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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

Fishermen in Maceió, Brazil, have higher-than-average mercury levels
SDG 3
Fishermen in Maceió, Brazil, have higher-than-average mercury levels

Blood and urine analyses of the population living in the Mundaú lagoon complex revealed a greater presence of chemical contaminants and metabolic alterations that can exacerbate chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. These results underscore the need to monitor the health of the inhabitants and control the sources of contamination.


Researchers develop ‘vegan meat’ based on sunflower flour
SDG 3
Researchers develop ‘vegan meat’ based on sunflower flour

The ingredient, extracted from the plant’s seeds, is a good source of protein and has a neutral flavor and aroma, making it easy to use in food products.


Researchers identify protein essential for balancing bone tissue
SDG 3
Researchers identify protein essential for balancing bone tissue

Findings published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules could guide studies aimed at treating diseases such as osteoporosis.


Research reveals how hormone accelerates fat burning and promotes weight loss in obese mice
SDG 3
Research reveals how hormone accelerates fat burning and promotes weight loss in obese mice

An experiment conducted at the State University of Campinas showed that FGF19, produced in the intestine, acts on specific regions of the brain, causing the body to burn energy to produce heat; the discovery paves the way for new drugs.


Article presents innovative drug for controlling weight and blood sugar
SDG 3
Article presents innovative drug for controlling weight and blood sugar

In animal tests, the molecule developed in South America has been shown to prevent fat accumulation and treat existing obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Initial human studies have confirmed the safety of the compound.


Research reveals specific type of rare genetic variation linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder
SDG 3
Research reveals specific type of rare genetic variation linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder

The study compared data from patients and healthy individuals from Brazil, Canada, and the United States. The results help paint a clearer picture of how genetics influences the development of OCD.


Amazon scorpion toxin kills breast cancer cells
SDG 3
Amazon scorpion toxin kills breast cancer cells

Researchers from the University of São Paulo have identified a molecule in arachnid venom that acts similarly to a commonly used chemotherapy drug for treating the disease; preliminary results of the study were presented at FAPESP Week France.


Study identifies molecule in stingless bee propolis that can kill dengue mosquito larvae
SDG 3
Study identifies molecule in stingless bee propolis that can kill dengue mosquito larvae

Researchers have found a substance in propolis from bees native to Brazil that kills 90% to 100% of Aedes aegypti larvae. The compound, found in pine sap, is likely enhanced by insect processing and has the potential to help combat mosquitoes that transmit arboviruses.


Researchers from Brazil and France are set to test new cell therapy for cancer
SDG 3
Researchers from Brazil and France are set to test new cell therapy for cancer

Scientists from the Curie Institute and the University of São Paulo are about to conduct a clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new CAR-T cell-based immunotherapy for patients with oculocerebral lymphoma; the project was presented at FAPESP Week in Toulouse.


Machine learning can predict which babies will be born with low birth weights
SDG 3
Machine learning can predict which babies will be born with low birth weights

The evaluation of predictive models for low birth weight cases was based on data from a population study of over 1,500 pregnant women in the city of Araraquara in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Early identification of the problem is crucial for effective intervention.


Imunotera: therapeutic vaccine for diseases caused by HPV
SDG 3, SDG 9
Imunotera: therapeutic vaccine for diseases caused by HPV

With support from FAPESP, the São Paulo startup has developed a molecule that can stimulate the immune system to fight cancer caused by the human papillomavirus; the technology will be presented at the VivaTech fair in Paris.


Vitamin D increases the likelihood that breast cancer will disappear with chemotherapy
SDG 3
Vitamin D increases the likelihood that breast cancer will disappear with chemotherapy

In a study conducted at São Paulo State University with 80 women over the age of 45, low-dose vitamin D supplementation nearly doubled the treatment response rate.


