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

Results of COVID-19 autopsies offer help with treatment of severe cases
SDG 3
Results of COVID-19 autopsies offer help with treatment of severe cases

Brazilian researchers use minimally invasive technique to perform autopsies on deceased patients diagnosed with COVID-19, with the aim of assisting physicians and other health workers.


Housing deficit makes “vertical isolation” impossible, Brazilian researchers say
SDG 3, SDG 10
Housing deficit makes “vertical isolation” impossible, Brazilian researchers say

Research by the FAPESP-funded Center for Metropolitan Studies (CEM) shows that it is not feasible to separate high-risk groups in low-income communities, where the majority of the Brazilian population live. The problem is especially acute in the Southeast region, with metropolitan São Paulo displaying the largest deficit.


Patients with chronic diseases display increased expression of gene that facilitates SARS-CoV-2 infection
SDG 3
Patients with chronic diseases display increased expression of gene that facilitates SARS-CoV-2 infection

Metabolic changes associated with diseases such as pulmonary hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may reprogram gene expression to increase production of a protein used by SARS-CoV-2 to penetrate lung cells.


Physical exercise protects low-birth-weight children from cardiovascular disease in adulthood
SDG 3
Physical exercise protects low-birth-weight children from cardiovascular disease in adulthood

Groundbreaking study shows that regular exercise in prepubertal childhood improves the functioning of cells essential to vascular health. Babies weighing less than 2.5 kg at birth are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.


Two novel viruses identified in Brazilian patients with suspected dengue
SDG 3
Two novel viruses identified in Brazilian patients with suspected dengue

Species never before found in humans described in PLOS ONE belong to the genera Ambidensovirus and Chapparvovirus. Researchers do not yet know if they can cause disease.


Brazilian researchers test potential drugs against novel coronavirus
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers test potential drugs against novel coronavirus

Scientists at Brazil’s National Energy and Materials Research Center are analyzing the antiviral action of commercially available drugs in cultured cells.


New coronavirus is produced in Brazilian laboratory
SDG 3
New coronavirus is produced in Brazilian laboratory

Researchers explains how their experience with the Zika virus, made possible with funding from FAPESP, helped them to cultured the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.


Researchers seek test capable of predicting whether COVID-19 patients may develop severe complications
SDG 3
Researchers seek test capable of predicting whether COVID-19 patients may develop severe complications

Scientists in the state of São Paulo are working on a method of diagnosing the disease quickly and cheaply by combining an analysis of the pattern of molecules in body fluids with machine learning.


Digital platform simplifies application and correction of tests
SDG 4, SDG 9
Digital platform simplifies application and correction of tests

Tool developed by a firm supported by FAPESP is being used to assess student learning in primary and secondary schools in the state of São Paulo.


A computer system will facilitate the management and sharing of Brazilian climate data
SDG 13
A computer system will facilitate the management and sharing of Brazilian climate data

Research and higher-education institutes from the state of São Paulo have signed an agreement with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, an institution associated with United States Energy Department with great experience in managing atmospheric data; the initiative’s goal is to make knowledge generated with public funding accessible.


One-third of younger age groups in northwestern São Paulo lack antibodies against measles, research says
SDG 3
One-third of younger age groups in northwestern São Paulo lack antibodies against measles, research says

A population study conducted at a regional center of the state of São Paulo (Brazil) showed that 32.9% of subjects under 40 had no immunity against the disease, compared with only 1% in those over 50.


Collaboration among different knowledge areas is fundamental for increasing the impact of research
SDG 17
Collaboration among different knowledge areas is fundamental for increasing the impact of research

At an event organized by FAPESP and the UK’s Royal Society, researchers showed how partnerships are important in producing scientific results at the knowledge frontier.


Multiuser equipment facilitates the selection of sterile insects used to combat fruit crop pests
SDG 12
Multiuser equipment facilitates the selection of sterile insects used to combat fruit crop pests

The imaging analysis system available at the University of São Paulo enhances the effectiveness of biological control of South American fruit flies based on the sterilization of males. The species mainly damages apple and peach orchards in the South Region of Brazil.


