Fapesp

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

New molecule reduces the aggressiveness of pediatric cancer
SDG 3
New molecule reduces the aggressiveness of pediatric cancer

A microRNA inhibitor identified by researchers at the FAPESP-supported Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center reduced the sizes of aggressive tumors and improved survival in mice.


Study aims at boosting antitumoral activity of compound extracted from an Amazon plant
SDG 3
Study aims at boosting antitumoral activity of compound extracted from an Amazon plant

Researchers in Brazil altered the chemical structure of alkaloids from cat’s claw, aiming to obtain more potent compounds for the treatment of tumors and inflammations; scientists plan to develop a modified strain of U. guianensis and use its own metabolism to scale up the production of therapeutic compounds.


Cognitive training methodology can improve athletes’ performance
SDG 3, SDG 9
Cognitive training methodology can improve athletes’ performance

Systems that assess and train decision-making skills have been developed by a startup supported by FAPESP and tested on athletes belonging to top-tier Brazilian sports clubs. The researchers responsible say the technology can also be used in sectors such as healthcare.


Novel formulation of an injectable drug to treat joint inflammation acts for up to ten days
SDG 3
Novel formulation of an injectable drug to treat joint inflammation acts for up to ten days

Tests in rats showed enhanced efficacy of the drug as well as the absence of side effects, such as stomach bleeding. This innovation could be used to treat temporomandibular joint inflammation.


Patient’s own cells are used in innovative treatment for cancer
SDG 3
Patient’s own cells are used in innovative treatment for cancer

Patient with advanced refractory lymphoma was treated in Brazil by researchers at a center funded by FAPESP. The technique known as CAR T-cell therapy was used for first time ever in Latin America.


Material permits simultaneous, controlled release of drugs with different actions
SDG 3, SDG 9
Material permits simultaneous, controlled release of drugs with different actions

Researchers tested a material known as polyether siloxane, a flexible transparent hydrogel that can absorb large amounts of water without dissolving and is ideal for controlled-release drug delivery.


Protein could extend saphenous vein graft durability
SDG 3
Protein could extend saphenous vein graft durability

Scientists show that CRP3, normally produced in arteries, is expressed in saphenous vein grafts following coronary artery bypass surgery. The finding suggests that this molecule participates in adaptation to the increased blood flow and pressure resulting from arterialization.


The benefits of lithium in older people with Alzheimer’s disease are starting to be understood
SDG 3
The benefits of lithium in older people with Alzheimer’s disease are starting to be understood

Experiments using human brain cells and mice suggest that lithium delays cellular aging, one of the factors in neurodegenerative disorders.


New species of parasite is identified in fatal case of visceral leishmaniasis
SDG 3
New species of parasite is identified in fatal case of visceral leishmaniasis

Phylogenomic analysis shows that pathogen isolated in Brazilian hospital does not belong to the genus Leishmania. Researchers are investigating whether this species alone can cause severe disease or intensifies symptoms in co-infected patients.


Novel material with strong action against fungi and tumors
SDG 3, SDG 9
Novel material with strong action against fungi and tumors

Researchers at a Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center supported by FAPESP have created a composite with antifungal properties that are 32 times greater than those of silver by irradiating a metallic tungstate with electrons and femtosecond laser light.


Lipid produced by organism helps control blood sugar
SDG 3
Lipid produced by organism helps control blood sugar

Blood sugar levels in obese mice were controlled more efficiently when the mice were challenged with a glucose overload and treated with 12-HEPE, a lipid produced in response to cold by brown adipose tissue.


Novel compound interrupts malaria parasite’s lifecycle
SDG 3
Novel compound interrupts malaria parasite’s lifecycle

Compound inhibits key enzymes, interrupting the parasite’s lifecycle in human organisms and preventing transmission to vector insects. This discovery published in Science involved researchers funded by FAPESP.


