Fapesp

FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

News

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

News

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Research reveals how gut microbiota imbalance can lead to Parkinson’s disease
SDG 3
Research reveals how gut microbiota imbalance can lead to Parkinson’s disease

Experiments conducted in Brazil suggest that molecules secreted by the bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila, more abundant in Parkinson’s, promote aggregation of the protein alpha-synuclein in intestinal cells. Clumps of the protein, which are known to be associated with development of the disease, may migrate from the gut to the brain.


Company based in São Paulo develops self-test that detects all variants of SARS-CoV-2
SDG 3, SDG 9
Company based in São Paulo develops self-test that detects all variants of SARS-CoV-2

The startup supported by FAPESP produces all of the inputs for the test and will supply them to partner companies that will assemble kits and distribute them to retailers.


Chiral gold nanoparticles increase vaccine efficacy by more than 25%, study suggests
SDG 3
Chiral gold nanoparticles increase vaccine efficacy by more than 25%, study suggests

The material is not an active ingredient but an adjuvant, and was successfully tested on an influenza virus in research conducted by an international team of scientists with Brazilian participation and reported in an article in Nature.


Study proves that domestic dogs play a key role in maintaining transmission of visceral leishmaniasis
SDG 3
Study proves that domestic dogs play a key role in maintaining transmission of visceral leishmaniasis

In an article published in the journal PLOS ONE, Brazilian scientists show that the number of domestic dogs in an area influences the risk of transmission of the disease and that areas in which cases occur remain high-risk areas.


Researchers test novel strategy to accelerate drug development
SDG 3
Researchers test novel strategy to accelerate drug development

By combining acoustic levitation and X-ray diffraction with synchrotron light, the researchers were able to analyze the interactions of a drug’s atoms in real time and improve its formulation.


Risk of obesity is 45% higher among adolescents whose diet is based on ultra-processed food products
SDG 3
Risk of obesity is 45% higher among adolescents whose diet is based on ultra-processed food products

The finding by Brazilian researchers was based on data for 3,587 adolescents who took part in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Another finding of concern is a 63% higher risk of visceral obesity, which correlates closely with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.


Metabolic syndrome impairs pulmonary function and immune response in over-sixties, study shows
SDG 3
Metabolic syndrome impairs pulmonary function and immune response in over-sixties, study shows

Results published in Scientific Reports by a research group at the Federal University of São Paulo help scientists understand why patients with metabolic syndrome are among those worst affected by COVID-19.


Bioactive compounds in orange juice help control blood sugar, study suggests
SDG 3
Bioactive compounds in orange juice help control blood sugar, study suggests

This was the main finding of a study by scientists affiliated with a FAPESP-supported research center. The effect may be associated with a mechanism whereby the fruit increases expression of an insulin-related microRNA.


Evidence abounds for capacity of physical activity to combat complications from COVID-19, scientist says
SDG 3
Evidence abounds for capacity of physical activity to combat complications from COVID-19, scientist says

In an editorial in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, Bruno Gualano, a professor at the University of São Paulo (Brazil), reviews what scientists know about the relationship between regular exercise and the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2.


Structures involved in communication among pathogenic fungi could be targets for novel treatments
SDG 3
Structures involved in communication among pathogenic fungi could be targets for novel treatments

A study shows how extracellular vesicles share information among cells in the same species, enabling the colony to respond in a coordinated manner to the host organism’s defenses.


Discovery could contribute to diagnosis and treatment of skin disease caused by false fungus
SDG 3
Discovery could contribute to diagnosis and treatment of skin disease caused by false fungus

Pythiosis affects humans, horses and other animals, often requiring surgery and even amputation. A study conducted at São Paulo State University has discovered seven potential antigens that can serve as a basis for tests and vaccines.


Stroke patients face higher risk of heart attack, study suggests
SDG 3
Stroke patients face higher risk of heart attack, study suggests

A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo advocates closer monitoring of these patients and prescribing more powerful drugs to combat atherosclerosis.


