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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

Scientists identify pattern of brain activity associated with resistance to stress
SDG 3
Scientists identify pattern of brain activity associated with resistance to stress

A study in rats analyzed neural rhythm in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus with machine learning techniques. The results could guide future personalized treatments for psychiatric disorders.


Brazilian researchers investigate diversity of <i>E. coli</i> bacteria in hospitalized patients
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers investigate diversity of <i>E. coli</i> bacteria in hospitalized patients

The aim of the study was to analyze the virulence and antimicrobial resistance profile of the main agent of urinary tract infections.


Study associates long COVID with physical inactivity
SDG 3
Study associates long COVID with physical inactivity

Fatigue, breathlessness and other symptoms that may persist months after recovery from the infection may both favor sedentarism and be more frequent as a result of an inactive lifestyle, according to findings described by researchers at the University of São Paulo in an article in Scientific Reports.


Moderate consumption of red wine remodels gut microbiota and offers cardiovascular benefits, study shows
SDG 3
Moderate consumption of red wine remodels gut microbiota and offers cardiovascular benefits, study shows

Significant changes in gut microbiota were observed in 42 men with coronary artery disease after they took 250 ml of red wine per day for five days a week over a period of three weeks.


Resistance training improves sleep quality and reduces inflammation in older people with sarcopenia
SDG 3
Resistance training improves sleep quality and reduces inflammation in older people with sarcopenia

The study involved 28 volunteers diagnosed with sarcopenia, which is characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength.


Third dose of COVID-19 vaccines increases protection against omicron, study shows
SDG 3
Third dose of COVID-19 vaccines increases protection against omicron, study shows

Researchers followed 286 volunteers during a wave of COVID-19 in the Northeast region of Brazil in the first quarter of 2022. The number of cases fell among those who had been vaccinated with three doses, and they had more neutralizing antibodies than subjects who had not completed the vaccination scheme even when previously infected.


Novel method of analyzing microplastic particle pollution can facilitate environmental impact assessment
SDG 3, SDG 12
Novel method of analyzing microplastic particle pollution can facilitate environmental impact assessment

An article by researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo argues that the analysis should consider not just the quantity but also the size and shape of plastic particles in water samples, as these variables influence the impact of plastic pollution on ecosystems.


Nanomaterial degrades organic pollutants when activated by light
SDG 3, SDG 12
Nanomaterial degrades organic pollutants when activated by light

The novel material was synthesized at the Center for Development of Functional Materials. The aim of the study was to combat the contamination caused by inappropriate disposal of pesticides and pharmaceuticals.


Yeast used in production of cachaça can prevent asthma, study shows
SDG 3
Yeast used in production of cachaça can prevent asthma, study shows

Brazilian researchers conducted preclinical trials involving mice to find the ideal dose and administration regime. The results suggest high daily doses of the probiotic are needed to obtain the benefit.


Sugar consumption and early interruption of breastfeeding are risk factors for dental caries in infancy
SDG 3
Sugar consumption and early interruption of breastfeeding are risk factors for dental caries in infancy

In a Brazilian study involving 800 children, researchers found that extended breastfeeding protects the baby’s teeth as long as it is not given sugary food.


Severity of post-COVID syndrome may be linked to antibodies involved in auto-immune diseases
SDG 3
Severity of post-COVID syndrome may be linked to antibodies involved in auto-immune diseases

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo provides knowledge for use in diagnosing and treating chronic fatigue syndrome, which affects 10%-20% of patients who recover from COVID-19.


Study reveals biomarkers that can be used to personalize treatment of head and neck cancer
SDG 3
Study reveals biomarkers that can be used to personalize treatment of head and neck cancer

Cetuximab is one of the few drugs approved for this type of cancer, but it is expensive and effective only for 40% of patients. An article in the journal Cells describes molecular alterations observed in tumor cells that indicate resistance to the drug, paving the way to the development of a predictive test.


Children of overprotective parents tend to live less, study suggests
SDG 3
Children of overprotective parents tend to live less, study suggests

Based on an analysis of data for nearly 1,000 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing born in the 1950s and 1960s, researchers concluded that children’s relationships with parents influence longevity, although the impact is different for men and women.


