Fapesp

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

Three out of every ten meals ordered from the main food delivery app in Brazil come from dark kitchens
SDG 3, SDG 12
Three out of every ten meals ordered from the main food delivery app in Brazil come from dark kitchens

The first-ever study of dark kitchens conducted in Brazil collected data on 22,520 establishments located in three cities in São Paulo state and listed by iFood. An article on the study offers a profile of these delivery-only restaurants, which proliferated during the pandemic.


Research with Brazilian participation is first to create models of bovine embryos
SDG 3, SDG 9
Research with Brazilian participation is first to create models of bovine embryos

The results pave the way for breeding of cattle with selected traits. Preliminary work findings for human embryo models recently published by international groups could contribute to the understanding of congenital defects and early pregnancy loss.


Compound reduced inflammation in COVID-19-infected mice without compromising immune response to virus
SDG 3
Compound reduced inflammation in COVID-19-infected mice without compromising immune response to virus

A team affiliated with a FAPESP-supported research center showed in mice that molecules capable of preventing the peptide C5a from binding to its cellular receptor helped prevent lung damage and other complications typical of severe COVID-19.


Consumption of soluble dietary fiber favors renewal of intestinal epithelial cells, study shows
SDG 3
Consumption of soluble dietary fiber favors renewal of intestinal epithelial cells, study shows

In experiments conducted at the State University of Campinas (Brazil), intestinal epithelial stem cells proliferated more in mice fed an inulin-rich diet than in mice given insoluble fiber. The study also showed that the beneficial effects depended on interaction with gut microbiota.


SARS-CoV-2 infects liver, stimulating glucose production and contributing to severe form of COVID-19
SDG 3
SARS-CoV-2 infects liver, stimulating glucose production and contributing to severe form of COVID-19

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo and reported in PNAS explains hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients and shows how SARS-CoV-2 causes symptoms similar to those of diabetes.


Novel targets identified for treatment of schistosomiasis
SDG 3
Novel targets identified for treatment of schistosomiasis

Researchers at Butantan Institute in São Paulo, Brazil, discovered that survival of the parasitic worm that causes the disease depends on expression of a specific type of RNA. In animal trials, inhibition of the molecule interrupted the infection.


Adipose tissue hormone protects cells that secrete insulin and reverses damage associated with obesity
SDG 3
Adipose tissue hormone protects cells that secrete insulin and reverses damage associated with obesity

Researchers at the University of São Paulo observed the effects of adiponectin in trials involving blood samples from lean and obese subjects. The discovery points to novel routes to treatment for type 2 diabetes and related dysfunctions.


Mortality rate from <i>Candida</i> infections remains high in Brazil, despite therapeutic advances
SDG 3
Mortality rate from <i>Candida</i> infections remains high in Brazil, despite therapeutic advances

A study conducted at the Federal University of São Paulo shows that 20% of patients with bloodstream infections are not treated, and at least half of those treated die. Diagnostic techniques must improve, the authors warn.


Novel compound combats drug-resistant fungi when combined with commercially available medications
SDG 3
Novel compound combats drug-resistant fungi when combined with commercially available medications

Combinations of antifungals with brilacidin, a drug undergoing clinical trials for other diseases, cleared up lung infections in animals. On its own, the candidate drug treated a fungal disease of the cornea that affects millions of people worldwide.


Compound produced by invasive marine coral eliminates parasite that causes Chagas disease
SDG 3, SDG 14
Compound produced by invasive marine coral eliminates parasite that causes Chagas disease

Trials involving mammalian cells were conducted by researchers in São Paulo state, Brazil. Although it endangers biodiversity along much of the coast, sun coral could be an ally in combating Chagas disease, which affects 7 million people worldwide and lacks effective treatment.


Study suggests resistance training can prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease
SDG 3
Study suggests resistance training can prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease

Experiments involving mice and conducted by Brazilian researchers showed four weeks of training with weights to be sufficient to reverse behavioral and physical alterations characteristic of the disease.


COVID-19 sequelae are the highlights of a neuroscience conference at the State University of Campinas
SDG 3
COVID-19 sequelae are the highlights of a neuroscience conference at the State University of Campinas

Brazilian researchers analyzed data from MRI scans and various tests to detect biological alterations linked to the neurological symptoms most reported by patients, especially anxiety, depression, sleepiness and fatigue. The latest results were presented to the ninth edition of BRAINN Congress.