A model that mimics malformation associated with severe epilepsy paves way to novel therapies
SDG 3
A model that mimics malformation associated with severe epilepsy paves way to novel therapies

Scientists at a FAPESP-funded research center reprogrammed skin cells from patients with epilepsy to differentiate into cortical organoids with hallmarks of the malformation known as focal cortical dysplasia.


Whole-genome database will help refine diagnosis of genetic diseases in Brazil
SDG 3
Whole-genome database will help refine diagnosis of genetic diseases in Brazil

Whole-genome sequences of 1,171 elderly people living in São Paulo City were analyzed to detect mutations responsible for disease or that play a key role in healthy aging.


Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine as booster magnifies antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by a factor of 25
SDG 3
Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine as booster magnifies antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by a factor of 25

Brazilian researchers measured this increase in immunity in a study involving health workers who had received two doses of CoronaVac. In subjects given the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, the same booster raised immunity by a factor of 7.


Study reveals strategy for novel treatment of aggressive type of breast cancer
SDG 3
Study reveals strategy for novel treatment of aggressive type of breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer grows rapidly and is highly likely to metastasize. Experiments with mice identified a molecule that binds to a defense cell receptor and activates an immune response against the tumor.


Even mild or moderate COVID-19 can affect the cardiovascular system in young adults, study shows
SDG 3
Even mild or moderate COVID-19 can affect the cardiovascular system in young adults, study shows

Researchers at São Paulo State University followed young men and women aged 20-40 without pre-existing disease. The findings show that obesity and physical inactivity increase the impact of the disease on the autonomic nervous system, which regulates blood pressure, heart rate and breathing, among other functions.


Scientists discover possible biomarker for vascular disease
SDG 3
Scientists discover possible biomarker for vascular disease

First-ever study to show correlation between inhibition of protein HSP70 and dysfunction of cells in inner lining of blood vessels, one of the factors involved in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.


Mapping of exposed water tanks and swimming pools based on aerial images can help control dengue
SDG 3
Mapping of exposed water tanks and swimming pools based on aerial images can help control dengue

A study conducted in Brazil combined use of aerial photography and artificial intelligence to identify socio-economically deprived urban areas at risk for diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti.


Brazilian researchers investigate the link between diabetic kidney disease and cardiovascular problems
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers investigate the link between diabetic kidney disease and cardiovascular problems

A group at the University of São Paulo has shown how metabolic alterations lead to a buildup of cholesterol in the cells of diabetic patients.


Study identifies virus responsible for high mortality rate among pigeons in São Paulo City
SDG 3
Study identifies virus responsible for high mortality rate among pigeons in São Paulo City

A multicenter research team investigated an outbreak in 2019, which proved to be due to a subtype of the pathogen that causes Newcastle disease. According to the researchers, the risk to humans and poultry is low.


Home exercise training with remote supervision can assist post-COVID rehabilitation
SDG 3
Home exercise training with remote supervision can assist post-COVID rehabilitation

Brazilian researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of a 12-week home exercise program for 32 volunteers who had been hospitalized after contracting COVID-19.


Research reveals mechanism involved in transmission of genetic disease from mother to child
SDG 3
Research reveals mechanism involved in transmission of genetic disease from mother to child

Experiments in mice show for the first time that mutant mitochondrial DNA builds up during the final stage of egg formation. The discovery will serve as a basis for novel strategies to prevent transmission.


Artificial intelligence helps predict risk of complications in feet of diabetic patients
SDG 3, SDG 9
Artificial intelligence helps predict risk of complications in feet of diabetic patients

A system developed by a startup supported by FAPESP proves capable of predicting diabetic foot with over 85% accuracy. Foot complications occur in 34% of diabetics.


Vaccination has changed the profile of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and those who die from the disease
SDG 3
Vaccination has changed the profile of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and those who die from the disease

Brazilian researchers analyzed data for 2,777 patients hospitalized between January 5 and September 12, 2021. For those who had been fully vaccinated, being over 60 and having kidney failure were the sole predictors of hospitalization and death from COVID-19.


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