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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

Most patients treated by public psychiatric outpatient clinics are women aged 45 on average
SDG 3, SDG 5
Most patients treated by public psychiatric outpatient clinics are women aged 45 on average

In Brazil, researchers analyzed data for 8,384 clinical appointments that took place in a two-year period at Hospital de Base in São José do Rio Preto (São Paulo state) and found the situation to be similar to those in publicly-funded psychiatric outpatient clinics elsewhere in the country. The results, reported in Frontiers in Psychiatry, list the most common mental health problems and most frequently prescribed drugs.


Brazilian scientists design innovative heart valve
SDG 3, SDG 9
Brazilian scientists design innovative heart valve

Study developed at Center for Mathematical Sciences Applied to Industry aims to perfect device for cardiovascular treatments.


Study describes strategy for inactivation of multidrug-resistant bacteria
SDG 3, SDG 9
Study describes strategy for inactivation of multidrug-resistant bacteria

Zinc oxide nanoparticles with varying morphologies were tested against microorganisms isolated from patients. The results are reported in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.


Innovative molecular biology technique allows for discovery of novel targets for candidate vaccines against schistosomiasis
SDG 3
Innovative molecular biology technique allows for discovery of novel targets for candidate vaccines against schistosomiasis

Experiments conducted at Butantan Institute in São Paulo used phage display to screen 12,000 proteins found in Schistosoma mansoni, the worm that causes the disease. The method deployed bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, to identify key parasite peptides.


Mediterranean sauté recipe induces metabolic changes that mitigate weight gain, study suggests
SDG 3
Mediterranean sauté recipe induces metabolic changes that mitigate weight gain, study suggests

The health benefits of the so-called “sofrito” were observed in experiments with rats conducted by scientists from the Food Research Center and collaborators. The effect may be linked to a compound identified in the animals’ livers called butanediol.


Protein created by Brazilian startup could help treat diseases caused by HPV
SDG 3, SDG 9
Protein created by Brazilian startup could help treat diseases caused by HPV

Developed by ImunoTera as part of a project supported by FAPESP, the molecule triggers the immune system’s response to infected cells and helps combat the disease.


Group obtains patent for method to create more natural, effective and environmentally friendly sunscreens
SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 12
Group obtains patent for method to create more natural, effective and environmentally friendly sunscreens

Developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo, the process proposes using silica particles coated with melanin in formulations to protect the skin not only from UVA and UVB rays, but also from visible light.


Group proposes research protocol to regularize artisanal cheeses
SDG 3
Group proposes research protocol to regularize artisanal cheeses

The proposal is being analyzed by an inspection body in the state of São Paulo. In this region alone, there are more than 1,200 informal producers of milk and dairy products with the potential to be regularized.


World’s largest epilepsy study reveals ‘genetic architecture’ and points to new therapies
SDG 3
World’s largest epilepsy study reveals ‘genetic architecture’ and points to new therapies

More than 29 thousand patients were analyzed and 26 areas of the genome associated with the disorder were identified; Brazil was the only Latin American representative through the Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology of the State University of Campinas.


Study maps main genes involved in immune response to infection by dengue virus
SDG 3
Study maps main genes involved in immune response to infection by dengue virus

Researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil compared data for the immune response induced by natural infection and vaccines. They identified the key factors in the development of long-lasting immunity. Their findings can be used to develop novel vaccines and antiviral therapies.


Multiple organ attack and immune dysregulation: study reveals how the chikungunya virus leads to death
SDG 3
Multiple organ attack and immune dysregulation: study reveals how the chikungunya virus leads to death

An international team including virologists, physicians, epidemiologists, clinicians, physicists and statisticians has discovered new mechanisms related to central nervous system infection in fatal cases of the infection. The results were published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe.


Study identifies molecular alterations in brain tissue and blood of people who committed suicide
SDG 3
Study identifies molecular alterations in brain tissue and blood of people who committed suicide

The findings, published in Psychiatry Research, are an important contribution to both the understanding of mental disorders and suicide prevention.


Study with rodents identifies key genes for control of blood pressure and heart rate
SDG 3
Study with rodents identifies key genes for control of blood pressure and heart rate

After inducing mutations in the genotypes of mice and analyzing their effects on several generations of descendants, Brazilian and American researchers mapped the genetic determinants essential to an understanding of cardiovascular disease. Their findings are published in the journal Science Advances.


