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

Obese pregnant women infected by zika virus have impaired immune response
SDG 3
Obese pregnant women infected by zika virus have impaired immune response

Researchers at the University of São Paulo analyzed placental samples from women with and without obesity who contracted the infection while pregnant. The results show that maternal overweight can compromise the placenta’s immune response and impair fetal protection.


Study describes mechanism that regulates activity of memory gene
SDG 3
Study describes mechanism that regulates activity of memory gene

Working at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, the researchers used epigenetics to study the mechanism, which could be associated with pathologies such as Alzheimer’s. The discovery expands scientists’ knowledge of the central nervous system.


Researchers at the State University of Campinas cultivate microalgae for biofuel production
SDG 7
Researchers at the State University of Campinas cultivate microalgae for biofuel production

The aim was to compare the effects of different cultivation systems on growth and productivity of the species Botryococcus terribilis. In one experiment, production of lipid and hydrocarbon increased 49% and 29% respectively.


FAPESP signs agreement with French institutions to strengthen research cooperation in the field of health
SDG 17
FAPESP signs agreement with French institutions to strengthen research cooperation in the field of health

A memorandum of understanding was signed in Paris by the heads of FAPESP, ANRS and INSERM. Creation of Institut Pasteur de São Paulo, to be hosted by the University of São Paulo with more than 80 researchers, was also formalized in the French capital.


A simple, portable sensor monitors paracetamol levels in saliva in real time for personalized treatment
SDG 3, SDG 9
A simple, portable sensor monitors paracetamol levels in saliva in real time for personalized treatment

Developed at the University of São Paulo, the device permits corrections to the dosage of the analgesic to improve its efficacy according to the patient’s profile and avoid toxic side effects or overdose.


Trees in savanna areas of Cerrado produce three times more bark than species in forest areas
SDG 13, SDG 15
Trees in savanna areas of Cerrado produce three times more bark than species in forest areas

The mechanism has resulted from evolution over millions of years to protect the buds that enable plants to survive fire. A study conducted in an environmental protection unit in São Paulo state (Brazil) can contribute to strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change.


Low-cost sensor detects early-stage Parkinson’s disease in biological samples
SDG 3, SDG 9
Low-cost sensor detects early-stage Parkinson’s disease in biological samples

The device, produced by ordinary 3D printing and capable of being miniaturized, detects levels of the protein PARK7/DJ-1, which is associated with the disease. The study used samples of blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid.


Scientists create model to predict depression and anxiety using artificial intelligence and social media
SDG 3
Scientists create model to predict depression and anxiety using artificial intelligence and social media

A study by a group at the University of São Paulo reported in a scientific journal involved the construction of a database and models. Preliminary results are described in the article.


Mutant strains of <i>Salmonella</i> make infection more aggressive in commercial poultry, study shows
SDG 3
Mutant strains of <i>Salmonella</i> make infection more aggressive in commercial poultry, study shows

Deletion of two genes, which in mice attenuated the action of the bacteria, made the immune response more exacerbated in broiler chicks. The findings reinforce the need for animal health and hygiene measures throughout the poultry production chain.


Adolescents who use smartphones for more than three hours a day suffer more from back pain
SDG 3
Adolescents who use smartphones for more than three hours a day suffer more from back pain

The finding is from a longitudinal study conducted in Brazil. Analyzing data for high school students aged 13-18, it concluded that the problem affects girls more than boys and is associated with physical inactivity and low academic achievement.


Undermining of institutions and lack of local policies hinder fire management in Amazonia
SDG 13
Undermining of institutions and lack of local policies hinder fire management in Amazonia

A lack of community involvement impairs fire control programs in the region known as MAP, between Madre de Dios (Peru), Acre (Brazil) and Pando (Bolivia).


FAPESP launches artificial intelligence research center in partnership with health plan operator Hapvida
SDG 3, SDG 9
FAPESP launches artificial intelligence research center in partnership with health plan operator Hapvida

The center will be hosted by the Federal University of Ceará and will focus on the use of the Internet of Things, big data, digital transformation and cutting-edge technology in prevention, diagnosis and low-cost therapies.


Natural molecule enhances sunscreen efficacy without increasing concentration of conventional UV filters
SDG 3, SDG 12
Natural molecule enhances sunscreen efficacy without increasing concentration of conventional UV filters

Addition of rosmarinic acid at a mere 0.1% reduced the amount of sunscreen needed to protect the skin, increased the sun protection factor by more than 41% and combined photoprotection with antioxidant activity. The innovation would reduce the volume of chemical substances discharged into the environment.


