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FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

News

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

News

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

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.


An important molecular pathway for control of aging is discovered
SDG 3
An important molecular pathway for control of aging is discovered

Through experiments in roundworms of the species C. elegans, scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center showed that lifespan is reduced when RNA transfer between cells in different tissues is dysregulated.


Overconsumption of fructose by parents increases risk of cardiometabolic disease in offspring, study shows
SDG 3
Overconsumption of fructose by parents increases risk of cardiometabolic disease in offspring, study shows

Blood pressure rose in offspring born to high-fructose rats, and physiological regulation of their cardiovascular system was impaired. High-fructose syrup is widely used as a sweetener by the food and beverage industry.


Prior zika infection increases risk of subsequent severe dengue and hospitalization, study concludes
SDG 3
Prior zika infection increases risk of subsequent severe dengue and hospitalization, study concludes

A study led by Brazilian researchers suggests that the mechanism that exacerbates dengue infection following a case of zika differs from that acting on second-time dengue patients. The finding is relevant to the development of a zika vaccine.


Scientists discover that a protein associated with neurodegenerative diseases is also linked to childhood brain cancer
SDG 3
Scientists discover that a protein associated with neurodegenerative diseases is also linked to childhood brain cancer

A study conducted at a FAPESP-supported research center discovered a link between the protein VAPB and tumor cell proliferation in medulloblastoma, one of the most common and aggressive brain tumors in children.


Study demonstrates antitumor action of substance present in Brazilian green propolis
SDG 3
Study demonstrates antitumor action of substance present in Brazilian green propolis

The analysis compared the effects of artepillin C on healthy cells and cancer cells, as well as the effects on its efficacy of variations in the medium’s pH.


Study reveals mechanism that aggravates tuberculosis and reduces survival rates
SDG 3
Study reveals mechanism that aggravates tuberculosis and reduces survival rates

CD4+ T cells play an important role in the immune response to pulmonary infections, but excessive amounts can damage the lungs. In experiments with mice, researchers at the University of São Paulo discovered what leads to this exacerbated response.


Butantan Institute’s dengue vaccine protects 79.6% of those vaccinated, study shows
SDG 3
Butantan Institute’s dengue vaccine protects 79.6% of those vaccinated, study shows

Data from the Phase 3 clinical trial was published on February 1st in The New England Journal of Medicine. The vaccine is safe for both participants who have had dengue and those who have never been exposed to the virus before.


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