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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

Research group studies the sexual habits of fungi in search of strategies to combat harmful species
SDG 3
Research group studies the sexual habits of fungi in search of strategies to combat harmful species

Scientists at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Bath in the UK, aim to find ways of inhibiting gene exchange between fungi in order to reduce resistance to fungicide.


The COVID-19 pandemic requires society to provide more care for the elderly
SDG 3, SDG 10
The COVID-19 pandemic requires society to provide more care for the elderly

Some 300,000 older people live alone in São Paulo City, and more than 8,000 say they have no one to turn to for help. A study supported by FAPESP describe their vulnerability in the ongoing public health crisis.


Study links malaria risk in deforestation hotspots to demand for agricultural commodities
SDG 3, SDG 13
Study links malaria risk in deforestation hotspots to demand for agricultural commodities

The international trade in timber, tobacco, cocoa, coffee and cotton accounts for a high proportion of malaria risk in exporter countries, according to a collaborative study by scientists in Brazil and Australia published in Nature Communications.


Brazilian researchers develop rapid test to detect novel coronavirus
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian researchers develop rapid test to detect novel coronavirus

The device will identify parts of the virus’s RNA in the saliva of infected subjects. Other initiatives by the research group at the Federal University of São Carlos include developing sensors to look for the pathogen in the air and in sewerage systems.


Study shows advantage of alternating quarantines in cities across the state of São Paulo
SDG 3, SDG 17
Study shows advantage of alternating quarantines in cities across the state of São Paulo

Strategy would maintain economic activity and protect healthcare services, according to system developed by a research center supported by FAPESP.


Researchers discover mechanism that makes COVID-19 more severe in diabetics
SDG 3
Researchers discover mechanism that makes COVID-19 more severe in diabetics

Higher blood glucose levels captured by defense cells provide energy for augmented viral replication, triggering overwhelming immune response that kills lung cells.


Over 50% of adults in Brazil can be considered at risk for COVID-19
SDG 3
Over 50% of adults in Brazil can be considered at risk for COVID-19

This study analyzes the prevalence of factors that increase the risk of severe manifestations of COVID-19, such as old age, chronic disease, obesity and smoking, among others. The proportion of the most susceptible people is 80% among those with less schooling


Researchers in Brazil develop low-cost mechanical ventilators
SDG 3, SDG 9
Researchers in Brazil develop low-cost mechanical ventilators

Created at the University of São Paulo’s Engineering School (POLI-USP), the machine costs approximately 7% as much as a conventional ventilator and can be freely manufactured by companies that obtain approval from the national health surveillance authority.


Only 1.2% of population of largest city in north of São Paulo State have been infected by SARS-CoV-2
SDG 3
Only 1.2% of population of largest city in north of São Paulo State have been infected by SARS-CoV-2

Estimate is based on testing of 700 inhabitants of Ribeirão Preto in early May. Another round of testing will be conducted in June. The study is carried out by the University of São Paulo in partnership with the city’s health department.


COVID-19 should be treated as a thrombotic disease, Brazilian pulmonologist argues
SDG 3
COVID-19 should be treated as a thrombotic disease, Brazilian pulmonologist argues

Dr. Elnara Negri, who works in São Paulo City at the largest hospital complex in Latin America, advocates the use of the anti-coagulant drug heparin to treat complications caused by novel coronavirus.


Project to investigate how the novel coronavirus affects the olfactory system
SDG 3
Project to investigate how the novel coronavirus affects the olfactory system

A group of scientists in the state of São Paulo plan to determine whether a sudden loss of smell is an early indication of COVID-19.


Median age of first patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brazil was lower than elsewhere
SDG 3
Median age of first patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brazil was lower than elsewhere

Study shows that the 20-39 age group accounted for almost half the cases confirmed in the first month, possibly explaining why a smaller proportion of the total number infected were hospitalized in the period.


