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FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

News

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Electronic cigarettes alter the composition of saliva, increasing the risk of oral diseases
SDG 3
Electronic cigarettes alter the composition of saliva, increasing the risk of oral diseases

Researchers from São Paulo State University and collaborators studied 50 young people with an average age of between 26 and 27. The goal was to find biomarkers that allow early detection of health changes.


Firefly light gives rise to sensor that detects cellular alterations
SDG 3, SDG 9
Firefly light gives rise to sensor that detects cellular alterations

An enzyme cloned from an insect found by Brazilian researchers – and genetically modified – makes it possible to monitor intracellular acidity and could be used to study diseases and drugs.


Weight training protects older people’s brains against dementia, study suggests
SDG 3
Weight training protects older people’s brains against dementia, study suggests

The study, conducted at the State University of Campinas, involved 44 people with mild cognitive impairment. After six months, the volunteers who practiced strength training showed improvements in memory and brain anatomy, while the others showed a decline in the parameters evaluated.


Studies evaluate the health effects of bioactive compounds obtained from plants
SDG 3
Studies evaluate the health effects of bioactive compounds obtained from plants

Researchers from Brazil and Germany study the mechanism of action of phytochemicals from papaya, passion fruit and medicinal plant extracts; results were presented at FAPESP Week Germany.


Aerobic exercise in the evening has more benefits for older hypertensive patients than morning exercise
SDG 3
Aerobic exercise in the evening has more benefits for older hypertensive patients than morning exercise

This is the conclusion of a study conducted at the University of São Paulo with 23 volunteers. The data show that only evening workouts regulated so-called baroreflex sensitivity – a mechanism that compensates for sudden changes in blood pressure.


Even the mild form of COVID-19 tends to cause an imbalance in the cardiovascular system and requires attention
SDG 3
Even the mild form of COVID-19 tends to cause an imbalance in the cardiovascular system and requires attention

In a study of 130 volunteers conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos, a drastic decrease in heart rate variability, i.e. the heart’s ability to adapt to environmental and physiological demands, was observed – up to six weeks after infection.


Nanotechnology-based dressing fights infection and improves wound healing
SDG 3
Nanotechnology-based dressing fights infection and improves wound healing

In rodent experiments, a cellulose product with silver nanoparticles was able to reduce microbial colonies in skin lesions, speeding up healing; treatment could benefit people with diabetic foot, burns, and bedridden patients with pressure ulcers.


Study identifies key protein in progression of glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor
SDG 3
Study identifies key protein in progression of glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor

In experiments conducted at the University of São Paulo, tumor stem cells became less able to proliferate and invade tissues when the production of the prion protein was blocked by gene editing; the results suggest that the molecule could be a therapeutic target.


Study shows that cannabidiol may be a promising agent for promoting dental biomineralization
SDG 3
Study shows that cannabidiol may be a promising agent for promoting dental biomineralization

Researchers tested different concentrations of the substance on dental pulp cells. Results show promise for dental tissue repair.


Study evaluates the use of magnetic carbon nanotubes in biomedical applications
SDG 3
Study evaluates the use of magnetic carbon nanotubes in biomedical applications

Material shows potential for use in drug delivery and tissue support systems in the human body.


Childhood brain disorders can lead to adult psychiatric disorders
SDG 3
Childhood brain disorders can lead to adult psychiatric disorders

Brazilian researchers have conducted a comprehensive study of the effects of seizures during development. The findings could lead to new treatments for autism, attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia and epilepsy.


Propolis extract shows antiviral activity against Zika, Chikungunya and Mayaro
SDG 3
Propolis extract shows antiviral activity against Zika, Chikungunya and Mayaro

Research conducted at the Butantan Institute seeks to identify a compound that can be used in both the prevention and treatment of arboviruses.


