Fapesp

FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

News

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

News

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Substances extracted from the <i>Annona squamosa</i> leaf have analgesic and anti-arthritic potential, study reveals
SDG 3
Substances extracted from the <i>Annona squamosa</i> leaf have analgesic and anti-arthritic potential, study reveals

Researchers tested the effects of the plant’s methanolic extract and an isolated alkaloid substance, palmatine, on mice. The results were promising.


Study shows association between composition of gut microbiota and depressive symptoms during pregnancy
SDG 3
Study shows association between composition of gut microbiota and depressive symptoms during pregnancy

The study was conducted at the University of São Paulo. As the pregnant women were treated and their symptoms of depression improved, the proportion of “good” bacteria in their gut microbiome increased.


Capybaras found dead from rabies on island in São Paulo state (Brazil) warn of need to monitor virus
SDG 3
Capybaras found dead from rabies on island in São Paulo state (Brazil) warn of need to monitor virus

The viral strain found in the dead animals on Anchieta Island in Ubatuba was the variant transmitted by vampire bats, which probably fed on the capybaras’ blood at a time of habitat disturbance.


Study reveals cause of one of the main complications of bariatric surgery
SDG 3
Study reveals cause of one of the main complications of bariatric surgery

A study conducted by a Brazilian researcher at Harvard shows that serotonin – a hormone known for regulating mood – plays a central role in the development of postprandial hypoglycemia in up to 30% of people who have undergone surgery; the findings suggest avenues for possible treatments.


El Niño increases infestations of mosquito that transmits dengue in São Paulo state, Brazil, study concludes
SDG 3
El Niño increases infestations of mosquito that transmits dengue in São Paulo state, Brazil, study concludes

A study by a group of scientists shows that larval infestations of Aedes aegypti in open-air disused containers increased in response to the effects of the weather phenomenon, especially mean seasonal temperature and rainfall above 23.3 °C and 153 mm respectively.


Jabuticaba peel improves nutritional characteristics of bread
SDG 3
Jabuticaba peel improves nutritional characteristics of bread

Consumption of bread supplemented with jabuticaba peel flour, which is rich in fiber and antioxidants, lowers glycemic peaks and prolongs satiety.


Researchers map genetic variants associated with pancreatic cancer in Brazilian patients
SDG 3
Researchers map genetic variants associated with pancreatic cancer in Brazilian patients

The pioneering initiative by scientists at the University of São Paulo aimed to promote early diagnosis and improve treatment of the disease, which is relatively infrequent but one of the leading causes of death from cancer in Brazil.


Brazilian researchers develop 3D artificial skin that is more similar to human skin
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers develop 3D artificial skin that is more similar to human skin

In vitro model has all three layers of the organ, simulates diseases and injuries more accurately, and could replace animals in toxicological studies of medicines and cosmetics; innovation was presented at FAPESP Week Spain.


Paternal weight influences baby’s size at birth, study finds
SDG 3
Paternal weight influences baby’s size at birth, study finds

Researchers at the University of São Paulo analyzed data from 89 mother-father-baby triads and concluded that the higher the father’s body mass index, the smaller the baby, and that this can influence the baby’s health far into adulthood.


Method to enhance solubility of pea protein favors its use in food and beverages
SDG 3, SDG 9
Method to enhance solubility of pea protein favors its use in food and beverages

The strategy developed at the State University of Campinas consists of submitting the ingredient to heat treatment and combining it with guarana extract and vitamin D. The result could become an alternative to animal products.


Bringing genomics into public policy requires greater awareness, professional training, and investment
SDG 3
Bringing genomics into public policy requires greater awareness, professional training, and investment

WHO advisory group publishes first article in scientific journal outlining challenges and actions that can help make the field more equitable and promote progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, including rare ones.


Photodynamic therapy with annatto colorant found to be effective against bad breath
SDG 3
Photodynamic therapy with annatto colorant found to be effective against bad breath

The study involved 52 mouth-breathing children aged 6-12 with halitosis. The results are published in PLOS ONE.


