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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

People who have had dengue are twice as likely to develop symptomatic COVID-19
SDG 3
People who have had dengue are twice as likely to develop symptomatic COVID-19

This is the main finding of a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. The authors analyzed blood samples collected in a town in the Brazilian Amazon before and after the first wave of the pandemic to detect the presence of antibodies against dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2.


Vegan and omnivorous diets promote equivalent muscle mass gain, study shows
SDG 3
Vegan and omnivorous diets promote equivalent muscle mass gain, study shows

Trials performed by researchers at the University of São Paulo with healthy young adults show that the right level of protein intake is the key to muscle health, regardless of protein source.


Scientists use genetic engineering to explore mechanisms involved in psychiatric disorders
SDG 3
Scientists use genetic engineering to explore mechanisms involved in psychiatric disorders

The research group created a virus capable of acting on specific adult brain regions, helping to elucidate the role of key neurons in the prefrontal cortex. They tested the technique on mice.


Obese girls face heightened risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood more often than obese boys
SDG 3
Obese girls face heightened risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood more often than obese boys

Conclusion was drawn from a study that involved 92 adolescents aged 11-18. The findings underscore the importance of considering differences between the sexes when treatment is planned.


Study assesses use of stem cells to treat knee injuries
SDG 3
Study assesses use of stem cells to treat knee injuries

Brazilian scientists conducted preclinical trials to test membranes produced from mesenchymal stem cells that can differentiate to cartilage and promote local immunoregulation.


Atlas of human lung helps understand effects of novel coronavirus on alveoli
SDG 3
Atlas of human lung helps understand effects of novel coronavirus on alveoli

Researchers at the University of Campinas in Brazil reveal the mechanisms whereby SARS-CoV-2 disrupts the regulation of inflammation, coagulation and blood pressure when it infects alveolar cells, responsible for gas exchange in the lungs.


Muscle strength and mass help predict length of stay in hospital for COVID-19 patients, study suggests
SDG 3
Muscle strength and mass help predict length of stay in hospital for COVID-19 patients, study suggests

According to researchers affiliated with the University of São Paulo, these indicators can orient preventive care for the most vulnerable and rehabilitation for survivors who suffer from long-term complications.


Researchers describe possible immune escape mechanism for South African variant of novel coronavirus
SDG 3
Researchers describe possible immune escape mechanism for South African variant of novel coronavirus

A mutation in the variant’s spike protein is associated with glycosylation, which prevents antibodies from binding strongly to the virus. If the discovery is confirmed by further research, it could serve as a basis for future vaccines that are more effective against novel variants.


Soybean and linseed oils added to cows’ diet improve the quality of milk for human consumption
SDG 3
Soybean and linseed oils added to cows’ diet improve the quality of milk for human consumption

Brazilian researchers show that feed supplementation improves fatty acid profile of milk and promotes a healthier omega-6/omega-3 ratio.


Study shows how low-protein intake during pregnancy can cause renal problems in offspring
SDG 3
Study shows how low-protein intake during pregnancy can cause renal problems in offspring

In an article published in PLOS ONE, scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center describe the impact of hypoproteinemia on the expression of microRNAs associated with kidney development in rat embryos.


Air pollution and mobility indicators are shown to be predictors of the rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths
SDG 3
Air pollution and mobility indicators are shown to be predictors of the rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths

A multinational research group used data from São Paulo to perform calculations which suggest that even a minor reduction in the city’s mobility – equivalent to a rise from 45% to 50% in the social distancing index – correlates with a considerable fall in new infections and deaths after a few days.


Analysis of saliva is efficacious to detect COVID-19 in children with symptoms
SDG 3
Analysis of saliva is efficacious to detect COVID-19 in children with symptoms

Sample collection is much easier and less invasive. Self-collecting is feasible, depending on the child’s age. Schools should reopen only with mass testing to keep track of asymptomatic cases, the researchers argue.


Brazilian startup develops rapid test to diagnose bladder cancer
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian startup develops rapid test to diagnose bladder cancer

Inexpensive test is non-invasive and based on detection of bladder cancer biomarkers in urine.


FAPESP will select projects that contribute to public policies for recovery from COVID-19
SDG 3, SDG 8, SDG 10, SDG 17
FAPESP will select projects that contribute to public policies for recovery from COVID-19

A total of BRL 18.5 million will be allocated to funding for collaborative projects by researchers in the state of São Paulo with colleagues in other countries. Proposals must be submitted not later than July 10.


Researchers at the University of São Paulo find coronavirus in gum tissue of COVID-19 patients
SDG 3
Researchers at the University of São Paulo find coronavirus in gum tissue of COVID-19 patients

Infection of periodontal tissue, not just airways, explains the high viral load found in the saliva of COVID-19 patients, this study suggests.


Brazilian company develops low-cost mechanical ventilators
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian company develops low-cost mechanical ventilators

Machines designed and prototyped by Setup Automação with PIPE-FAPESP’s support could come to market costing 25% less than currently available devices.


High dose of vitamin D fails to improve condition of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients
SDG 3
High dose of vitamin D fails to improve condition of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients

A clinical trial was conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo with 240 patients who were given 200,000 IU of vitamin D3 on admission to hospital. The supplementation did not reduce length of stay or affect the proportion requiring intensive care.


Researchers revise indicator of mobility limitation in older adults
SDG 3
Researchers revise indicator of mobility limitation in older adults

The new cutoff values for a metric widely used by geriatricians, physical therapists and nutritionists are more accurate, facilitate early diagnosis and contribute to preventive treatment.


Test classifies thyroid nodule with superior sensitivity
SDG 3, SDG 9
Test classifies thyroid nodule with superior sensitivity

By means of specific biomarkers, a diagnostic test developed by the Brazilian startup Onkos shows whether a lump in the gland is benign or malignant, reducing the risk of unnecessary surgery.


Online tool facilitates monitoring of COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil
SDG 3, SDG 9
Online tool facilitates monitoring of COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil

The platform developed by researchers from Brazil and Chile lets users view geolocation of cases, deaths and vaccinations over time.


SARS-CoV-2 inhibits removal of dead cells by the immune system, favoring lung damage
SDG 3
SARS-CoV-2 inhibits removal of dead cells by the immune system, favoring lung damage

A study by the University of São Paulo has discovered that when macrophages engulf cells infected by the novel coronavirus, they begin producing excessive amounts of pro-inflammatory molecules, and their capacity to recognize and phagocytize dead cells is reduced twelvefold.


Novel coronavirus can remain active for more than 14 days in patients with mild symptoms
SDG 3
Novel coronavirus can remain active for more than 14 days in patients with mild symptoms

Brazilian researchers monitoring the population of metropolitan São Paulo have reported atypical cases in which SARS-CoV-2 continues to replicate in the organism for longer than the recommended isolation period.


Researchers develop a technique to produce transplantable livers in the laboratory
SDG 3, SDG 9
Researchers develop a technique to produce transplantable livers in the laboratory

A method created in Brazil by the Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center could be used for large-scale production of livers for transplantation.


São Paulo-based firm creates “artificial lung” to treat COVID-19
SDG 3, SDG 9
São Paulo-based firm creates “artificial lung” to treat COVID-19

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can keep patients alive until the disease recedes.


High-fiber diet may play a role in controlling the inflammation associated with COVID-19
SDG 3
High-fiber diet may play a role in controlling the inflammation associated with COVID-19

Brazilian researchers treated cells infected by SARS-CoV-2 with compounds produced by gut microbiota from dietary fiber. The intervention did not mitigate viral replication but reduced expression of a gene that plays a key role in viral entry into cells and a receptor involved in the inflammatory process.


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