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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

Cancer: FAPESP-supported center extends mastery of technique involving genetically modified defense cells
SDG 3
Cancer: FAPESP-supported center extends mastery of technique involving genetically modified defense cells

Research that can increase Brazil’s access to CAR T-cell therapy, an increasingly important strategy for treating cancer, is under way at the University of São Paulo’s Center for Cell-Based Therapy (CTC) in Ribeirão Preto, and the Butantan Institute.


Peptide with anti-obesity action is successfully tested in animal trial
SDG 3
Peptide with anti-obesity action is successfully tested in animal trial

In mice fed a high-fat diet, the molecule mitigated weight gain while reducing insulin resistance and liver fattiness. An article describing the results of the study by researchers at the University of São Paulo and collaborators is published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.


How the pandemic and social distancing have changed our perception of time
SDG 3
How the pandemic and social distancing have changed our perception of time

Brazilian researchers surveyed 900 volunteers via an online platform for five months. Most reported feeling that time passed more slowly during home confinement in the early months of the pandemic, associating this perception with feelings of loneliness and a lack of positive experiences in the period.


University of São Paulo researchers grow MPXV in Vero cells and distribute samples to other laboratories
SDG 3
University of São Paulo researchers grow MPXV in Vero cells and distribute samples to other laboratories

The material can be used for diagnostic testing, research on the evolution of the monkeypox virus, and development of novel treatments and vaccines.


Novel technique permits sequencing of monkeypox virus in only 18 hours
SDG 3
Novel technique permits sequencing of monkeypox virus in only 18 hours

A protocol developed by the Brazil-UK Center for Arbovirus Discovery, Diagnosis, Genomics and Epidemiology (CADDE) was used to analyze a sample from the first Brazilian patient with a confirmed diagnosis. The technology can also be used to detect unknown emerging viruses.


Physical exercise boosts beneficial cardiovascular effects of losartan in men with high blood pressure
SDG 3
Physical exercise boosts beneficial cardiovascular effects of losartan in men with high blood pressure

The finding comes from a clinical trial by researchers at the University of São Paulo who recruited 32 male volunteers and have now published the results in Clinical and Experimental Hypertension.


Molecule that combines three distinct technologies against most aggressive type of brain cancer is tested
SDG 3
Molecule that combines three distinct technologies against most aggressive type of brain cancer is tested

The approach combined nanotechnology, chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies. It produced promising in vitro and in vivo results against glioblastoma multiforme.


Lack or excess of amino acid methionine in diet can affect liver cells, study shows
SDG 3
Lack or excess of amino acid methionine in diet can affect liver cells, study shows

Research reveals the mechanisms whereby methionine-deficient and methionine-supplemented diets can alter gene expression and damage liver cells.


Low-cost 3D model is expected to accelerate research on neurological effects of COVID-19
SDG 3
Low-cost 3D model is expected to accelerate research on neurological effects of COVID-19

A bioink developed from mouse cells can be used in a 3D printer to create a model that more closely resembles the brain than conventional ones. Researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo also obtained an adapted version of SARS-CoV-2 capable of infecting neural cells from mice.


Physical activity should be encouraged during pregnancy, even for socially vulnerable women
SDG 3
Physical activity should be encouraged during pregnancy, even for socially vulnerable women

Researchers at the University of São Paulo analyzed data for a group of pregnant women in western Amazonia. The analysis pointed to a correlation between at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week and lower birth weight, with less risk of childhood obesity and diabetes.


Transcranial stimulation lowers blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension, study shows
SDG 3
Transcranial stimulation lowers blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension, study shows

The results of a clinical trial are reported by Brazilian researchers in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. According to the authors, if corroborated by more robust research, the findings indicate that the method can be used in emergency treatment of hypertensive crisis patients.


Study reinforces importance of high-quality face coverings in schools
SDG 3
Study reinforces importance of high-quality face coverings in schools

Mathematic simulations showed that well-executed non-pharmacological measures reduce the spread of COVID-19 even in places with low vaccination coverage. According to the authors, however, up to 80% of the population could catch the disease if preventive protocols are abandoned.


