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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

Study paves the way for new therapeutic strategies against obesity
SDG 3
Study paves the way for new therapeutic strategies against obesity

Research conducted by Redoxoma, a FAPESP Research, Innovation, and Dissemination Center, found that mitochondrial potassium channels regulate heat production in brown adipose tissue.


Center supported by FAPESP stands out for its research to improve fish for human health
SDG 3
Center supported by FAPESP stands out for its research to improve fish for human health

In the nearly three years since its creation, the Fish for Health Research Center has achieved significant results in understanding the nutritional value and consumption habits of fish in the state of São Paulo, received new investments, and is preparing to expand its network of associated researchers.


Device detects sodium nitrite in beverages
SDG 3
Device detects sodium nitrite in beverages

Researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos used pieces of cork and lasers to create a mechanism that detects the presence of the substance, which has potential carcinogenic effects, in mineral water, orange juice, and wine.


Compound from Antarctic microorganism can be used to produce food, cosmetics, and medicine
SDG 3
Compound from Antarctic microorganism can be used to produce food, cosmetics, and medicine

The substance is essential for the survival of microbes in extreme environments and has been shown to have antioxidant, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties.


Research reveals possibility of new drug therapy for hereditary diseases
SDG 3
Research reveals possibility of new drug therapy for hereditary diseases

A study published in Science and involving a Brazilian researcher unveils a cellular mechanism involved in transmitting mutations in mitochondrial DNA. These mutations can cause serious, incurable diseases.


A high-fat diet induces inflammation in the brain, attracting immune cells from all over the body
SDG 3
A high-fat diet induces inflammation in the brain, attracting immune cells from all over the body

In tests with rodents, researchers observed that the immune system attempts to mitigate damage to the hypothalamus caused by food, which can lead to obesity in the long term. Animals whose migration of these cells was inhibited experienced greater weight gain, increased fat accumulation, and worsened metabolic markers.


Physical exercise can ‘train’ the immune system
SDG 3
Physical exercise can ‘train’ the immune system

In an article published in the journal Scientific Reports, an international team of researchers describes how the defense cells of older adults with a history of endurance training are more effective against inflammation.


Portable sensor detects synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarettes and biological fluids
SDG 3
Portable sensor detects synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarettes and biological fluids

Researchers develop technology that identifies highly potent and dangerous psychoactive substances. The device can be used in emergency medical facilities and to help inform users and reduce the harm associated with consumption.


FAPESP-supported center upgrades PET/CT equipment to include AI and guided biopsy capabilities
SDG 3, SDG 9
FAPESP-supported center upgrades PET/CT equipment to include AI and guided biopsy capabilities

The new functionalities allow the Cancer Theranostics Innovation Center to generate dynamic, more detailed images and provide more accurate diagnoses. The device is available to the scientific community in the state of São Paulo.


People with Down syndrome have early neuroinflammation
SDG 3
People with Down syndrome have early neuroinflammation

Researchers at the University of São Paulo identify a new factor that explains the high prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in older people with Down syndrome. The discovery paves the way for disease prevention strategies in this population.


Combination of quantum and classical computing supports early diagnosis of breast cancer
SDG 3, SDG 9
Combination of quantum and classical computing supports early diagnosis of breast cancer

Simple quantum-classical neural networks achieve good results in classifying lesions with fewer computational parameters. Scientists from São Paulo State University demonstrated a hybrid model at an international symposium.


Brazilian researchers warn that healthcare for transgender people is under threat
SDG 3, SDG 10
Brazilian researchers warn that healthcare for transgender people is under threat

Article published in Nature Medicine points to the risk of setbacks in research focused on this population. Experts question new rules in Brazil and other countries.


Geomagnetic disturbances caused by the Sun influence the occurrence of heart attacks, especially among women
SDG 3
Geomagnetic disturbances caused by the Sun influence the occurrence of heart attacks, especially among women

To reach this conclusion, Brazilian researchers cross-referenced data obtained from the local public health network with data from an indicator of variations in the Earth’s geomagnetic field. The study was published in the journal Communications Medicine.


Group creates tool to predict whether multiple sclerosis medication will be effective for patients
SDG 3
Group creates tool to predict whether multiple sclerosis medication will be effective for patients

Brazilian researchers, in partnership with French institutions, combine advanced cell image analysis technology and machine learning and discover a morphological marker linked to individuals who do not respond to natalizumab.


Super-resistant bacteria found in wild birds at a rehabilitation center on the coast of São Paulo state, Brazil
SDG 3
Super-resistant bacteria found in wild birds at a rehabilitation center on the coast of São Paulo state, Brazil

A vulture recently arrived at the Santos Municipal Orchid Garden and an owl living in captivity for ten years were colonized by antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli.


Study identifies candidates for therapeutic targets in pediatric germ cell tumors
SDG 3
Study identifies candidates for therapeutic targets in pediatric germ cell tumors

Pioneering research conducted in São Paulo state (Brazil) shows how the immune system reacts to rare types of childhood cancer.


Plant-derived compound has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects against periodontal disease
SDG 3
Plant-derived compound has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects against periodontal disease

Morin-based powder, extracted from guava leaves, apple peel, and figs, can be slowly released with the help of polymers and serve as an alternative to antibiotics.


Microplastics may affect bone health
SDG 3
Microplastics may affect bone health

Brazilian researchers analyzed over 60 scientific articles on the subject and found that the materials negatively affect bone tissue.


Study recommends integrated risk assessment for zoonotic and vector-borne diseases
SDG 3
Study recommends integrated risk assessment for zoonotic and vector-borne diseases

A summary of published studies on the risk of emerging diseases shows that only 7.4% simultaneously consider hazard, exposure, and vulnerability to infection. These three components are essential for reliably and accurately assessing the risk of these diseases in the context of environmental change.


Green tea improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in obese mice
SDG 3
Green tea improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in obese mice

A study in an animal model analyzed the muscle metabolism of guinea pigs on a high-calorie diet. Ultimately, consumption of the plant extract increased the expression of genes associated with glucose uptake and the activity of an essential metabolic enzyme.


Research identifies immune response that controls Oropouche infection and prevents neurological damage
SDG 3
Research identifies immune response that controls Oropouche infection and prevents neurological damage

Study conducted on mice provides important information that may help in the treatment of the disease. Confirmations in Brazil have increased in recent years.


Early childhood poverty endangers the future of millions of Brazilian children
SDG 3, SDG 10
Early childhood poverty endangers the future of millions of Brazilian children

Bringing together studies by various experts, the book Science of Early Childhood highlights the importance of this period in people’s development and lives. It also warns of the far-reaching consequences of social inequality.


Study confirms that inactive parents contribute to sedentary behavior in their children
SDG 3
Study confirms that inactive parents contribute to sedentary behavior in their children

On the other hand, when parents maintain an active routine, their children are more likely to follow suit. According to research by São Paulo State University involving 182 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17, mothers’ influence in encouraging physical activity was more than twice that of fathers.


Variations in glucose levels may indicate severity of heart attack damage
SDG 3
Variations in glucose levels may indicate severity of heart attack damage

Results from research conducted in Brazil show that glycemic delta is associated with the size of the heart attack and the strength of heart contractions. Acute myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in Brazil.


Protein deficiency during pregnancy and lactation may compromise sperm viability in offspring
SDG 3
Protein deficiency during pregnancy and lactation may compromise sperm viability in offspring

Research with rats has shown that a maternal diet lacking protein during these stages leads to changes in the structure and function of the epididymis, which would explain impairments in motility, viability, and sperm concentration in male offspring.


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