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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

Biomaterial developed at São Paulo State University proves capable of accelerating bone regeneration
SDG 3
Biomaterial developed at São Paulo State University proves capable of accelerating bone regeneration

In vitro experiments showed cobalt-doped calcium phosphate to be capable of stimulating bone cell differentiation by mimicking a low-oxygen environment. Next steps include animal testing.


Global funders of health-related research discuss epidemic and pandemic preparedness guidelines
SDG 3
Global funders of health-related research discuss epidemic and pandemic preparedness guidelines

The Ninth General Assembly of the Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness, representing funding agencies, research institutions and government bodies from around the world, was held at FAPESP in São Paulo, Brazil, on October 24-25.


Novel method facilitates study of oxidized lipids involved in neurodegenerative diseases
SDG 3
Novel method facilitates study of oxidized lipids involved in neurodegenerative diseases

Scientists at the University of São Paulo’s Center for Research on Redox Processes in Biomedicine used a novel technique they themselves developed to identify altered molecules in an animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).


In Northeast Brazil, rabies virus variants from marmosets are found in bats
SDG 3
In Northeast Brazil, rabies virus variants from marmosets are found in bats

The emergence of rabies in distinct wildlife species is a potential source of human infection and poses life-threatening risks. As the researchers responsible for the discovery warn, anyone who comes into contact with these animals should alert the authorities. A 36-year-old farm worker died in May, only weeks after being bitten by a marmoset.


Molecule tested at University of São Paulo proves able to mitigate heart failure
SDG 3
Molecule tested at University of São Paulo proves able to mitigate heart failure

Results of trials involving animals, cell cultures and human heart tissue are reported in the European Heart Journal. The study was conducted by researchers at USP in partnership with a biopharmaceutical firm, offering hope to 2 million Brazilians who suffer from the disease.


Study reveals bacterial protein capable of keeping human cells healthy
SDG 3
Study reveals bacterial protein capable of keeping human cells healthy

An article published in PNAS by Brazilian and Australian researchers describes a hitherto unknown protein with anti-oxidizing properties secreted by Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium, pointing to possible treatments for auto-immune diseases and even cancer.


Better access to diagnostic tests raises incidence of thyroid cancer in more affluent areas
SDG 3
Better access to diagnostic tests raises incidence of thyroid cancer in more affluent areas

A study compared geographical and socioeconomic dimensions of the disease in São Paulo and the Barretos region. Incidence was far higher in the former but mortality rates were similar, suggesting overdiagnosis in specific areas and social groups.


Test detects co-infection by novel species of parasite in severe cases of visceral leishmaniasis
SDG 3
Test detects co-infection by novel species of parasite in severe cases of visceral leishmaniasis

The test developed by Brazilian researchers accurately identifies the causative agent in less than two hours, so that treatment can be properly targeted. Brazil is seeing a growing number of cases of co-infection by protozoans Leishmania infantum and Crithidia.


Longevity may be associated with olfactory perception of harmful substances
SDG 3
Longevity may be associated with olfactory perception of harmful substances

In nematode worms exposed to a compound secreted by pathogenic bacteria, researchers observed activation of a neural circuit resulting in a longer lifespan and less protein aggregation, one of the causes of neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery paves the way for the development of treatments for age-related diseases.


Study associates reduced activity of a key enzyme with microcephaly in zika-infected offspring
SDG 3
Study associates reduced activity of a key enzyme with microcephaly in zika-infected offspring

Brazilian researchers showed that brain activity of Ndel1, an enzyme that plays an important role in neuron differentiation and migration, decreased in mice infected by zika during pregnancy. The enzyme could become a biomarker for early diagnosis of the congenital syndrome associated with zika.


Hydrogel developed by Brazilian researchers improves skin wound healing in diabetics
SDG 3
Hydrogel developed by Brazilian researchers improves skin wound healing in diabetics

The product, which contains the anti-inflammatory protein annexin A1, accelerated complete skin wound healing in mice, and has the potential to become part of the arsenal of treatments for a disease that affects 17.7 million Brazilians.


Nutera Advanced Therapy Center will produce CAR T-cells for use in clinical trial of cancer treatment
SDG 3
Nutera Advanced Therapy Center will produce CAR T-cells for use in clinical trial of cancer treatment

Opened in 2022 with FAPESP’s support, Nutera is Latin America’s first cellular product manufacturing plant. It is run by researchers from Butantan Institute and the University of São Paulo’s Ribeirão Preto Blood Center, and could become a supplier to the SUS, Brazil’s public healthcare network.


