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

Study identifies new functions of molecule involved in melanoma
SDG 3
Study identifies new functions of molecule involved in melanoma

A long noncoding RNA protects cancer cells and increases their proliferation. The discovery could lead to treatment for drug-resistant types of melanoma.


Biophotonic therapy eliminates bacteria and viruses from organs before transplantation
SDG 3
Biophotonic therapy eliminates bacteria and viruses from organs before transplantation

Method developed by scientists in Brazil and Canada can prevent transmission of diseases to organ recipients.


Growth hormone acts to prevent weight loss
SDG 3
Growth hormone acts to prevent weight loss

A Brazilian study shows that, like leptin, growth hormone contributes directly to energy conservation when the body loses weight.


Clothing with nanotechnology controls heat and odor and repels insects
SDG 9
Clothing with nanotechnology controls heat and odor and repels insects

Brazilian firm has developed nanoparticles that eliminate body odor, reflect solar radiation, and release insect repellent and insecticide in fabric.


Compound that kills drug-resistant fungi is isolated from ant microbiota
SDG 3
Compound that kills drug-resistant fungi is isolated from ant microbiota

A project conducted by researchers in Brazil and the US investigated bacteria living in symbiosis with insects as a source for novel drugs.


Intestinal bacteria can be used to predict occurrence of colorectal cancer
SDG 3
Intestinal bacteria can be used to predict occurrence of colorectal cancer

By identifying signature of 16 disease-related microbial species, this international study with Brazilian participation may contribute to develop predictive tests valid for populations with different dietary cultures.


Researchers advance in the development of “papaya sugarcane”
SDG 7
Researchers advance in the development of “papaya sugarcane”

Description of genes involved in sugarcane root cell separation could lead to the development of varieties with softened cell walls similar to those of papaya, boosting the production of second-generation ethanol.


Fungus has decimated the populations of 501 amphibian species worldwide
SDG 15
Fungus has decimated the populations of 501 amphibian species worldwide

Survey by researchers in 16 countries is published in Science. Authors say chytrid fungus is responsible for heaviest biodiversity loss ever caused by a single pathogen.


Impact of climate change will be measured in South Atlantic
SDG 13
Impact of climate change will be measured in South Atlantic

Brazilian researchers are participating in an international collaboration that has anchored equipment at strategic locations in the South Atlantic to monitor possible changes in maritime currents.


Artificial intelligence helps make dreams come true
SDG 9
Artificial intelligence helps make dreams come true

App developed by Brazilian startup 7waves acts as virtual coach for use in setting and achieving goals.


Computer app helps treat depression in older adults
SDG 3, SDG 9
Computer app helps treat depression in older adults

Brazilian and British scientists are testing a software tool that could lower the cost of providing care to elderly patients with depression.


Microorganisms are the main emitters of carbon in Amazonian waters
SDG 13
Microorganisms are the main emitters of carbon in Amazonian waters

Most of the carbon circulating in lakes, wetlands and floodplains comes not from phytoplankton, invertebrates and fish but from the microbial food web.


Neglected diseases continue to require attention despite progress
SDG 3
Neglected diseases continue to require attention despite progress

Few novel drugs have been developed to treat neglected diseases in recent decades, Brazilian researchers warn.


Scientists need to win hearts and minds on climate change, says FAPESP director
SDG 13, SDG 16
Scientists need to win hearts and minds on climate change, says FAPESP director

Research on the impact of climate change on the oceans will be increasingly important in the years ahead, according to participants attending the annual meeting of the FAPESP Research Program on Global Climate Change.


Experiments with roundworms suggest alternatives for the treatment of schizophrenia
SDG 3
Experiments with roundworms suggest alternatives for the treatment of schizophrenia

Researchers used C. elegans as an animal model to investigate the importance of certain human genes for the treatment of schizophrenia.


Drug used to control cholesterol found effective against cancer-associated cachexia
SDG 3
Drug used to control cholesterol found effective against cancer-associated cachexia

Experiments with mice suggest that treatment with atorvastatin can attenuate adipose tissue remodeling, leading to rapid weight loss and muscle atrophy.


Academia and private enterprise join forces to foster research in artificial intelligence
SDG 9
Academia and private enterprise join forces to foster research in artificial intelligence

Researchers from eight universities in São Paulo State, in partnership with large corporations and startups in several industries, have launched an advanced institute to conduct collaborative AI development projects.


DNA sequencing can be used to manage and restore ecosystems
SDG 13
DNA sequencing can be used to manage and restore ecosystems

Technique known as DNA metabarcoding helps scientists identify species in an area and understand how they interact.


Bacteria may help frogs attract mates
SDG 15
Bacteria may help frogs attract mates

The role played by symbiotic microorganisms isolated from the skin of anurans has been discovered by researchers in Brazil. The study is published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.


Chemical probe can help regulate an essential signaling pathway in cells
SDG 3
Chemical probe can help regulate an essential signaling pathway in cells

Researchers affiliated with the Structural Genomics Consortium in Brazil control a cellular communication pathway using chemical compounds that inhibit the kinase AAK1.


School of Advanced Science will discuss the importance of atmospheric aerosols
SDG 13
School of Advanced Science will discuss the importance of atmospheric aerosols

Young researchers and graduates from any country have until March 24 to apply for the event, which will be held at the University of São Paulo with FAPESP’s support.


FAPESP and Equinor launch petroleum engineering research center
SDG 9, SDG 17
FAPESP and Equinor launch petroleum engineering research center

Aims of the center hosted by UNICAMP include developing innovative solutions to optimize oil well production and efficiency, as well as reservoir rehabilitation.


Startup develops hydroponic roof tiles for the cultivation of ornamental plants or crops
SDG 9, SDG 11
Startup develops hydroponic roof tiles for the cultivation of ornamental plants or crops

Green roof uses the same principle as thermally insulated tiles containing polystyrene or polyurethane foam and requires no waterproofing layer.


Startup uses IoT for bike path monitoring
SDG 9
Startup uses IoT for bike path monitoring

Hardware and software system is designed to make city cycling safer.


Physical and social activities protect the brain against Alzheimer’s disease
SDG 3
Physical and social activities protect the brain against Alzheimer’s disease

A scientific study using mice shows that cognitive and physical stimulation reduces senile plaque deposition and improves spatial memory.


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