Propolis improves immunity, reduces free radicals and attenuates chronic inflammation in HIV patients
SDG 3
Propolis improves immunity, reduces free radicals and attenuates chronic inflammation in HIV patients

A study of 40 asymptomatic subjects living with HIV conducted at São Paulo State University showed that a daily dose of 500 mg was safe and helped combat premature aging.


Laser therapy is most effective treatment for tinnitus, study finds
SDG 3
Laser therapy is most effective treatment for tinnitus, study finds

Brazilian researchers compared the therapies used most frequently for tinnitus, which affects some 750 million worldwide.


Study identifies intracellular protein that can block inflammation in autoimmune diseases
SDG 3
Study identifies intracellular protein that can block inflammation in autoimmune diseases

The discovery, led by researchers at a FAPESP-supported center, could lead to novel treatments for autoimmune diseases.


Peptide from venomous fish toxin controls lung inflammation in mice
SDG 3
Peptide from venomous fish toxin controls lung inflammation in mice

A research group at Butantan Institute performed tests on animal models with asthma as a reference and demonstrated that the peptide from Thalassophryne nattereri, common in North and Northeast Brazil, is safe and efficacious.


Projects on adolescent obesity and drinking selected by international consortium
SDG 3, SDG 17
Projects on adolescent obesity and drinking selected by international consortium

The call was issued in 2022 by the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases, a transnational consortium of research funders set up to combat chronic non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Two proposals supported by FAPESP were among those approved.


Study identifies a protein that could be a target for a vaccine against spotted fever
SDG 3
Study identifies a protein that could be a target for a vaccine against spotted fever

The molecule was identified by researchers at the University of São Paulo in cells of the Amblyomma tick that transmits the disease.


‘New pandemics could emerge soon. We must be prepared,’ says head of Butantan Institute
SDG 3
‘New pandemics could emerge soon. We must be prepared,’ says head of Butantan Institute

Esper Kallás, who heads Latin America’s leading producer of vaccines, delivered the Second 2023 FAPESP Lecture on “Viruses, pandemics and vaccines”. He spoke about the “100 Day Mission” to produce novel vaccines in just over three months.


Rather than being a risk factor, asthma could protect patients from progressing to severe COVID-19
SDG 3
Rather than being a risk factor, asthma could protect patients from progressing to severe COVID-19

Researchers in São Paulo state analyzed data for over 1 million patients hospitalized for treatment by the public health service after contracting COVID-19. Lower levels of inflammatory cytokines and fewer ACE2 receptors for the virus to bind to may be the explanation.


Study associates sleep apnea in babies with increased risk of hypertension in adulthood
SDG 3
Study associates sleep apnea in babies with increased risk of hypertension in adulthood

In experiments involving rats, researchers at São Paulo State University found that periods of low oxygen levels in the first months of life can lead to dysregulation of the sympathetic autonomic nervous system, which controls functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. The discovery points to possible routes to the development of novel therapies.


Biodressing accelerates skin wound healing in diabetic mice
SDG 3, SDG 9
Biodressing accelerates skin wound healing in diabetic mice

A biodressing containing human umbilical cord stem cells was produced in a 3D printer by the startup In Situ Cell Therapy. Researchers at the University of São Paulo found that when used on diabetic mice, the “smart” biodressing modulated the immune response, stimulated collagen synthesis and enhanced tissue repair.


<i>Leishmania</i> parasite manipulates organism’s defense system to continue replicating, study shows
SDG 3
<i>Leishmania</i> parasite manipulates organism’s defense system to continue replicating, study shows

Leishmania alters the structure of the human protein that would normally induce the death of infected cells and weakens the inflammatory response. Reported in Nature Communications, the discovery could serve as a basis for better treatment.


Toxins are detected in samples of curd cheese and artisan mozzarella in Brazil
SDG 3
Toxins are detected in samples of curd cheese and artisan mozzarella in Brazil

An analysis conducted at the University of São Paulo showed that no sample exceeded the recommended limit for aflatoxin M1, a contaminant of fungal origin considered carcinogenic. Nevertheless, the researchers warn of the need to demand best practices in dairy production.


In resistance training, focusing on load or number of repetitions leads to same muscle growth
SDG 3
In resistance training, focusing on load or number of repetitions leads to same muscle growth

A study by researchers at the State University of Campinas showed that although the two types of training produce similar metabolic stress, muscle activation is different.


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