
Strategy to combat breast cancer involves two-pronged attack on enzyme that ‘feeds’ tumor

Promising results were obtained by a group at the Brazilian Center for Research on Energy and Materials (CNPEM), working with collaborators elsewhere. They combined inhibition of glutaminase, an enzyme that converts glutamine into nutrients for tumor cells, with inhibition of HuR, a protein that regulates the RNA of glutaminase.


Presence of bacteria in soil makes flowers more attractive to pollinators, study shows
SDG 2
Presence of bacteria in soil makes flowers more attractive to pollinators, study shows

Experiments conducted at the Federal University of the ABC showed that nitrogen-fixing bacteria play a key role in the reproduction of a legume native to Brazil.


Group from São Paulo State University investigates how citizens perceive urban biodiversity
SDG 15
Group from São Paulo State University investigates how citizens perceive urban biodiversity

Residents of the cities of Bauru and Belo Horizonte were challenged to identify the image and song of the main bird species that inhabit these places.


Brazil must reinforce protection of forests to meet climate change mitigation goals, study warns
SDG 13
Brazil must reinforce protection of forests to meet climate change mitigation goals, study warns

In an article published in Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation, researchers affiliated with the National Space Research Institute (INPE) and the National Disaster Surveillance and Early Warning Center (CEMADEN) in Brazil discuss CO2 emission reduction challenges and solutions.


Deforestation in the Amazon is driven more by domestic demand than by the export market
SDG 13, SDG 15
Deforestation in the Amazon is driven more by domestic demand than by the export market

A study by the University of São Paulo shows that expansion of cattle ranching to meet growing domestic demand has contributed more than any other driver to the elimination or degradation of the Amazon’s original vegetation, followed by expanding croplands and urbanization.


Novel method detects biological oxidant derived from CO2 in cells
SDG 3
Novel method detects biological oxidant derived from CO2 in cells

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo in Brazil helps elucidate the impact of high levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide on human health.


Study identifies possible novel species in fish genus endemic to Neotropics
SDG 14
Study identifies possible novel species in fish genus endemic to Neotropics

Through morphological and molecular analysis of material collected from rivers in Brazil's Northeast region, the researchers are extending their knowledge of the evolutionary history of South American darters in the genus Characidium.


Membrane for dressing complex wounds will enable customization of treatment
SDG 3
Membrane for dressing complex wounds will enable customization of treatment

The product, derived from sugarcane, is being developed by Dermbio Biotech, a startup incubated at the State University of Campinas.


Vegans’ intake of protein and essential amino acids is adequate but ultra-processed products are also needed
SDG 3
Vegans’ intake of protein and essential amino acids is adequate but ultra-processed products are also needed

The conclusion is from a study of 774 vegans conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil. An article reporting its findings is published in JAMA Network Open.


Agricultural sector is strategic for action to mitigate climate change, says NASA scientist
SDG 12, SDG 13
Agricultural sector is strategic for action to mitigate climate change, says NASA scientist

Alex Ruane delivered the 7th FAPESP Lecture 2024 on “Climate Change and Food Security”


Study reveals mechanism that activates glucose production in the liver in response to stress
SDG 3
Study reveals mechanism that activates glucose production in the liver in response to stress

In addition to providing a detailed description of the morphology of hepatic nerves, the study led by Brazilians showed that the increase in blood sugar was activated by a protein called CREB.


Wildfires highlight urgent need for action to understand, mitigate and adapt to climate change
SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 15
Wildfires highlight urgent need for action to understand, mitigate and adapt to climate change

Researchers affiliated with the FAPESP Research Program on Global Climate Change met at the State University of Campinas in Brazil to discuss current research priorities in the effort to understand and combat the consequences of the extreme events caused by global warming.


Natural disasters endanger 10% of the world’s terrestrial vertebrate species
SDG 15
Natural disasters endanger 10% of the world’s terrestrial vertebrate species

A study conducted by Brazilian scientists and colleagues in other countries shows that earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions increase the risk of extinction for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The natural events may have synergies with hazards due to human activity.


High-intensity interval training is more beneficial for older women than moderate exercise or resistance training alone, study shows
SDG 3
High-intensity interval training is more beneficial for older women than moderate exercise or resistance training alone, study shows

Researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil evaluated the effect of three different low-cost training programs on a group of socially vulnerable female volunteers. HIIT combined with muscle strength exercises was the most efficacious in terms of reducing blood pressure and arterial stiffness, the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease.


Internet of things platform helps producers plan water use
SDG 6
Internet of things platform helps producers plan water use

The solution, developed by a startup supported by FAPESP, enables farmers to forecast water availability for a six-month horizon.


Climate change has increased frequency and intensity of conditions favorable to extreme wildfires, report shows
SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 15
Climate change has increased frequency and intensity of conditions favorable to extreme wildfires, report shows

A report by an international group of researchers including three Brazilians shows that climate change tripled the probability of weather conditions favoring unprecedented wildfires in Canada and multiplied it by a factor of 20 in western Amazonia between March 2023 and February 2024. Global carbon emissions were 16% above average.


Brazilian researchers discover key gene regulating virulence of fungus that causes severe lung infections
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers discover key gene regulating virulence of fungus that causes severe lung infections

The researchers are now looking for a molecule that inactivates the protein expressed by the gene as a basis for a drug that could complement existing medications, which are not always effective and can have adverse side-effects.


FAPESP renews memorandum of understanding to strengthen research cooperation with US National Institutes of Health
SDG 17
FAPESP renews memorandum of understanding to strengthen research cooperation with US National Institutes of Health

The MoU is the first cooperation agreement between NIH and a foreign partner to cover a wide array of research areas.


Severe COVID-19 can involve either exacerbated lung inflammation or high viral replication
SDG 3
Severe COVID-19 can involve either exacerbated lung inflammation or high viral replication

In PLOS Pathogens, researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil report a study based on autopsies of 47 patients who died after being infected by the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2. The findings will support clinical decisions on the treatment of critical cases.


In a book, a scientist narrates a journey through the Anthropocene, with an optimistic ending
SDG 13
In a book, a scientist narrates a journey through the Anthropocene, with an optimistic ending

A member of the Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change, Mauro Galetti uses his experience from his undergraduate studies in biology to his most recent studies in ecology to tell stories in accessible language that inspire readers to fight for the planet.


Sustainable agricultural systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions
SDG 2, SDG 13
Sustainable agricultural systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Scientists at the University of São Paulo present this conclusion based on a systematic review of the literature in a paper published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.


Directors of FAPESP meet with new United States Consul General in São Paulo
SDG 17
Directors of FAPESP meet with new United States Consul General in São Paulo

Richard Glenn’s aim on his first official visit to Brazil was to strengthen the ties of partnership with FAPESP.


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