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

Biomaterial made of collagen and polysaccharide from red seaweed proves capable of stimulating bone regeneration
SDG 3
Biomaterial made of collagen and polysaccharide from red seaweed proves capable of stimulating bone regeneration

Researchers at the University of São Paulo conducted in vitro experiments with bone cells to confirm the properties of the novel biomaterial. Their findings suggest it can replace natural bone in grafting procedures to remedy defects or injuries.


A portable sensor that can monitor the quality of drinking water in the home
SDG 6
A portable sensor that can monitor the quality of drinking water in the home

The device developed at the University of São Paulo is inexpensive, environmentally friendly and easy to use. A patent application has been filed.


Orion will be the world’s first maximum biosafety lab linked to a synchrotron light source
SDG 3, SDG 9
Orion will be the world’s first maximum biosafety lab linked to a synchrotron light source

Scheduled to start operating in 2028 at the Brazilian Center for Research on Energy and Materials (CNPEM) in Campinas (São Paulo state), the lab will enable researchers for the first time in Latin America to study viruses classified as class 4, the highest category of biological risk.


Mathematics-intensive professions are expanding worldwide, but Brazil still lags behind
SDG 4
Mathematics-intensive professions are expanding worldwide, but Brazil still lags behind

The fifth 2024 FAPESP Lecture asking “How much is mathematics worth to Brazil?” was delivered by Marcelo Viana, Director General of Brazil’s National Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IMPA).


<i>The ISME Journal</i> lists State University of Campinas study among the top three of 2023
SDG 2
<i>The ISME Journal</i> lists State University of Campinas study among the top three of 2023

Work carried out at the Genomics for Climate Change Research Center, with the support of FAPESP, revealed soil bacteria that act as natural fertilizers and have applications in agriculture.


Study identifies protein that helps COVID-19 virus evade immune system
SDG 3
Study identifies protein that helps COVID-19 virus evade immune system

Discovery of a new viral evasion mechanism, and of a monoclonal antibody that subverts it, is an advance in immunotherapy offering the prospect of effective host-directed treatment to combat infections.


FAPESP announces the establishment of 21 new Science for Development Centers
SDG 17
FAPESP announces the establishment of 21 new Science for Development Centers

About BRL 130 million will be invested in the new centers, which will develop solutions to challenges posed by the São Paulo State Government.


Among paper wasps, evolution has replaced physical aggression with stereotyped shows of strength
SDG 15
Among paper wasps, evolution has replaced physical aggression with stereotyped shows of strength

A study shows that ritual dances and other displays in which workers select future queens with optimal reproductive capacity are found among all representatives of this group of wasps.


Scientists call for urgent action to tackle nutritional crisis devastating the Yanomami
SDG 2, SDG 3
Scientists call for urgent action to tackle nutritional crisis devastating the Yanomami

In an article published in Nature Medicine, a group at the State University of Campinas stresses that Yanomami children are suffering the most severe nutritional deficit of any Indigenous community in the Americas and warns of long-term consequences for health.


Workshop connects Brazilian and French researchers on health
SDG 17
Workshop connects Brazilian and French researchers on health

Brazil is considered “one of 12 countries that produce the most science” by the French government. The purpose of the event was to explore opportunities for funding joint research projects.


Researchers observe Mayaro and chikungunya viruses circulating at the same time in the Brazilian Amazon
SDG 3
Researchers observe Mayaro and chikungunya viruses circulating at the same time in the Brazilian Amazon

According to the authors of the study, infection by one virus was expected to afford protection against the other, preventing co-circulation. They warn of the risk of transmission of Mayaro in urban areas owing to deforestation and advocate more effective epidemiological surveillance.


Lung complications can worsen two years after hospitalization for severe COVID-19
SDG 3
Lung complications can worsen two years after hospitalization for severe COVID-19

A Brazilian study assessed 237 patients treated at the University of São Paulo’s general and teaching hospital. The researchers found that 92% still had lung damage two years after discharge, with fibrosis (33% of cases) arousing most concern.


New tuberculosis vaccine results presented at FAPESP Week China
SDG 3
New tuberculosis vaccine results presented at FAPESP Week China

Researchers from the Butantan Institute and collaborators reveal why recombinant BCG induces a stronger and longer-lasting response than the conventional vaccine.


