Fapesp

FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

News

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

News

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Nanoparticles with antibacterial action shorten duration of tuberculosis treatment
SDG 3
Nanoparticles with antibacterial action shorten duration of tuberculosis treatment

Researchers at São Paulo State University tested the action of nanoparticles loaded with antibiotics and other antimicrobial compounds on cells infected by the bacillus that causes tuberculosis. The results suggest the strategy can overcome multidrug bacterial resistance.


Brazilian researchers report detailed analysis of heart injury caused by yellow fever virus
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers report detailed analysis of heart injury caused by yellow fever virus

The study is the first-ever demonstration of the anatomical substrate for the cardiac arrhythmias that occur in human yellow fever.


Atmospheric pollutants in São Paulo exceeded recommended levels even at the height of the pandemic
SDG 3, SDG 13
Atmospheric pollutants in São Paulo exceeded recommended levels even at the height of the pandemic

Brazilian researchers analyzed air pollution in metropolitan São Paulo in 2019-20 when mobility restrictions and social distancing applied in the southern hemisphere’s largest city. Even so, the daily average exceeded the World Health Organization’s air quality standard on 75 days.


Gut-skin connection is key factor in atopic dermatitis, research review shows
SDG 3
Gut-skin connection is key factor in atopic dermatitis, research review shows

A review article by Brazilian researchers lists recent discoveries on this chronic inflammatory skin disease, which affects around 10% of adults and 25% of children.


Photodynamic action weakens resistance to antibiotics in bacteria that attack airways
SDG 3
Photodynamic action weakens resistance to antibiotics in bacteria that attack airways

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo’s Optics and Photonics Research Center in Brazil showed a change in the bacterium’s sensitivity after five applications.


Long COVID is linked to persistent damage to mitochondria, the ‘powerhouses’ of our cells
SDG 3
Long COVID is linked to persistent damage to mitochondria, the ‘powerhouses’ of our cells

Infection by SARS-CoV-2 can suppress the expression of mitochondrial genes involved in production of ATP cell fuel in many vital organs. The discovery paves the way to a search for strategies to restore mitochondrial function.


Soybean oil production residue can be used to make a product that treats symptoms of menopause
SDG 3
Soybean oil production residue can be used to make a product that treats symptoms of menopause

Scientists in Brazil have tested a method to obtain a substance similar to estrogen from soy isoflavones. They aim to create a product that reduces the discomfort suffered by many women in the menopause.


Copaiba oil nanoemulsion found to have antiviral potential against zika
SDG 3
Copaiba oil nanoemulsion found to have antiviral potential against zika

Results of tests with the substance pave the way for the development of medications or specific vaccines against zika, for which there is currently no treatment. The number of cases rose 20% year on year in the first seven months of 2023.


New study proves that severe COVID-19 is a thrombotic disease
SDG 3
New study proves that severe COVID-19 is a thrombotic disease

In an article published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, researchers at the University of São Paulo show that damage to small blood vessels in the lungs caused by SARS-CoV-2 is the main factor underlying severe COVID-19.


Cognitive training can improve the quality of everyday life
SDG 3, SDG 9
Cognitive training can improve the quality of everyday life

Technology developed by a startup supported by FAPESP has been used to improve the performance of athletes like soccer goalkeeper Ederson, who plays for Manchester City and Brazil’s national side, and to reduce the number of accidents caused by human error in the petrochemical and meatpacking industries.


A Brazilian vaccine may be the ideal choice for annual vaccination campaigns against COVID-19
SDG 3
A Brazilian vaccine may be the ideal choice for annual vaccination campaigns against COVID-19

Called SpiNTec, the vaccine can induce a more lasting immune response and should be more effective than vaccines currently available in Brazil against variants of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, according to the leader of the local vaccine development project, who took part in the FAPESP 2023 School in Exact and Natural Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.


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.


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