Fapesp

FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

News

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

News

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Novel method detects SARS-CoV-2 directly in nasal swabs
SDG 3
Novel method detects SARS-CoV-2 directly in nasal swabs

A system developed by Brazilian researchers detects the presence of the virus in a nasopharyngeal swab in less than a minute.


Webinar discusses impact of eScience and Data Science on social research and public policy
SDG 3
Webinar discusses impact of eScience and Data Science on social research and public policy

Scientists affiliated with institutions in Brazil and elsewhere presented research findings that highlighted the importance of data sharing in the fight against COVID-19.


SARS-CoV-2 can remain active for longer than recommended quarantine period, study shows
SDG 3
SARS-CoV-2 can remain active for longer than recommended quarantine period, study shows

Brazilian researchers followed 38 COVID-19 patients and found that it took a month on average for the diagnostic test to become negative. In three patients, the virus remained detectable for more than 70 days.


Scientific study points to direct link to alcohol and drug use in 31% of hospitalizations
SDG 3
Scientific study points to direct link to alcohol and drug use in 31% of hospitalizations

The study involving 376 patients was conducted in São Paulo and could contribute to the formulation of public policy to improve accident prevention.


Mask wearing during exercise does not affect breathing or cardiovascular fitness
SDG 3
Mask wearing during exercise does not affect breathing or cardiovascular fitness

The results of a study by researchers at the University of São Paulo could serve as a basis for new recommendations on health and fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Rapid test detects emerging disease transmitted by cats to humans
SDG 3
Rapid test detects emerging disease transmitted by cats to humans

Test developed by startup BiDiagnostics with FAPESP’s support promises faster and more accurate diagnosis of deep mycosis that causes sores and potentially fatal organ damage in domestic cats.


Computational algorithm associated with electroencephalography proves effective to diagnose Alzheimer’s
SDG 3
Computational algorithm associated with electroencephalography proves effective to diagnose Alzheimer’s

Using two low-cost techniques, researchers in Brazil differentiate patients with the disease from healthy subjects. Next steps include refining the approach to diagnose the disease in its early stages.


Research involving rhesus macaques paves way for schistosomiasis vaccine
SDG 3
Research involving rhesus macaques paves way for schistosomiasis vaccine

Experiments conducted at Butantan Institute (Brazil) show how the primate’s immune system prevents multiplication of the parasite in the organism. The discovery will facilitate the identification of targets for novel therapies and vaccines.


Treatment with injections of zika virus destroys brain tumors in mice without causing neurological damage
SDG 3
Treatment with injections of zika virus destroys brain tumors in mice without causing neurological damage

Experiments conducted at a FAPESP-supported research center showed that besides directly combating tumor cells, zika alerted the immune system to the presence of cancer. The study opens up prospects for the use of virotherapy for central nervous system tumors.


Study presents novel therapeutic target for treatment of sepsis
SDG 3
Study presents novel therapeutic target for treatment of sepsis

Researchers affiliated with a FAPESP-funded research center showed that a protein called gasdermin D is involved in septic patients’ organ lesions. The study also proved that a drug originally indicated to treat alcohol dependence can inhibit the molecule’s action and prevent complications.


Startup develops artificial tissue with vascularization
SDG 3, SDG 9
Startup develops artificial tissue with vascularization

FAPESP has funded development of the solution, which can in future be used to bioprint human organs using cells from the recipient.


Diagnostics, vaccines and public policies have improved thanks to FAPESP-supported research on COVID-19
SDG 3
Diagnostics, vaccines and public policies have improved thanks to FAPESP-supported research on COVID-19

Participants in an online seminar presented the results of research projects approved under a fast-track call issued by FAPESP at the start of the pandemic. The projects led to important discoveries on the mechanisms of the disease, development of vaccine and diagnostic technologies, and a deeper understanding of the role of governments in public health emergencies.


Study points to novel method of detecting complications caused by <i>P. vivax</i> in malaria patients
SDG 3
Study points to novel method of detecting complications caused by <i>P. vivax</i> in malaria patients

A research group led by scientists at the University of Campinas in Brazil found total parasite biomass to be a better predictor of complications from malaria than parasite burden in the bloodstream. The discovery can help develop treatment and a Plasmodium vivax vaccine.


Slowness of gait can predict risk of frailty in older people
SDG 3
Slowness of gait can predict risk of frailty in older people

The finding is reported in an article in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle by researchers in Brazil and the UK, who analyzed data for more than 3,000 people aged 60 and over.


Brazilian researchers develop nanocompound for targeted treatment of tumors
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers develop nanocompound for targeted treatment of tumors

The proposition is to use nanoparticles that can be guided by applying an external magnetic field to attack solid tumors resistant to conventional treatment.


Children with zika-associated microcephaly display heterogeneous neurological development, study shows
SDG 3
Children with zika-associated microcephaly display heterogeneous neurological development, study shows

Assessment of two- and three-year-olds can help health professionals design personalized treatment. The study involved scientists in Brazil and the United States, and is published in PLOS ONE.


Novel computer simulation method can accelerate COVID-19 drug discovery
SDG 3
Novel computer simulation method can accelerate COVID-19 drug discovery

The technique was used by researchers affiliated with institutions in Brazil, Germany and Finland to study the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), a key driver of the virus’s reproductive cycle.


Innovative thyroid nodule diagnostic test avoids unnecessary surgery
SDG 3, SDG 9
Innovative thyroid nodule diagnostic test avoids unnecessary surgery

The molecular test mir-THYpe uses biomarkers to detect whether a thyroid nodule classified as indeterminate is cancerous.


Experimental treatment prevents Alzheimer’s-associated weight gain in mice
SDG 3
Experimental treatment prevents Alzheimer’s-associated weight gain in mice

In a study conducted at a FAPESP-funded research center, a bile acid derivative known by the acronym TUDCA reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure in mice, improving quality of life. The results are promising for humans.


Modified protein from rattlesnake venom permits development of drug to modulate blood clotting
SDG 3
Modified protein from rattlesnake venom permits development of drug to modulate blood clotting

Procedure tested by researchers in Brazil and Belgium made the molecule more stable in the organism. Potential applications include anti-coagulants and wound dressings.


Infection by Chikungunya produces partial immunity against Mayaro virus
SDG 3
Infection by Chikungunya produces partial immunity against Mayaro virus

Scientists at the University of São Paulo confirmed the finding in experiments with mice and blood serum from patients.


Molecules isolated from natural products are strategic to combat neglected diseases
SDG 3
Molecules isolated from natural products are strategic to combat neglected diseases

The point was stressed by participants in the 6th FAPESP 60 Years Conference, featuring experts from Brazil, the UK and the US who discussed the search for drugs to treat diseases that affect some 2 billion people worldwide.


Implementation science contributes to adoption of new practices in public health, specialists say
SDG 3
Implementation science contributes to adoption of new practices in public health, specialists say

Speakers of an online seminar organized by FAPESP detailed methods used to identify and remove barriers that delay or interrupt effective interventions.


Aerobic training offers hypertensives more cardiac benefits in the evening, study suggests
SDG 3
Aerobic training offers hypertensives more cardiac benefits in the evening, study suggests

Scientists at the University of São Paulo compared the effects of morning and evening aerobic exercise on middle-aged men. The results suggest that training between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. stimulates mechanisms that keep blood pressure fine-tuned.


SARS-CoV-2 increases brain cell energy expenditure in order to replicate
SDG 3
SARS-CoV-2 increases brain cell energy expenditure in order to replicate

Experiments with hamsters and cultured astrocytes point to possible causes of neurological complications in COVID-19 survivors.


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