Fapesp

FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

News

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

News

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Abdominal obesity in conjunction with weak muscles is the main risk factor for metabolic syndrome
SDG 3
Abdominal obesity in conjunction with weak muscles is the main risk factor for metabolic syndrome

A study conducted by researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos and University College London analyzed eight years of data for almost 4,000 over-50s.


Cancer cell therapy developed at University of São Paulo wins Octavio Frias de Oliveira Award
SDG 3
Cancer cell therapy developed at University of São Paulo wins Octavio Frias de Oliveira Award

Nominated in the “Technological Innovation in Oncology” category, the study could benefit patients with hematological neoplasms.


Practicing sports in childhood and adolescence affords lifelong cardiovascular benefits
SDG 3
Practicing sports in childhood and adolescence affords lifelong cardiovascular benefits

A study conducted by Brazilian scientists at São Paulo State University involved 242 volunteers aged 40 on average. The results showed an improvement in heart rate control by the autonomic nervous system regardless of the level of physical activity in adulthood.


In rats, intrauterine exposure to cannabinoid affected cardiorespiratory function and sleep quality in adulthood
SDG 3
In rats, intrauterine exposure to cannabinoid affected cardiorespiratory function and sleep quality in adulthood

Brazilian researchers analyzed behavioral and physiological factors in animals whose mothers received a synthetic substance that activates the same receptors as marijuana during pregnancy. The consequences were different in males and females.


Peptide synthesized at University of São Paulo acts as molecular shield to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting cells
SDG 3
Peptide synthesized at University of São Paulo acts as molecular shield to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting cells

The synthetic peptide was inspired by ACE2, the protein to which the virus that causes COVID-19 binds to invade human cells. The results point to a route for the development of novel antivirals.


Strategy to combat breast cancer involves two-pronged attack on enzyme that ‘feeds’ tumor
SDG 3
Strategy to combat breast cancer involves two-pronged attack on enzyme that ‘feeds’ tumor

Promising results were obtained by a group at the Brazilian Center for Research on Energy and Materials (CNPEM), working with collaborators elsewhere. They combined inhibition of glutaminase, an enzyme that converts glutamine into nutrients for tumor cells, with inhibition of HuR, a protein that regulates the RNA of glutaminase.


Novel method detects biological oxidant derived from CO2 in cells
SDG 3
Novel method detects biological oxidant derived from CO2 in cells

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo in Brazil helps elucidate the impact of high levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide on human health.


Membrane for dressing complex wounds will enable customization of treatment
SDG 3
Membrane for dressing complex wounds will enable customization of treatment

The product, derived from sugarcane, is being developed by Dermbio Biotech, a startup incubated at the State University of Campinas.


Vegans’ intake of protein and essential amino acids is adequate but ultra-processed products are also needed
SDG 3
Vegans’ intake of protein and essential amino acids is adequate but ultra-processed products are also needed

The conclusion is from a study of 774 vegans conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil. An article reporting its findings is published in JAMA Network Open.


Study reveals mechanism that activates glucose production in the liver in response to stress
SDG 3
Study reveals mechanism that activates glucose production in the liver in response to stress

In addition to providing a detailed description of the morphology of hepatic nerves, the study led by Brazilians showed that the increase in blood sugar was activated by a protein called CREB.


High-intensity interval training is more beneficial for older women than moderate exercise or resistance training alone, study shows
SDG 3
High-intensity interval training is more beneficial for older women than moderate exercise or resistance training alone, study shows

Researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil evaluated the effect of three different low-cost training programs on a group of socially vulnerable female volunteers. HIIT combined with muscle strength exercises was the most efficacious in terms of reducing blood pressure and arterial stiffness, the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease.


Brazilian researchers discover key gene regulating virulence of fungus that causes severe lung infections
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers discover key gene regulating virulence of fungus that causes severe lung infections

The researchers are now looking for a molecule that inactivates the protein expressed by the gene as a basis for a drug that could complement existing medications, which are not always effective and can have adverse side-effects.


Severe COVID-19 can involve either exacerbated lung inflammation or high viral replication
SDG 3
Severe COVID-19 can involve either exacerbated lung inflammation or high viral replication

In PLOS Pathogens, researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil report a study based on autopsies of 47 patients who died after being infected by the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2. The findings will support clinical decisions on the treatment of critical cases.


