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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

COVID-19: institutional politics was crucial to success of vaccine technology transfer in Brazil
SDG 3, SDG 17
COVID-19: institutional politics was crucial to success of vaccine technology transfer in Brazil

Researchers show the importance of political skill on the part of federal research institution Fiocruz and regulatory agency ANVISA in the process that resulted in the signature of an agreement with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca in mid-pandemic.


A method to access genetic information in blood samples and find correlations with mental health problems
SDG 3
A method to access genetic information in blood samples and find correlations with mental health problems

In a study with 116 participants, researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo evaluated the genetic material contained in extracellular vesicles possibly secreted by brain tissue. The analysis pointed to patterns of microRNA expression associated with depression, anxiety and ADHD.


COVID-19 can lead immune system to exhaustion even in young people with mild to moderate symptoms
SDG 3
COVID-19 can lead immune system to exhaustion even in young people with mild to moderate symptoms

Researchers in Brazil and Portugal have been following patients under 40 who had the disease before being vaccinated. Alterations found in immune cells up to 180 days after infection resemble those found in patients with chronic diseases.


Exposure to cannabinoids in pregnancy increases newborn mortality and respiratory problems
SDG 3
Exposure to cannabinoids in pregnancy increases newborn mortality and respiratory problems

This was the main finding of a study involving rats conducted by Brazilian researchers. Mortality was 29% higher for fetuses exposed to a synthetic compound that acts on the brain in a similar manner to natural cannabinoids. Respiratory control and CO2 sensitivity, which influence sudden infant death syndrome, were also altered.


New research center aims to fill key gap for advancement of biotechnology in Brazil
SDG 3, SDG 9
New research center aims to fill key gap for advancement of biotechnology in Brazil

With the support of FAPESP’s Science for Development Center Program, the unit hosted by São Paulo State University will produce pilot batches of candidate biopharmaceuticals and vaccines for clinical trials. The aim is to help researchers and startups survive the “valley of death” in clinical research.


Obese pregnant women infected by zika virus have impaired immune response
SDG 3
Obese pregnant women infected by zika virus have impaired immune response

Researchers at the University of São Paulo analyzed placental samples from women with and without obesity who contracted the infection while pregnant. The results show that maternal overweight can compromise the placenta’s immune response and impair fetal protection.


Study describes mechanism that regulates activity of memory gene
SDG 3
Study describes mechanism that regulates activity of memory gene

Working at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, the researchers used epigenetics to study the mechanism, which could be associated with pathologies such as Alzheimer’s. The discovery expands scientists’ knowledge of the central nervous system.


A simple, portable sensor monitors paracetamol levels in saliva in real time for personalized treatment
SDG 3, SDG 9
A simple, portable sensor monitors paracetamol levels in saliva in real time for personalized treatment

Developed at the University of São Paulo, the device permits corrections to the dosage of the analgesic to improve its efficacy according to the patient’s profile and avoid toxic side effects or overdose.


Low-cost sensor detects early-stage Parkinson’s disease in biological samples
SDG 3, SDG 9
Low-cost sensor detects early-stage Parkinson’s disease in biological samples

The device, produced by ordinary 3D printing and capable of being miniaturized, detects levels of the protein PARK7/DJ-1, which is associated with the disease. The study used samples of blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid.


Scientists create model to predict depression and anxiety using artificial intelligence and social media
SDG 3
Scientists create model to predict depression and anxiety using artificial intelligence and social media

A study by a group at the University of São Paulo reported in a scientific journal involved the construction of a database and models. Preliminary results are described in the article.


Mutant strains of <i>Salmonella</i> make infection more aggressive in commercial poultry, study shows
SDG 3
Mutant strains of <i>Salmonella</i> make infection more aggressive in commercial poultry, study shows

Deletion of two genes, which in mice attenuated the action of the bacteria, made the immune response more exacerbated in broiler chicks. The findings reinforce the need for animal health and hygiene measures throughout the poultry production chain.


Adolescents who use smartphones for more than three hours a day suffer more from back pain
SDG 3
Adolescents who use smartphones for more than three hours a day suffer more from back pain

The finding is from a longitudinal study conducted in Brazil. Analyzing data for high school students aged 13-18, it concluded that the problem affects girls more than boys and is associated with physical inactivity and low academic achievement.