Study published in <i>Nature</i> reveals new factor involved in controlling calorie expenditure
SDG 3
Study published in <i>Nature</i> reveals new factor involved in controlling calorie expenditure

Researchers from the University of Oxford and the State University of Campinas have discovered a neuropeptide that acts on the peripheral nervous system, outside the brain, to speed up metabolism. The finding opens the way to more efficient and cheaper treatments for obesity.


Enzyme produced by pathogenic fungus helps evade immune system and facilitates infection
SDG 3
Enzyme produced by pathogenic fungus helps evade immune system and facilitates infection

Researchers at the University of São Paulo found 62 proteins specific to spores of Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungal species that causes lung disease. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, showed that at least one of these proteins inhibits human defense mechanisms.


Newborn blood spot test extended to detect more than 50 immunodeficiencies
SDG 3, SDG 9
Newborn blood spot test extended to detect more than 50 immunodeficiencies

São Paulo-based startup supported by FAPESP develops cheaper and more sensitive alternative to imported test kits.


Joint pain associated with depressive symptoms accelerates cognitive decline in the elderly
SDG 3
Joint pain associated with depressive symptoms accelerates cognitive decline in the elderly

Conclusion comes from study that followed more than 4,000 people aged 50 or older for 12 years; damage is mainly in brain areas associated with memory.


Cerebellar atrophy in epilepsy patients is linked to the disease, not to medication use, says study
SDG 3
Cerebellar atrophy in epilepsy patients is linked to the disease, not to medication use, says study

Discovery contributes to advances in understanding of the disorder; study is one of the most comprehensive on the subject, with samples from 1,600 patients, including Brazilians.


Multidrug-resistant bacterium posing a global public health threat is detected in Northeast Brazil
SDG 3
Multidrug-resistant bacterium posing a global public health threat is detected in Northeast Brazil

This particular strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae had previously been detected in the United States. The bacterium frequently causes infections in hospitals, is not eliminated by any existing antibiotic, and is especially dangerous for people with low immunity.


Light-based therapy reduces pain associated with peripheral diabetic neuropathy, study proves
SDG 3
Light-based therapy reduces pain associated with peripheral diabetic neuropathy, study proves

The study was conducted at the Federal University of São Paulo and involved 144 diabetic patients, who were treated with monochromatic infrared light and physical therapy.


Researchers use nanotechnology to boost benefits of anthocyanin
SDG 3
Researchers use nanotechnology to boost benefits of anthocyanin

Plant-based pigment with antioxidant and anticancer properties breaks down easily in the gastrointestinal tract and under adverse environmental conditions. To avoid the problem, researchers at the University of São Paulo inserted the compound into pectin-coated nanoparticles, enhancing its bioavailability.


Study shows how high blood sugar increases risk of thrombosis
SDG 3
Study shows how high blood sugar increases risk of thrombosis

Discoveries by Brazilian researchers belonging to a FAPESP-supported research center could lead to strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease associated with diabetes.


Studies point to correlation between preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnant women
SDG 3
Studies point to correlation between preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnant women

A review article by researchers at the State University of Campinas and Baylor College of Medicine discusses relationships between these two conditions, identifying biomarkers that can help clinicians make a differential diagnosis.


Identified 51 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated mutations that could help diagnose the disease
SDG 3
Identified 51 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated mutations that could help diagnose the disease

The mutations were mapped by a group at the Federal University of São Paulo and collaborators in an analysis of mitochondrial genomes. Thirteen increase the risk of ALS and 38 are protective.


App uses artificial intelligence to monitor sleep and treat insomnia and apnea
SDG 3, SDG 9
App uses artificial intelligence to monitor sleep and treat insomnia and apnea

The platform, which was developed with FAPESP’s support, uses a clinical protocol based on cognitive behavioral therapy. The startup responsible participated in a business delegation to FAPESP Week Italy.


Rapid horizontal eye movement can improve stability in people with Parkinson’s
SDG 3
Rapid horizontal eye movement can improve stability in people with Parkinson’s

Vertical eye movements increased body sway in an experiment involving volunteers with the disease conducted by researchers at São Paulo State University (Brazil) and the University of Lille (France).


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