Study shows that COVID-19 virus can be detected in tears sampled by ocular swab
SDG 3
Study shows that COVID-19 virus can be detected in tears sampled by ocular swab

Researchers at the University of São Paulo detected SARS-CoV-2 on the ocular surface in 18.2% of samples taken from patients hospitalized with the disease. The findings point to an alternative to nasopharyngeal swabbing and highlight the need for health workers to protect themselves from infection by ocular fluids.


Repressive methods used in training women’s artistic gymnasts can be extremely harmful, study warns
SDG 3
Repressive methods used in training women’s artistic gymnasts can be extremely harmful, study warns

An article by researchers at the State University of Campinas in Sport, Education and Society investigates the dark side of Olympic fame. The lead author’s PhD research included interviews with former gymnasts in the Brazilian team.


Protein with anti-aging action combats inflammation and avoids death of neurons
SDG 3
Protein with anti-aging action combats inflammation and avoids death of neurons

Results of in vitro tests are described by researchers at the University of São Paulo in the journal Scientific Reports point to avenues for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.


Identified mechanism involved in development and intensification of cancer treatment-related pain
SDG 3
Identified mechanism involved in development and intensification of cancer treatment-related pain

Scientists who analyzed the combined use of two drugs – paclitaxel and immune checkpoint inhibitors – made discoveries that could pave the way for future research to combat the pain caused by other diseases.


Leisure facilities are increasing in São Paulo City but are still mainly in high-income areas
SDG 3, SDG 10, SDG 11
Leisure facilities are increasing in São Paulo City but are still mainly in high-income areas

A study analyzed changes to the built environment to promote physical activity in Brazil’s largest city between 2015 and 2020, using data from online public libraries as well as the city and state governments.


Loss of muscle mass in acute stage of COVID-19 is associated with persistent symptoms, study shows
SDG 3
Loss of muscle mass in acute stage of COVID-19 is associated with persistent symptoms, study shows

In Brazil, researchers tracked 80 patients with moderate and severe forms of the disease for up to six months after they left hospital. Muscle impairment during hospitalization was also a predictor of higher healthcare costs in the ensuing months.


Study shows that bioprinted artificial skin can be used in cosmetics and drugs testing
SDG 3
Study shows that bioprinted artificial skin can be used in cosmetics and drugs testing

In experiments conducted by scientists at the University of São Paulo, the performance of a model obtained in a 3D printer was equivalent to that of the conventional model produced manually. The biomimetic material can be produced on a large scale, reducing animal testing by the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.


Brazilian researchers combine genetics and nutricosmetics to develop customizable hair care product line
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian researchers combine genetics and nutricosmetics to develop customizable hair care product line

A company funded by FAPESP’s program to support innovation by small businesses is launching a dietary supplement for consumer hair care.


Researchers at the University of São Paulo create a low-cost sensor that detects heavy metals in sweat
SDG 3
Researchers at the University of São Paulo create a low-cost sensor that detects heavy metals in sweat

Flexible copper device identifies lead and cadmium in sweat and can be used by untrained personnel to monitor exposure to toxic materials.


Survey reveals physical and mental problems among health workers during pandemic
SDG 3
Survey reveals physical and mental problems among health workers during pandemic

Stress, burnout, pain and poor sleep were some of the most frequent symptoms reported by nursing and other staff who care for patients in a study conducted by researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos in São Paulo state, Brazil.


Study points to link between schizophrenia and vascular alterations in the brain
SDG 3
Study points to link between schizophrenia and vascular alterations in the brain

Brazilian researchers have discovered that central nervous system cells from patients with schizophrenia secrete substances that reduce the thickness of blood vessels in the brain, possibly leading to diminished metabolic flux in some parts of the CNS.


Toxins produced by Amazonian spider have potential for development of drugs and insecticides
SDG 2, SDG 3
Toxins produced by Amazonian spider have potential for development of drugs and insecticides

Researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo and Butantan Institute used several advanced techniques to analyze the venom of the Orange banded tarantula Acanthoscurria juruenicola and tested its capacity to paralyze crickets. The findings could contribute to the development of biodiversity-based solutions.


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