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

Scientists discover how light destroys cell membranes
SDG 3
Scientists discover how light destroys cell membranes

Description of the mechanism could enhance the efficiency of photodynamic therapy, a medical treatment for cancer and bacterial infection, and permit the development of more efficient sunscreens.


Artificial intelligence for the management of maritime operations
SDG 9
Artificial intelligence for the management of maritime operations

Solution developed by Brazilian startup forecasts conditions for ships to approach port and dock, including waves, tides, winds, currents and swells.


Oversized meals have been shown to be a factor in obesity
SDG 3
Oversized meals have been shown to be a factor in obesity

A study conducted in Brazil, China, Finland, Ghana, India and the United States found 94% of meals served in restaurants contain more than the recommended number of calories according to the UK’s National Health Service.


The Amazon Tall Tower Observatory, a tool to investigate links between tropical forest and global climate
SDG 13
The Amazon Tall Tower Observatory, a tool to investigate links between tropical forest and global climate

The 325 m tall tower, built by a partnership between Brazil and Germany, is the starting point for the collection and analysis of data that is deepening scientists’ understanding of the Amazon’s importance to the world.


Brazilian software can be used to send data from telescope carrying the world’s largest digital camera
SDG 9
Brazilian software can be used to send data from telescope carrying the world’s largest digital camera

Kytos software developed by SPRACE, a research center supported by FAPESP, is being tested at the production network of the consortium responsible for transmitting data from the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope.


Ecosystems can be restored by means of biodiversity engineering
SDG 13
Ecosystems can be restored by means of biodiversity engineering

Researchers show that the theoretical, methodological and technological conditions exist to manipulate the composition of ecological communities and preserve or restore the functions of an ecosystem.


Biotechnology can reduce paper production costs
SDG 9
Biotechnology can reduce paper production costs

Enzymes produced by Brazilian startup Verdatis reduce electricty consumption in refining stage by 30%.


Waist-stature ratio can indicate the risk of cardiovascular disease even in healthy individuals
SDG 3
Waist-stature ratio can indicate the risk of cardiovascular disease even in healthy individuals

Physically active men who are not overweight but who have a relatively high waist-stature ratio are more likely to develop heart disorders, according to a study by Brazilian researchers.


Rio Grande Rise may have been a volcanic island
SDG 14
Rio Grande Rise may have been a volcanic island

Brazilian and British researchers have found evidence that part of the seabed in the Southwestern Atlantic may have been created and submerged by volcanic lava eruptions.


Planning of two innovation districts begins for São Paulo State
SDG 11
Planning of two innovation districts begins for São Paulo State

Land in São Paulo City and Campinas with an aggregate area of more than 2 million sq. m. could be converted into innovation and creativity environments. The projects are supported by FAPESP.


Urbanization changes shape of mosquitoes’ wings
SDG 3
Urbanization changes shape of mosquitoes’ wings

Research shows that rapid urbanization in São Paulo City, Brazil, is influencing wing morphology in the mosquitoes that transmit dengue and malaria.


Supplement enhances muscle detoxification in athletes
SDG 3
Supplement enhances muscle detoxification in athletes

After taking beta-alanine for 28 days, volunteers eliminated more toxic substances from skeletal muscle following physical exercise. This discovery could help treat diseases caused by oxidative stress.


Technology transfer should not aim to earn profit for universities
SDG 16
Technology transfer should not aim to earn profit for universities

Relationships with business offer strong potential benefits to teaching and returns to society in the form of technology for use on a day-to-day basis, says head of Knowledge Transfer Ireland


Older workers maintain productivity
SDG 8
Older workers maintain productivity

Survey shows that over-60s are not less productive and do not fuel youth unemployment by staying on the labor market


Companies in the oil and gas industry invest in research and development
SDG 12
Companies in the oil and gas industry invest in research and development

Workshop highlights technological requirements, solutions and need for partnerships between oil companies, universities and startups.


Social and environmental costs of hydropower are underestimated, study shows
SDG 9, SDG 16
Social and environmental costs of hydropower are underestimated, study shows

Study shows that deforestation, loss of biodiversity and economic damage done to communities living near dams have not been factored into the cost of these projects. Large dams also ignore the effects of climate change.


Substance found in fruit helps combat the effects of jararaca viper venom
SDG 3
Substance found in fruit helps combat the effects of jararaca viper venom

A study conducted in Brazil showed protective effects of flavonoid rutin against bleeding and inflammation due to snakebite.


Reconstruction of trilobite ancestral range
SDG 14
Reconstruction of trilobite ancestral range

Brazilian researchers used biogeographic analysis to study trilobites, arthropods that became extinct over 252 million years ago. The study was published in Scientific Reports.


Research conducted by Brazil-Germany cooperation seeks to understand electrochemical reactions
SDG 9, SDG 17
Research conducted by Brazil-Germany cooperation seeks to understand electrochemical reactions

Upgrading fuel cells is one of the possible technological applications of a theoretical study led by the young Brazilian researcher Luana Sucupira Pedroza.


New rule in revised Brazilian Forest Code may lead to increased legal deforestation in Amazon
SDG 13
New rule in revised Brazilian Forest Code may lead to increased legal deforestation in Amazon

Researchers show that up to 15 million hectares of forest risk losing protection owing to a new clause in the law under which state governments can reduce the extent of protected areas within private properties.


Scientists synthesize molecule capable of eliminating hepatitis C virus
SDG 3
Scientists synthesize molecule capable of eliminating hepatitis C virus

The compound called GA-Hecate also acts on bacteria, fungi and cancer cells and will be tested against Zika and yellow fever viruses.


Sensors monitor temperature, humidity and air quality in indoor environments
SDG 9
Sensors monitor temperature, humidity and air quality in indoor environments

Brazilian startup Omni-eletronica’s technology uses artificial intelligence to optimize physical store operations.


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