Use of anticoagulant medication leads to 70% reduction in cell infection by novel coronavirus
SDG 3
Use of anticoagulant medication leads to 70% reduction in cell infection by novel coronavirus

Laboratory tests conducted by collaborating Brazilian and European researchers showed that heparin alters the shape of the protein used by SARS-CoV-2 to penetrate host cells.


Academia-business partnership stimulates local production of inputs for key COVID-19 diagnostic test
SDG 3, SDG 17
Academia-business partnership stimulates local production of inputs for key COVID-19 diagnostic test

Researchers at the University of Campinas partner with biotech startups to promote local production of hitherto imported reagents. The goal is to increase Brazil’s capacity to perform RT-PCR tests, considered the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis.


Face shield developed by the University of São Paulo is produced by industrial firms
SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 17
Face shield developed by the University of São Paulo is produced by industrial firms

3D printed face shields are worn by frontline health workers over a conventional surgical mask.


Study indicates the need to revise the protocol for detecting Zika in placenta
SDG 3
Study indicates the need to revise the protocol for detecting Zika in placenta

Brazilian researchers show that the virus can infect different placental regions and that collection and storage methods should be taken into consideration to ensure that the results are trustworthy and representative.


Artificial intelligence to track news of COVID-19
SDG 3
Artificial intelligence to track news of COVID-19

Digital tool developed at the University of São Paulo’s Mathematics and Computer Sciences Institute (ICMC-USP) in São Carlos refines projections for the spread of the pandemic.


Novel coronavirus can infect human neurons
SDG 3
Novel coronavirus can infect human neurons

Brazilian researchers are conducting tests with cultured cells to find out how COVID-19 changes patterns of proteins and other metabolites present in samples.


Researchers in São Paulo will combine biotechnological techniques to formulate COVID-19 vaccine
SDG 3
Researchers in São Paulo will combine biotechnological techniques to formulate COVID-19 vaccine

Scientists in Butantan Institute’s Special Vaccine Development Laboratory will couple SARS-CoV-2 antigen to bacterial membrane in order to trigger defense against coronavirus.


Brazilian startup develops technology for remote monitoring of patients with suspected COVID-19
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian startup develops technology for remote monitoring of patients with suspected COVID-19

Based on the Internet of Things, the system was developed in a project supported by FAPESP. Patients can be advised to seek hospital care if they detect a deterioration in clinical signs.


Blood cells could serve as a ‘thermometer’ to detect breast cancer
SDG 3
Blood cells could serve as a ‘thermometer’ to detect breast cancer

This study shows that patients develop alterations in a type of leukocyte at the initial stage of the disease. This discovery paves the way for the enhanced diagnosis and treatment of this type of tumor.


Study identifies group of genes with altered expression in autism
SDG 3
Study identifies group of genes with altered expression in autism

The dysregulation appeared to affect communication among neurons in the subjects of the study, which was conducted in Brazil. The discovery could improve diagnosis, which is currently based on the clinical analysis of symptoms.


Researchers develop rapid tests to diagnose COVID-19
SDG 3
Researchers develop rapid tests to diagnose COVID-19

Several initiatives are pursuing alternatives to increase the number of diagnostic tests performed in Brazil. Research groups who previously developed low-cost rapid tests for Zika fever and other viral diseases are adapting these models for use in detecting SARS-CoV-2.


Pollution in São Paulo fell by 50% in just one week but remains high in the city center
SDG 3, SDG 13
Pollution in São Paulo fell by 50% in just one week but remains high in the city center

A drastic reduction in traffic due to the coronavirus lockdown resulted in a rapid decrease in airborne pollution: The levels of carbon monoxide fell by 50% in São Paulo City in a single week.


Startup develops reusable mask with enhanced protection against novel coronavirus
SDG 3, SDG 9
Startup develops reusable mask with enhanced protection against novel coronavirus

Developed with FAPESP’s support via its small business program, the N95-type respirator is made of material containing silica-silver microparticles with antimicrobial and antifungal properties that hinder surface adhesion by SARS-CoV-2.


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