Destruction of an Atlantic Rainforest fragment raises the local temperature
SDG 13
Destruction of an Atlantic Rainforest fragment raises the local temperature

Brazilian researchers show that if 25% of a one-hectare forest remnant is cut down, the impact on the local climate will be a temperature increase of 1 °C. The study is published in PLOS ONE.


Novel blood test points to risk of weight gain and diabetes
SDG 3
Novel blood test points to risk of weight gain and diabetes

The blood test method makes use of machine learning and can be used to predict whether patients will put on weight, unless they change their habits. The project was conducted in Brazil with funding from FAPESP.


This study shows how a lack of oxygen during pregnancy can cause schizophrenia
SDG 3
This study shows how a lack of oxygen during pregnancy can cause schizophrenia

Experiments with rats indicate that brain cells submitted to several forms of hypoxia underwent alterations to their energy production mechanism. Such condition may affect the fetus in pregnant women who have developed pre-eclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder.


Study can help enhance the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy
SDG 3, SDG 9
Study can help enhance the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy

A discovery by scientists affiliated with a research center supported by FAPESP could contribute to the development of more powerful photosensitizers. When these molecules are exposed to light, they trigger biochemical processes that lead to the disruption of the cell membranes of tumors or pathogens.


Saliva can be used to predict excess body fat in teenagers
SDG 3
Saliva can be used to predict excess body fat in teenagers

Brazilian researchers found the level of uric acid in saliva to be a good indicator of body fat percentage. Study was designed to identify reliable biomarkers that can be used to develop quick noninvasive tests for early detection of chronic diseases.


International collaboration set to facilitate the measurement of results in psychotherapy
SDG 3, SDG 17
International collaboration set to facilitate the measurement of results in psychotherapy

This topic was discussed by specialists from several countries at the São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Mental Health and Evidence-Based Interventions, an event held with the support of FAPESP.


Novel formulation permits use of toxin extracted from rattlesnake venom to treat chronic pain
SDG 3
Novel formulation permits use of toxin extracted from rattlesnake venom to treat chronic pain

Researchers at Butantan Institute succeeded in reducing the toxicity and potentiating the analgesic effect of crotoxin by encapsulating it in nanostructured silica. The results of tests in an animal model of neuropathic pain, one of the hardest kinds of pain to treat, are promising.


Novel biotechnological route developed to obtain fine chemicals from agricultural waste
SDG 9, SDG 12
Novel biotechnological route developed to obtain fine chemicals from agricultural waste

Researchers are looking for partners to refine process that converts sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw into high-value compounds.


Researchers develop bioink for the 3D printing of nerve tissue
SDG 3, SDG 9
Researchers develop bioink for the 3D printing of nerve tissue

The technique can contribute to a deeper understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and lead to applications in drug testing. In the future, this technique could be used to reconstruct damaged parts of the brain.


Software to help public administrators make cities friendlier to cyclists and pedestrians
SDG 9, SDG 11
Software to help public administrators make cities friendlier to cyclists and pedestrians

An analytical tool available online assessed data from over 1 million walking and cycling trips in Boston (USA) with the aim of strengthening public strategies for the encouragement of non-motorized forms of urban mobility.


Technology developed for Sirius synchrotron light source extends Biotec’s market
SDG 9
Technology developed for Sirius synchrotron light source extends Biotec’s market

The company responsible for supplying radiation protection hutches to Sirius wants to develop similar equipment for the healthcare industry.


Anatomical details of rare electric fish revealed by an advanced imaging technique
SDG 14
Anatomical details of rare electric fish revealed by an advanced imaging technique

Thanks to the use of high-resolution microcomputed tomography, a cross-border research collaboration was able to study the only three known specimens of Tembeassu marauna, held at the University of São Paulo’s Zoology Museum. The results enabled scientists to classify the species more precisely.


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