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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

Study helps explain why stress in adolescence can lead to predisposition to mental illness in adulthood
SDG 3
Study helps explain why stress in adolescence can lead to predisposition to mental illness in adulthood

In experiments with rats, researchers at the University of São Paulo analyzed brain tissue and detected alterations in genes associated with energy metabolism.


Study explains why protein-poor diet during pregnancy increases risk of prostate cancer in offspring
SDG 3
Study explains why protein-poor diet during pregnancy increases risk of prostate cancer in offspring

In experiments with rats, researchers at São Paulo State University detected changes in the expression of more than 700 genes in offspring. One of these genes is known to be associated with prostate cancer.


Study of gigantism in whales provides clues to genomic mechanism involved in tumor suppression
SDG 3, SDG 14
Study of gigantism in whales provides clues to genomic mechanism involved in tumor suppression

Some species of cetacean are up to 4 meters in length, while others reach 30 meters. According to researchers at the State University of Campinas, genes that favor the colossal growth of these mammals also inhibit the development of cancer.


Cases of chikungunya and zika fall in Brazil, but most risk clusters exhibit an upward trend
SDG 3
Cases of chikungunya and zika fall in Brazil, but most risk clusters exhibit an upward trend

Researchers at the University of São Paulo and São Paulo state’s Center for Epidemiological Surveillance observed spatial and temporal patterns of occurrence and co-occurrence for the two arboviral diseases in all Brazilian municipalities, alongside the influence of environmental and socio-economic factors.


A single session of aerobic exercise improves blood pressure in rheumatoid arthritis patients
SDG 3
A single session of aerobic exercise improves blood pressure in rheumatoid arthritis patients

A study involving 20 women with rheumatoid arthritis and high blood pressure demonstrates the benefits of walking at moderate speed for 30 minutes even after tests that simulate stressful situations and tend to raise blood pressure.


Intravaginal sponge can make treatment of candidiasis more comfortable and effective
SDG 3
Intravaginal sponge can make treatment of candidiasis more comfortable and effective

The device is under preclinical trials; the sponge is made of soft, biodegradable material and releases medication slowly into the organism.


Startup develops rapid test to help detect cervical cancer
SDG 3, SDG 9
Startup develops rapid test to help detect cervical cancer

The kit is designed to be used for screening. If the result is negative, it should be repeated a year later. If positive, the individual should see a specialist.


Growth hormone influences regulation of anxiety via a specific group of neurons
SDG 3
Growth hormone influences regulation of anxiety via a specific group of neurons

Researchers at the University of São Paulo identified in mice the neurons associated with the anxiolytic effect of growth hormone. Their discovery paves the way for the development of novel classes of medications for neuropsychiatric disorders.


Brazilian researchers discover two novel peptides with biotechnological potential in snake venom
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers discover two novel peptides with biotechnological potential in snake venom

Fragments of hemorrhagic toxins that may help treat high blood pressure were found in the venom of the pit viper Cotiara, which inhabits the South of Brazil, and that of the South American bushmaster, a denizen of tropical rainforests. The molecules might one day be used in drugs with fewer adverse side effects.


Incomplete notification and underreporting of snakebites can hinder public health actions, study suggests
SDG 3
Incomplete notification and underreporting of snakebites can hinder public health actions, study suggests

A survey conducted in a Brazilian state with the country’s second-highest number of ophidic accidents draws attention to the need to train health workers to complete notification forms correctly. Better data will help improve research and antivenom distribution.


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.


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