Strength training reduces BP when practiced with moderate to vigorous intensity two or three times a week
SDG 3
Strength training reduces BP when practiced with moderate to vigorous intensity two or three times a week

This conclusion, presented by Brazilian researchers in the journal Scientific Reports, is based on a systematic review of clinical trials held to investigate the effect of strength training on blood pressure in hypertensive patients. All age groups benefited, but the positive effects were most evident in patients aged 50 or less.


Research on reptiles is strongly influenced by access to specimens
SDG 14, SDG 15
Research on reptiles is strongly influenced by access to specimens

A review of the literature shows that 15% of articles published between 1960 and 2021 focused on only ten species, while no articles at all were published on almost 40% of all species. Research efforts tend to be biased toward large-bodied animals and species native to wealthier countries, among other factors that should be taken into consideration when planning future studies, according to the authors.


Engineering Center for Aerial Mobility of the Future starts operating
SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 13
Engineering Center for Aerial Mobility of the Future starts operating

Established by FAPESP and Embraer at the Aeronautical Technology Institute (ITA), ERC-AMF will conduct research on innovative topics with the potential to contribute to the competitiveness of Brazil’s aerospace industry.


New center at University of São Paulo will combine research on mental health with digital interventions
SDG 3
New center at University of São Paulo will combine research on mental health with digital interventions

With the support of FAPESP and Banco Industrial do Brasil, the National Center for Research and Innovation in Mental Health (CISM) was launched at an event held on March 15.


Study elucidates at cellular level how regular exercise preserves physical fitness during aging
SDG 3
Study elucidates at cellular level how regular exercise preserves physical fitness during aging

Experiments involving nematode worms conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo showed that the benefits of physical activity to muscles are directly linked to processes occurring in mitochondria, the organelles that make energy for cells. Their findings offer possible routes for drug development.


A paper-based sensor to detect pesticides in food quickly and cheaply
SDG 9
A paper-based sensor to detect pesticides in food quickly and cheaply

A device developed at the University of São Paulo resembles the glucometer used by diabetics to measure blood sugar: when it comes into contact with the surface of a fruit or vegetable, it detects and quantifies any traces of carbendazim, a fungicide in widespread use in Brazil despite being banned.


Study paves way to more efficient production of 2G ethanol using specially modified yeast strain
SDG 9
Study paves way to more efficient production of 2G ethanol using specially modified yeast strain

Brazilian researchers identified the genes that make the industrial yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae SA-1 resistant to fermentation inhibitors generated during sugarcane bagasse preprocessing. The discovery will be useful as a basis for metabolic engineering of the microorganism.


Leaders of higher education institutions meet to discuss equity and diversity policies
SDG 5, SDG 10
Leaders of higher education institutions meet to discuss equity and diversity policies

Rectors, vice-rectors, pro-rectors and heads of department at universities in São Paulo state established Rede Equidade as a force for formulating and promoting equity programs that take into account the links between gender and other differences and inequalities.


FAPESP-supported research center develops ammonia production process with high energy efficiency
SDG 9, SDG 13
FAPESP-supported research center develops ammonia production process with high energy efficiency

Annual production of NH3, the world’s most synthesized molecule, totals 1.2 million metric tons. Its successful use in fuel cells will boost demand.


Post-bariatric surgery exercise modulates brain regions associated with regulation of food intake
SDG 3
Post-bariatric surgery exercise modulates brain regions associated with regulation of food intake

In a study conducted in São Paulo, Brazil, exercise training increased connectivity between the hypothalamus and sensory regions, accelerating satiety, for example.


University of São Paulo and France’s CNRS seal accord to establish joint research center
SDG 17
University of São Paulo and France’s CNRS seal accord to establish joint research center

France’s leading public-sector scientific research organization already has similar partnerships in the US, UK and Japan. FAPESP President Marco Antonio Zago expressed interest in supporting projects conducted at the center to be set up in São Paulo, Brazil, focusing on areas such as oceanography, biodiversity, and sustainability.


Novel material can be used to oxidize water molecules and produce hydrogen
SDG 9
Novel material can be used to oxidize water molecules and produce hydrogen

Thin films of transition metal tungstate showed potential for use in water splitting reactions and other photoelectrocatalytic applications.


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