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

Protecting native vegetation on rural properties yields Brazil USD 1.5 trillion per year
SDG 13
Protecting native vegetation on rural properties yields Brazil USD 1.5 trillion per year

Paper endorsed by 407 scientists in Brazil estimates the value of ecosystem services linked to nature conservation, such as pollination, pest control and water security.


Patient’s own cells are used in innovative treatment for cancer
SDG 3
Patient’s own cells are used in innovative treatment for cancer

Patient with advanced refractory lymphoma was treated in Brazil by researchers at a center funded by FAPESP. The technique known as CAR T-cell therapy was used for first time ever in Latin America.


An electronic vision system wants to control everything from drones to automated guided vehicles
SDG 9
An electronic vision system wants to control everything from drones to automated guided vehicles

A system of cameras tracks eye movements, processes images and inputs them into a computer, where special software translates the data and sends commands to telemetry-controlled devices.


An online platform will facilitate beehive rental for the pollination of crops
SDG 9, SDG 12
An online platform will facilitate beehive rental for the pollination of crops

Brazilian tech startup develops app that will feature advanced tools for hive quality monitoring and georeferencing.


Material permits simultaneous, controlled release of drugs with different actions
SDG 3, SDG 9
Material permits simultaneous, controlled release of drugs with different actions

Researchers tested a material known as polyether siloxane, a flexible transparent hydrogel that can absorb large amounts of water without dissolving and is ideal for controlled-release drug delivery.


Protein could extend saphenous vein graft durability
SDG 3
Protein could extend saphenous vein graft durability

Scientists show that CRP3, normally produced in arteries, is expressed in saphenous vein grafts following coronary artery bypass surgery. The finding suggests that this molecule participates in adaptation to the increased blood flow and pressure resulting from arterialization.


The benefits of lithium in older people with Alzheimer’s disease are starting to be understood
SDG 3
The benefits of lithium in older people with Alzheimer’s disease are starting to be understood

Experiments using human brain cells and mice suggest that lithium delays cellular aging, one of the factors in neurodegenerative disorders.


New species of parasite is identified in fatal case of visceral leishmaniasis
SDG 3
New species of parasite is identified in fatal case of visceral leishmaniasis

Phylogenomic analysis shows that pathogen isolated in Brazilian hospital does not belong to the genus Leishmania. Researchers are investigating whether this species alone can cause severe disease or intensifies symptoms in co-infected patients.


Novel material with strong action against fungi and tumors
SDG 3, SDG 9
Novel material with strong action against fungi and tumors

Researchers at a Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center supported by FAPESP have created a composite with antifungal properties that are 32 times greater than those of silver by irradiating a metallic tungstate with electrons and femtosecond laser light.


Lipid produced by organism helps control blood sugar
SDG 3
Lipid produced by organism helps control blood sugar

Blood sugar levels in obese mice were controlled more efficiently when the mice were challenged with a glucose overload and treated with 12-HEPE, a lipid produced in response to cold by brown adipose tissue.


Novel compound interrupts malaria parasite’s lifecycle
SDG 3
Novel compound interrupts malaria parasite’s lifecycle

Compound inhibits key enzymes, interrupting the parasite’s lifecycle in human organisms and preventing transmission to vector insects. This discovery published in Science involved researchers funded by FAPESP.


Nanox is selected for Silicon Valley accelerator program
SDG 9
Nanox is selected for Silicon Valley accelerator program

Developer of a bactericidal and antimicrobial solution for the increasing of product shelf life, Nanox was supported by FAPESP through its Innovative Research in Small Business Program.


Software compares more than two complex networks simultaneously
SDG 9
Software compares more than two complex networks simultaneously

Tool developed by Brazilian researchers can be used to study disease mechanisms, plant physiology and structures of large cities, among other applications.


Researchers show how railroad worms produce red light
SDG 15
Researchers show how railroad worms produce red light

Color differences in the light produced by the larviform beetle are known to be caused by two enzymes with minor structural differences, but the details were hitherto unknown. This discovery has potential for applications in biotechnology.


Compounds extracted from Cerrado plant combat fungus that causes candidiasis
SDG 3
Compounds extracted from Cerrado plant combat fungus that causes candidiasis

Four substances isolated from Mimosa caesalpiniifolia were found to be more effective against thrush and candida than was fluconazole, the drug usually prescribed to treat the disease. Brazilian researchers are developing an ointment.


Acute chikungunya infection studied at the molecular level in Brazilian patients
SDG 3
Acute chikungunya infection studied at the molecular level in Brazilian patients

Using a systems biology approach, Brazilian researchers identified several genes that can be explored as therapeutic targets and as biomarkers of predisposition to chronic joint pain.


Multidrug-resistant bacteria are found outside the hospital environment
SDG 3
Multidrug-resistant bacteria are found outside the hospital environment

Genetic profiles of microorganisms isolated from patients with urinary tract infection display a high degree of resistance and virulence. The superbug KPC was found in samples.


New mechanisms that regulate pluripotency in embryonic stem cells are discovered
SDG 3
New mechanisms that regulate pluripotency in embryonic stem cells are discovered

A study by researchers at the Center for Cell-Based Therapy, which is supported by FAPESP, identified microRNAs involved in pluripotency maintenance and cell differentiation. The discovery paves the way to the development of drugs capable of making ESCs regress to the earliest stage of development.


State research foundations encourage researchers to play a leading role in international collaborations
SDG 17
State research foundations encourage researchers to play a leading role in international collaborations

The aims of these subnational institutions include bolstering the impact of Brazilian science and increasing the benefits of cross-border cooperation.


Native vegetation restoration projects in Brazil can total 12 million hectares by 2030
SDG 13
Native vegetation restoration projects in Brazil can total 12 million hectares by 2030

Reports launched by the Brazilian Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services estimates that forest restoration on this scale would sequester 1.39 million tons of CO2 and increase biodiversity conservation by 200% without adverse impacts on agriculture.


A new species of electric eel produces the highest voltage discharge of any known animal
SDG 14
A new species of electric eel produces the highest voltage discharge of any known animal

An article published in Nature Communications shows that three species of electric eel exist, not just one as previously described, and that one of them produces an electric shock up to 860 volts. The researchers were funded by FAPESP, the Smithsonian and National Geographic.


Automated platform monitors tire status in truck fleets
SDG 9
Automated platform monitors tire status in truck fleets

Brazilian startup develops a solution that assures efficient management of large truck fleets, attracting customers in agribusiness and mining.


Medication for menstrual pain relief proves effective against schistosomiasis
SDG 3
Medication for menstrual pain relief proves effective against schistosomiasis

In a study supported by FAPESP, experiments with mice showed the anti-inflammatory drug mefenamic acid to be more efficacious than praziquantel, the only drug available to combat the disease.


Cable tethered to an asteroid can be used for a slingshot maneuver to save fuel in space missions
SDG 9
Cable tethered to an asteroid can be used for a slingshot maneuver to save fuel in space missions

Brazilian researchers studied the feasibility of a space maneuver that could be used to change the course of satellites and even send spacecraft beyond the Solar System with less fuel.


Sterilization of central venous catheters with atmospheric plasma
SDG 3, SDG 9
Sterilization of central venous catheters with atmospheric plasma

Study conducted to test a procedure based on ionization of atmospheric air eliminates 99% of Candida albicans fungus that causes hospital-acquired infections, without generating toxic waste.


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