Study reveals new factor associated with the risk of severe COVID-19 in people with obesity
SDG 3
Study reveals new factor associated with the risk of severe COVID-19 in people with obesity

By analyzing samples from obese non-diabetics, researchers from the State University of Campinas found that high blood levels of saturated fatty acids cause pre-activation of innate immune cells that, when infected with SARS-CoV-2, produce elevated levels of inflammatory molecules. Results were presented during FAPESP Week China.


Representatives of German Research Foundation visit FAPESP to discuss research collaboration
SDG 17
Representatives of German Research Foundation visit FAPESP to discuss research collaboration

At the meeting, leaders of the two institutions shared experiences on removing red tape and discussed the use of AI to assess project proposals, as well as preparations for FAPESP Week Berlin in 2025.


São Paulo State University unveils factory dedicated to producing pilot batches of biopharmaceuticals for clinical research
SDG 3, SDG 9
São Paulo State University unveils factory dedicated to producing pilot batches of biopharmaceuticals for clinical research

Located in Botucatu, the plant will perform outsourced medical drug development and production services for pharmaceutical companies, biotechs and other research institutions, complying with best manufacturing practices.


São Paulo and Italy plan to increase bilateral interaction between universities and companies
SDG 9, SDG 17
São Paulo and Italy plan to increase bilateral interaction between universities and companies

Companies are currently involved in 15% of the collaborative research projects conducted by scientists in São Paulo state and Italy, according to data presented at an event hosted by FAPESP.


Blood test can help predict risk of obstructive sleep apnea
SDG 3
Blood test can help predict risk of obstructive sleep apnea

In a study conducted by Brazilian researchers, blood levels of an amino acid called homocysteine correlated with the development of a disease that affects a third of the inhabitants of São Paulo city.


Opening of FAPESP Week China brings together academic, political and diplomatic leaders in Dongguan
SDG 17
Opening of FAPESP Week China brings together academic, political and diplomatic leaders in Dongguan

Participants emphasized their desire to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation between Brazil and China and celebrated the friendly relations between the two countries.


Companies supported by PIPE-FAPESP are looking for possible partnerships in China
SDG 9, SDG 17
Companies supported by PIPE-FAPESP are looking for possible partnerships in China

Startups were selected to participate in FAPESP Week through a call for proposals from the Innovative Research in Small Businesses Program, launched in April; the focus on innovation should be maintained in future editions of the event.


FAPESP and the National Natural Science Foundation of China plan to expand research cooperation
SDG 17
FAPESP and the National Natural Science Foundation of China plan to expand research cooperation

Heads of the two agencies met on June 24th and renewed the cooperation agreement signed in 2019; a joint workshop on precision agriculture will be held on Saturday as part of FAPESP Week China.


Novel method optimizes extraction of antioxidant and colorant from jabuticaba peel
SDG 9, SDG 12
Novel method optimizes extraction of antioxidant and colorant from jabuticaba peel

The process, developed by Brazilian and Spanish scientists, obtains anthocyanin from fruit processing waste with a higher yield than the usual method.


Scientists in Brazil and the United States discuss how to boost schoolchildren’s engagement with mathematics
SDG 4, SDG 10
Scientists in Brazil and the United States discuss how to boost schoolchildren’s engagement with mathematics

In an online seminar hosted by FAPESP and the U.S. National Science Foundation, researchers presented on initiatives aimed at promoting equity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).


Early warning systems and plans to avert disasters due to extreme rainfall are still flawed, study shows
SDG 11, SDG 16
Early warning systems and plans to avert disasters due to extreme rainfall are still flawed, study shows

Researchers analyzed landslides caused by storms in São Sebastião (Brazil) in 2023, when at least 65 people died, and suggest involvement of the local community in contingency programs.


Novel photodynamic therapy method can eradicate ocular melanoma, study shows
SDG 3
Novel photodynamic therapy method can eradicate ocular melanoma, study shows

The study is the first to show that femtosecond pulsed laser irradiation is effective and safe in mice with induced ocular melanoma, paving the way for minimally invasive targeted treatment of the disease in future.


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