Curcumin nanoemulsion is tested for treatment of intestinal inflammation
SDG 3
Curcumin nanoemulsion is tested for treatment of intestinal inflammation

A formulation developed by Brazilian researchers proved effective in tests involving mice.


Patients with Parkinson’s disease who experience freezing of gait have sleep disorders, study shows
SDG 3
Patients with Parkinson’s disease who experience freezing of gait have sleep disorders, study shows

The correlation between these two symptoms of the disease was observed by researchers affiliated with institutions in Brazil and France in a systematic review of 20 studies.


Leading oncologist says working in bubbles must go and teamwork is essential to achieve a cure for metastatic cancer
SDG 3
Leading oncologist says working in bubbles must go and teamwork is essential to achieve a cure for metastatic cancer

Patricia LoRusso, President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), gave Agência FAPESP an exclusive interview during a visit to Brazil. She spoke about the importance of attracting early-career researchers to oncology, the future of clinical cancer research, and potential new discoveries in the field.


Prosthetic device developed in Brazil improves results of chest malformation repair surgery
SDG 3, SDG 9
Prosthetic device developed in Brazil improves results of chest malformation repair surgery

The device was developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo’s Heart Institute (INCOR) and a Brazilian company with FAPESP’s support. It is biocompatible and offers other advantages over the imported product used hitherto.


Novel material degrades a widely used antibiotic that contaminates water
SDG 3, SDG 6
Novel material degrades a widely used antibiotic that contaminates water

An electrode with films of iridium dioxide and niobium oxide on a titanium substrate removed molecules of the drug levofloxacin, considered an emerging pollutant.


Study confirms benefits of auricular acupuncture to treat depression
SDG 3
Study confirms benefits of auricular acupuncture to treat depression

For three months, Brazilian researchers tracked 74 patients submitted to 12 sessions lasting 15 minutes each and observed remission of symptoms. The ancient Chinese practice had no side effects, according to an article on the study published in JAMA Network Open.


Analysis of photographs of building facades can help map high-risk urban areas for dengue
SDG 3
Analysis of photographs of building facades can help map high-risk urban areas for dengue

The methodology was developed by Brazilian and British researchers, who tested it in Campinas, a large city in São Paulo state. Its aim is to optimize monitoring and combating the mosquito Aedes aegypti.


Factors that increase risk of frailty in old age are different in men and women
SDG 3
Factors that increase risk of frailty in old age are different in men and women

Brazilian and British researchers analyzed data for 1,747 older participants tracked by ELSA over a period of 12 years, and mapped the different routes that can lead to a negative outcome. They advocate use of their findings by policymakers.


Novel treatment strategy reduces inflammation and cardiometabolic risk in adolescents with obesity
SDG 3
Novel treatment strategy reduces inflammation and cardiometabolic risk in adolescents with obesity

An interdisciplinary approach tested at the Federal University of São Paulo combined clinical, nutritional, psychological and exercise counseling. The intervention involved remote and in-person sessions, favoring adherence and lowering the cost to the health system.


Nanoparticles containing natural substance treat visceral leishmaniasis with scant side effects
SDG 3
Nanoparticles containing natural substance treat visceral leishmaniasis with scant side effects

In animal tests conducted at São Paulo State University (UNESP), the strategy reduced spleen and liver parasite numbers by 99.9%.


Study highlights importance of genetic sequencing to diagnosis of growth disorders
SDG 3
Study highlights importance of genetic sequencing to diagnosis of growth disorders

Researchers at the University of São Paulo analyzed data from 115 children who suffered from conditions considered syndromic (with several associated symptoms) and found a high incidence of overlapping genetic alterations. They argue that identification of genetic mutations can make diagnosis and treatment more accurate.


Rare case of opossum infected by rabies sounds alarm regarding circulation of this virus in urban environments
SDG 3
Rare case of opossum infected by rabies sounds alarm regarding circulation of this virus in urban environments

The opossum was found dead in a park in the center of Campinas, a large city in São Paulo state (Brazil), with the same viral variant as fruit-eating bats. These mammals are regularly detected in cities, where they are often attacked by dogs, so they can be considered sentinel species for infectious disease surveillance.


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