Cell phone application helps rehabilitate stroke survivors
SDG 3
Cell phone application helps rehabilitate stroke survivors

Assistive technology developed at the University of São Paulo helps patients with reduced muscle strength or unilateral paralysis perform daily activities and regain lost body awareness.


First coronavirus similar to MERS is found in bats in South America
SDG 3
First coronavirus similar to MERS is found in bats in South America

Detected in the state of Ceará, Brazil, the novel coronavirus has similarities with the coronavirus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome, first identified in 2012. Experiments to find out whether it can infect humans are set to take place during 2025.


Study conducted at University of São Paulo evaluates parent-mediated therapy for autistic children
SDG 3
Study conducted at University of São Paulo evaluates parent-mediated therapy for autistic children

Already provided by the UK’s National Health Service, the approach, called PACT, aims to improve communication and interaction by focusing on the child’s interests.


Consumption of omega-3 weakens insulin resistance in non-obese rats, study shows
SDG 3
Consumption of omega-3 weakens insulin resistance in non-obese rats, study shows

Fish oil supplementation altered the profile of defense cells, which switched from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory state, reversing a condition similar to type 2 diabetes.


Test identifies prior infection by zika virus and all four dengue virus serotypes
SDG 3
Test identifies prior infection by zika virus and all four dengue virus serotypes

The method developed at the University of São Paulo detects and distinguishes between antibodies induced by the pathogens in blood samples. The strategy can be used to orient public policy in health and to evaluate the efficacy of dengue vaccines.


Added sugar and salt are the ‘villains’ in the relationship between dietary patterns and stomach cancer
SDG 3
Added sugar and salt are the ‘villains’ in the relationship between dietary patterns and stomach cancer

Researchers used an innovative approach and analyzed data from a large sample involving residents of four state capitals in different regions of Brazil; study contributes to preventive strategies for this type of tumor.


Tests on sunglasses show deficiencies in protection against ultraviolet rays
SDG 3
Tests on sunglasses show deficiencies in protection against ultraviolet rays

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo analyzed the effectiveness of 12 models and showed that only one met the safety limits set by an international organization.


Spending more than 3 hours a day sedentary worsens teens’ mental health
SDG 3
Spending more than 3 hours a day sedentary worsens teens’ mental health

The conclusion comes from a study that analyzed data from more than 3,600 adolescents aged 14 to 17. Moderate screen time spent on educational activities was associated with less psychological distress.


Consumption of fruit, coffee, chocolate and wine reduces risk of metabolic syndrome by up to 23%
SDG 3
Consumption of fruit, coffee, chocolate and wine reduces risk of metabolic syndrome by up to 23%

The world’s largest study of the impact of dietary polyphenol intake on the risk of cardiometabolic problems tracked more than 6,000 Brazilians for eight years.


Pattern of compounds in blood may indicate severity of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia
SDG 3
Pattern of compounds in blood may indicate severity of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia

A study involving 173 pregnant women reached this conclusion. The findings expand scientific knowledge of the preeclampsia and the mechanisms whereby damage to the kidneys, lungs, liver and brain may occur.


Simple, quick test can predict fall risk in older adults six months in advance
SDG 3
Simple, quick test can predict fall risk in older adults six months in advance

A study of 153 people between the ages of 60 and 89 suggests modifications to a well-established clinical test for assessing balance in the elderly to make it more efficient, accessible, and predictive.


Global study identifies markers for the five clinical stages of Parkinson’s disease
SDG 3
Global study identifies markers for the five clinical stages of Parkinson’s disease

By creating a new metric, researchers envision the possibility of diagnostic and treatment advances for the disease, which is estimated to affect about 4 million people worldwide.


Reemergence of dengue serotype 3 may increase severity of outbreaks of the disease in Brazil
SDG 3
Reemergence of dengue serotype 3 may increase severity of outbreaks of the disease in Brazil

The population is not immunized against DENV-3. Meanwhile, DENV-1 and -2 continue to circulate, experts warn.


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