Study demonstrates antimicrobial action of polyalthic acid from copaiba oil
SDG 3
Study demonstrates antimicrobial action of polyalthic acid from copaiba oil

Findings reported in the journal Antibiotics by scientists working in Brazil and the United States pave the way for the development of drugs against resistant bacteria.


Perfect storm: poor sleep quality worsens health problems in obese older people, study shows
SDG 3
Perfect storm: poor sleep quality worsens health problems in obese older people, study shows

Research conducted at the University of São Paulo involving 95 volunteers associated poor sleep quality with a deterioration in the complications caused by aging and overweight, such as anxiety, depression, body fat gain, and loss of muscle mass and strength.


Discovery of mechanism involved in dental inflammation paves way to therapies against bone loss
SDG 3
Discovery of mechanism involved in dental inflammation paves way to therapies against bone loss

Researchers at the University of São Paulo showed in mice the importance of the signaling pathway mediated by the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and its receptor TNFR1; the discovery could now help scientists develop medications for oral health.


Study identifies six drugs that can be repurposed for treatment of toxoplasmosis
SDG 3
Study identifies six drugs that can be repurposed for treatment of toxoplasmosis

Brazilian researchers screened 160 compounds known to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 and identified those that also act against the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The most promising will be tested in humans for treatment of the chronic form of the disease.


Study shows how ‘superbacteria’ were prevented from spreading in a large tertiary hospital
SDG 3
Study shows how ‘superbacteria’ were prevented from spreading in a large tertiary hospital

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo, highlighting the importance of identify and isolating infected patients on admission to the emergency room. The findings also showed that containment may be impaired if patients stay more than two days in the ER.


Risk of eating disorders among vegan diet followers is low, study suggests
SDG 3
Risk of eating disorders among vegan diet followers is low, study suggests

The prevalence of dysfunctional eating behaviors among almost 1,000 vegans studied by researchers at the University of São Paulo was less than a tenth of the average for the Brazilian population. The explanation, according to the researchers, lies in the reasons for which people choose a restrictive diet.


Study could lead to treatment for a type of cancer that affects children’s endocrine system
SDG 3
Study could lead to treatment for a type of cancer that affects children’s endocrine system

Experiments conducted at the University of São Paulo showed that expression of the gene that encodes the vitamin D receptor is greatly reduced in pediatric adrenocortical tumor cells. When the gene was activated, an anti-proliferation effect was observed. The only treatment currently available is surgical removal of the tumor.


Understanding of mechanisms behind post-exercise lack of appetite can open new paths to obesity treatment
SDG 3
Understanding of mechanisms behind post-exercise lack of appetite can open new paths to obesity treatment

Hormones and metabolites secreted after physical activity act together to suppress hunger, as highlighted by an editorial in The Journal of Physiology written by researchers at the State University of Campinas and the University of Copenhagen.


Genetic mutation leads to precocious puberty associated with neurological disturbances, study shows
SDG 3
Genetic mutation leads to precocious puberty associated with neurological disturbances, study shows

Researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil and collaborators in four other countries analyzed more than 400 patients. They found a link between the endocrine disorder and alterations in the gene MECP2, which encodes a protein of key importance to neuron development.


AI-assisted platform helps patients control diabetes and prevent complications
SDG 3, SDG 9
AI-assisted platform helps patients control diabetes and prevent complications

A startup supported by FAPESP is developing an app that leverages artificial intelligence to help users monitor the disease and improve the quality of their lives.


Cell therapy can reduce risk of death from COVID-19 by 60%, study shows
SDG 3
Cell therapy can reduce risk of death from COVID-19 by 60%, study shows

Brazilian researchers and collaborators in Germany and the US compiled data from 195 clinical trials conducted in 30 countries between January 2020 and December 2021. The findings are promising, although the authors stress the need for enhanced controls in the making of the products used in cell therapy.


New ‘encyclopedia’ of sedentary behavior emphasizes importance of movement to health
SDG 3
New ‘encyclopedia’ of sedentary behavior emphasizes importance of movement to health

A comprehensive review by researchers in Brazil and elsewhere provides a wealth of information about the effects on the organism of remaining seated for much of the day, and calls for more research to analyze the effectiveness of interventions to reduce or interrupt sedentary behavior.


Study suggests paternal diet can influence propensity to obesity in offspring
SDG 3
Study suggests paternal diet can influence propensity to obesity in offspring

Researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo conducted experiments involving rats to analyze the effects of a high-fat high-sugar parental diet. The results suggested that ingestion of hypercaloric food by male progenitors favors weight gain and a build-up of body fat in their offspring.


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