Compounds extracted from Cerrado plant combat fungus that causes candidiasis
SDG 3
Compounds extracted from Cerrado plant combat fungus that causes candidiasis

Four substances isolated from Mimosa caesalpiniifolia were found to be more effective against thrush and candida than was fluconazole, the drug usually prescribed to treat the disease. Brazilian researchers are developing an ointment.


Acute chikungunya infection studied at the molecular level in Brazilian patients
SDG 3
Acute chikungunya infection studied at the molecular level in Brazilian patients

Using a systems biology approach, Brazilian researchers identified several genes that can be explored as therapeutic targets and as biomarkers of predisposition to chronic joint pain.


Multidrug-resistant bacteria are found outside the hospital environment
SDG 3
Multidrug-resistant bacteria are found outside the hospital environment

Genetic profiles of microorganisms isolated from patients with urinary tract infection display a high degree of resistance and virulence. The superbug KPC was found in samples.


New mechanisms that regulate pluripotency in embryonic stem cells are discovered
SDG 3
New mechanisms that regulate pluripotency in embryonic stem cells are discovered

A study by researchers at the Center for Cell-Based Therapy, which is supported by FAPESP, identified microRNAs involved in pluripotency maintenance and cell differentiation. The discovery paves the way to the development of drugs capable of making ESCs regress to the earliest stage of development.


Medication for menstrual pain relief proves effective against schistosomiasis
SDG 3
Medication for menstrual pain relief proves effective against schistosomiasis

In a study supported by FAPESP, experiments with mice showed the anti-inflammatory drug mefenamic acid to be more efficacious than praziquantel, the only drug available to combat the disease.


Sterilization of central venous catheters with atmospheric plasma
SDG 3, SDG 9
Sterilization of central venous catheters with atmospheric plasma

Study conducted to test a procedure based on ionization of atmospheric air eliminates 99% of Candida albicans fungus that causes hospital-acquired infections, without generating toxic waste.


New satellite sensor will help gauge the influence of atmospheric aerosols on cloud formation
SDG 3, SDG 13
New satellite sensor will help gauge the influence of atmospheric aerosols on cloud formation

Vanderlei Martins, a professor at the University of Maryland and former FAPESP grantee, is responsible for the device, developed in partnership with NASA. Martins spoke about the project to the São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Atmospheric Aerosols, which was funded by FAPESP.


Excessive coffee consumption increases the likelihood of hypertension in genetically predisposed people
SDG 3
Excessive coffee consumption increases the likelihood of hypertension in genetically predisposed people

Brazilian researchers observed the association only in subjects who consumed more than three small cups of coffee per day. Moderate consumption, however, appears to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.


The risk of death from yellow fever can be detected sooner
SDG 3
The risk of death from yellow fever can be detected sooner

A FAPESP-funded study with results published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases has identified markers capable of predicting mortality in patients with symptoms of yellow fever, potentially helping to prevent the development of severe conditions.


Study evaluates effects of noninvasive neuromodulation used to treat obesity
SDG 3
Study evaluates effects of noninvasive neuromodulation used to treat obesity

The results of a clinical trial published in the journal Appetite show that transcranial direct current stimulation can reduce or increase appetite, depending on the patient’s genetic profile.


Thyme essential oil in corn starch particles combats <i>Aedes aegypti</i> larvae
SDG 3, SDG 9
Thyme essential oil in corn starch particles combats <i>Aedes aegypti</i> larvae

A system created in Brazil using cheap, biodegradable materials permits controlled release of larvicide and can be used in small amounts of water.


Biomarkers confirm a higher incidence of thyroid cancer among World Trade Center responders
SDG 3
Biomarkers confirm a higher incidence of thyroid cancer among World Trade Center responders

Method developed by Brazilian and US researchers distinguishes between malignant and benign tumors and rules out false positive results.


Cannabidiol reduces aggressiveness, study concludes
SDG 3
Cannabidiol reduces aggressiveness, study concludes

Experiments with mice performed within the scope of a FAPESP-funded study show that a substance derived from cannabis plants attenuates isolation-induced aggressive behavior.


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