First database of multidrug-resistant bacterial genomes created in Brazil
SDG 3
First database of multidrug-resistant bacterial genomes created in Brazil

The open-access platform developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo offers access to strategic information on microorganisms classified by WHO as a “critical priority”. The aim is to contribute to the monitoring and control of bacteria that pose a great threat to human and animal health.


Study reveals potential target for treatment of diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations
SDG 3
Study reveals potential target for treatment of diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations

With aging, mutant genetic material tends to build up in the organelles responsible for producing energy, and this can lead to disease. Brazilian researchers have discovered that a cell cleansing mechanism known as autophagy can modulate this phenomenon.


The gut microbiota compound that could become a drug for prevention and treatment of bronchiolitis
SDG 3
The gut microbiota compound that could become a drug for prevention and treatment of bronchiolitis

Experiments involving isolated and cultured cells as well as animals and babies suggest that short-chain fatty acid acetate produced in the gut can minimize the effects of infection by respiratory syncytial virus.


Light-based therapies achieve good results in rehabilitation of patients with post-COVID complications
SDG 3
Light-based therapies achieve good results in rehabilitation of patients with post-COVID complications

Devices that combine laser irradiation, ultrasound and suction help regenerate tissue and treat muscle, joint, skin, neurological and lung damage. Protocols created via business-university partnerships are being tested and can be applied by treatment centers across Brazil.


Peptide created by Brazilian group delays melanoma growth in animal trials
SDG 3
Peptide created by Brazilian group delays melanoma growth in animal trials

An article in Scientific Reports shows that experimental treatment with a protein-derived molecule reduced tumor growth and metastasis, increasing the survival of mice by 25%.


Non-lethal component of anthrax kills pain by acting directly on pain-sensing neurons
SDG 3
Non-lethal component of anthrax kills pain by acting directly on pain-sensing neurons

The discovery is reported by researchers at Harvard University and the University of São Paulo in Nature Neuroscience, and could serve as a basis for the development of treatments for different diseases.


Revealed mechanism underlying progression to severe COVID-19 in lungs; possible novel therapeutic targets
SDG 3
Revealed mechanism underlying progression to severe COVID-19 in lungs; possible novel therapeutic targets

Scientists at a consortium of Brazilian universities show how the enzyme storm triggered by SARS-CoV-2 damages the lungs and may cause lasting complications.


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes premature aging of the immune system, study suggests
SDG 3
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes premature aging of the immune system, study suggests

Researchers affiliated with the University of São Paulo’s Medical School compared immune cells from COPD patients, healthy young and old adults, and smokers. The finding helps explain why these patients respond poorly to vaccines and are more susceptible to infections.


Startup designs molecules for treatment of mental disorders, cancer and other diseases
SDG 3, SDG 9
Startup designs molecules for treatment of mental disorders, cancer and other diseases

The computational platform developed by the firm, with FAPESP’s support, is capable of screening billions of molecules.


Combination of weak muscles and abdominal obesity can be an early sign of functional decline in men
SDG 3
Combination of weak muscles and abdominal obesity can be an early sign of functional decline in men

This was the conclusion reached by a study conducted in Brazil that analyzed data for 3,875 elderly men and women collected over an eight-year period. An article on the study is published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.


An online tool for studying brain development created from the largest-ever patient MRI database
SDG 3
An online tool for studying brain development created from the largest-ever patient MRI database

Conducted by an international group that included Brazilian scientists, the project created charts that show how the brain grows rapidly in early life and shrinks as we age. The researchers hope the charts will one day be used in clinical practice.


Largest ever genomic study of schizophrenia identifies 120 genes associated with the disease
SDG 3
Largest ever genomic study of schizophrenia identifies 120 genes associated with the disease

An article published in Nature by a consortium of researchers from 45 countries, including Brazil, reports on a study that analyzed data for 300,000 people and could pave the way for the development of novel therapies.


Study shows how mitochondria regulate lifespan by activating the immune system
SDG 3
Study shows how mitochondria regulate lifespan by activating the immune system

Findings published by researchers at the University of São Paulo may point to novel therapeutic targets for aging-related disorders such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.


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