FAPESP launches artificial intelligence research center in partnership with health plan operator Hapvida
SDG 3, SDG 9
FAPESP launches artificial intelligence research center in partnership with health plan operator Hapvida

The center will be hosted by the Federal University of Ceará and will focus on the use of the Internet of Things, big data, digital transformation and cutting-edge technology in prevention, diagnosis and low-cost therapies.


Natural molecule enhances sunscreen efficacy without increasing concentration of conventional UV filters
SDG 3, SDG 12
Natural molecule enhances sunscreen efficacy without increasing concentration of conventional UV filters

Addition of rosmarinic acid at a mere 0.1% reduced the amount of sunscreen needed to protect the skin, increased the sun protection factor by more than 41% and combined photoprotection with antioxidant activity. The innovation would reduce the volume of chemical substances discharged into the environment.


Strength training reduces BP when practiced with moderate to vigorous intensity two or three times a week
SDG 3
Strength training reduces BP when practiced with moderate to vigorous intensity two or three times a week

This conclusion, presented by Brazilian researchers in the journal Scientific Reports, is based on a systematic review of clinical trials held to investigate the effect of strength training on blood pressure in hypertensive patients. All age groups benefited, but the positive effects were most evident in patients aged 50 or less.


New center at University of São Paulo will combine research on mental health with digital interventions
SDG 3
New center at University of São Paulo will combine research on mental health with digital interventions

With the support of FAPESP and Banco Industrial do Brasil, the National Center for Research and Innovation in Mental Health (CISM) was launched at an event held on March 15.


Study elucidates at cellular level how regular exercise preserves physical fitness during aging
SDG 3
Study elucidates at cellular level how regular exercise preserves physical fitness during aging

Experiments involving nematode worms conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo showed that the benefits of physical activity to muscles are directly linked to processes occurring in mitochondria, the organelles that make energy for cells. Their findings offer possible routes for drug development.


Post-bariatric surgery exercise modulates brain regions associated with regulation of food intake
SDG 3
Post-bariatric surgery exercise modulates brain regions associated with regulation of food intake

In a study conducted in São Paulo, Brazil, exercise training increased connectivity between the hypothalamus and sensory regions, accelerating satiety, for example.


Study detects pesticide residues in baby food
SDG 3
Study detects pesticide residues in baby food

Analysis conducted in Spain used a methodology developed by researchers at the State University of Campinas to detect many toxins simultaneously.


Scientists identify pattern of brain activity associated with resistance to stress
SDG 3
Scientists identify pattern of brain activity associated with resistance to stress

A study in rats analyzed neural rhythm in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus with machine learning techniques. The results could guide future personalized treatments for psychiatric disorders.


Brazilian researchers investigate diversity of <i>E. coli</i> bacteria in hospitalized patients
SDG 3
Brazilian researchers investigate diversity of <i>E. coli</i> bacteria in hospitalized patients

The aim of the study was to analyze the virulence and antimicrobial resistance profile of the main agent of urinary tract infections.


Study associates long COVID with physical inactivity
SDG 3
Study associates long COVID with physical inactivity

Fatigue, breathlessness and other symptoms that may persist months after recovery from the infection may both favor sedentarism and be more frequent as a result of an inactive lifestyle, according to findings described by researchers at the University of São Paulo in an article in Scientific Reports.


Moderate consumption of red wine remodels gut microbiota and offers cardiovascular benefits, study shows
SDG 3
Moderate consumption of red wine remodels gut microbiota and offers cardiovascular benefits, study shows

Significant changes in gut microbiota were observed in 42 men with coronary artery disease after they took 250 ml of red wine per day for five days a week over a period of three weeks.


Resistance training improves sleep quality and reduces inflammation in older people with sarcopenia
SDG 3
Resistance training improves sleep quality and reduces inflammation in older people with sarcopenia

The study involved 28 volunteers diagnosed with sarcopenia, which is characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength.


Third dose of COVID-19 vaccines increases protection against omicron, study shows
SDG 3
Third dose of COVID-19 vaccines increases protection against omicron, study shows

Researchers followed 286 volunteers during a wave of COVID-19 in the Northeast region of Brazil in the first quarter of 2022. The number of cases fell among those who had been vaccinated with three doses, and they had more neutralizing antibodies than subjects who had not completed the vaccination scheme even when previously infected.


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