Research group identifies novel probiotics in traditional Brazilian cheeses
SDG 3
Research group identifies novel probiotics in traditional Brazilian cheeses

In the journal Current Microbiology, Brazilian researchers describe how three strains of bacteria in the genus Lactobacillus can benefit human health and meet the needs of the cheese industry.


Preterm delivery by cesarean section is a growing tendency in Brazil and entails risks for babies, study shows
SDG 3
Preterm delivery by cesarean section is a growing tendency in Brazil and entails risks for babies, study shows

Brazilian researchers investigated the effects of delivery date manipulation to avoid the Carnival holiday. Their findings suggest Brazilian women are giving birth too early, impairing the health of their babies.


Brain enlargement is linked to severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, study shows
SDG 3
Brain enlargement is linked to severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, study shows

The researchers based their findings, published in Molecular Autism, on data for more than 900 children with ASD and experiments with brain organoids derived from blood cells donated by some of the children.


To subvert immune response, COVID virus stimulates production of proteins without protective function
SDG 3
To subvert immune response, COVID virus stimulates production of proteins without protective function

According to Brazilian researchers, SARS-CoV-2 uses this strategy to manipulate the machinery of the host’s defense cells. The discovery paves the way for the development of novel therapies.


Researchers map brain circuits that signal immediate danger and create memories to help avoid threats
SDG 3
Researchers map brain circuits that signal immediate danger and create memories to help avoid threats

Experiments with mice at the University of São Paulo used cutting-edge techniques to investigate the neural circuits behind aversive behavior and fear memory. The findings are reported in Current Biology.


Oropouche virus: 200-fold increase in infections this year in Brazil compared to the last decade due to novel variant
SDG 3
Oropouche virus: 200-fold increase in infections this year in Brazil compared to the last decade due to novel variant

Brazilian researchers publish preliminary data showing that the pathogen has undergone mutations making it more aggressive and contributing to resurgence of the disease in Brazil since 2023.


Study finds that dopaminergic medication improves sleep quality in Parkinson’s disease patients
SDG 3
Study finds that dopaminergic medication improves sleep quality in Parkinson’s disease patients

The analysis was conducted by researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP), showing that when the patients took the drug, the number of times they woke up during the night fell by 25% and the amount of time they remained awake fell 30% on average.


Novel methodology for remote testing of functional mobility and muscle strength in elderly patients with dementia
SDG 3
Novel methodology for remote testing of functional mobility and muscle strength in elderly patients with dementia

The protocol was designed at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar). Trained carers help patients take standard tests used by geriatricians and physical therapists, performing them in their own homes with remote assistance from health workers. The goal is to facilitate access to treatment for older people with dementia.


Resistance to the main drugs used in Brazil against <i>Leishmania</i> is found in parasite infecting cutaneous leishmaniasis patient
SDG 3
Resistance to the main drugs used in Brazil against <i>Leishmania</i> is found in parasite infecting cutaneous leishmaniasis patient

Trials conducted at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) confirm that the isolate of Leishmania amazonensis from a 46-year-old patient is resistant to amphotericin B.


Researchers develop protein concentrate from fermented common beans
SDG 3
Researchers develop protein concentrate from fermented common beans

Produced by a startup supported by FAPESP, the bean protein concentrate is designed to appeal to flexitarians – consumers who want to increase their intake of plant-based foods and decrease that of animal products.


Dairy-free infant formula developed by Brazilian startup mimics composition of maternal breast milk
SDG 3, SDG 9
Dairy-free infant formula developed by Brazilian startup mimics composition of maternal breast milk

The biotech based at MIT is developing bioactive versions of the product using the same technique as breweries and pharmaceuticals that produce biologics.


Study identifies protein that affects health of gut microbiota and response to bacterial infection
SDG 3
Study identifies protein that affects health of gut microbiota and response to bacterial infection

Mice that did not produce interleukin 22 binding protein (IL-22BP) had stronger defenses, according to an article published in PNAS. Understanding the protein’s role in intestinal health can pave the way to novel therapeutic strategies.


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