A combination of exercise and omega-3 reduces the severity of tooth root infections
SDG 3
A combination of exercise and omega-3 reduces the severity of tooth root infections

Rats that exercised and took fatty acid supplements responded better to bacteria and the inflammatory process of apical periodontitis, which can occur when caries reach the root canal and cause an infection.


Cor.Sync: Brazilian device provides innovative heart attack diagnosis
SDG 3, SDG 9
Cor.Sync: Brazilian device provides innovative heart attack diagnosis

The system, developed by the FAPESP-supported startup, performs an assessment in eight minutes, drastically reducing the time needed to save lives; the technology will be presented at VivaTech in Paris.


Onkos: molecular test prevents unnecessary thyroid surgery
SDG 3, SDG 9
Onkos: molecular test prevents unnecessary thyroid surgery

A test developed by the São Paulo state startup with support from FAPESP can distinguish benign nodules from malignant ones; the technology will be presented at one of the largest innovation events in France.


Onkos: molecular test prevents unnecessary thyroid surgery
SDG 3, SDG 9
Onkos: molecular test prevents unnecessary thyroid surgery

A test developed by the São Paulo state startup with support from FAPESP can distinguish benign nodules from malignant ones; the technology will be presented at one of the largest innovation events in France.


In Situ: 3D biodressing for the treatment of chronic wounds and severe burns
SDG 3, SDG 9
In Situ: 3D biodressing for the treatment of chronic wounds and severe burns

With support from FAPESP, the startup has developed a material containing human umbilical cord stem cells that speeds up the recovery of skin lesions; the technology will be presented at the VivaTech technology fair in France.


Study identifies proteins involved in the effectiveness of immunotherapy against blood cancer
SDG 3
Study identifies proteins involved in the effectiveness of immunotherapy against blood cancer

Researchers at a FAPESP-supported research center have discovered 14 proteins that could be targets for improving CAR-T cell-based therapies.


Study identifies proteins involved in the effectiveness of immunotherapy against blood cancer
SDG 3
Study identifies proteins involved in the effectiveness of immunotherapy against blood cancer

Researchers at a FAPESP-supported research center have discovered 14 proteins that could be targets for improving CAR-T cell-based therapies.


Self-harm in adolescence: young people report on strategies to alleviate mental suffering in a booklet
SDG 3
Self-harm in adolescence: young people report on strategies to alleviate mental suffering in a booklet

The publication, which resulted from a project conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos, is available in Portuguese and English and has the potential to be an important, low-cost therapeutic and educational tool.


Brazilian manufacturer of lung ventilators wants to increase its presence in the U.S. market
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian manufacturer of lung ventilators wants to increase its presence in the U.S. market

The FAPESP-supported company already exports one model and has applied for certification of two new devices in the United States.


More than 70% of young women suffer from itching, irritation, pain, and other symptoms in the genital area
SDG 3
More than 70% of young women suffer from itching, irritation, pain, and other symptoms in the genital area

The finding was based on questionnaires applied to 313 Brazilian women in their 30s. The results indicate that, although the reported discomforts negatively affect the participants’ quality of life and sexual health, they tend to normalize them.


Women with low muscle mass have a worse prognosis in breast cancer treatment
SDG 3
Women with low muscle mass have a worse prognosis in breast cancer treatment

The study conducted at the University of São Paulo evaluated data from 54 women who were newly diagnosed with early-stage disease.


Insulin resistance in the brain may be one of the factors linking Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy
SDG 3
Insulin resistance in the brain may be one of the factors linking Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy

In animal tests, researchers from the University of São Paulo observed that changes in insulin signaling in the brain affected both memory and the frequency and severity of seizures. The findings support clinical evidence and point the way to new therapeutic approaches.


Modification makes immunotherapy for blood cancer even more effective
SDG 3
Modification makes immunotherapy for blood cancer even more effective

A group led by researchers at the A.C.Camargo Cancer Center has succeeded in improving CAR-T cells, making them more effective in treating refractory types of lymphoma and leukemia.


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