News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 11-Mar-2026 22:15 ET (12-Mar-2026 02:15 GMT/UTC)

11-Mar-2026

Dengue vaccine remains 80.5% effective against severe cases after five years

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Study published in Nature Medicine confirms that Butantan-DV protects against hospitalizations.

Journal

Nature Medicine

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

11-Mar-2026

The complete genome of the golden lancehead reveals how genes responsible for venom toxins evolved

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

One of the most complete sequencing projects ever performed on snakes worldwide serves as a reference for all jararaca vipers, which may contribute to new discoveries about toxins and the conservation of the species on Queimada Grande Island in Brazil, where it is critically endangered.

Journal

Genome Biology and Evolution

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

9-Mar-2026

Researchers create index to assess soil health in mangroves

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Tool can support managers in setting conservation priorities for these ecosystems, called “blue carbon forests.” Brazil has the second largest mangrove area on the planet, behind only Indonesia.

Journal

Scientific Reports

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

9-Mar-2026

Study traces genetic links between 14 psychiatric conditions and may facilitate future treatments

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

After comparing data from over one million diagnosed individuals, an international consortium of researchers grouped the disorders into five major categories. The study is the largest of its kind ever conducted. 

Journal

Nature

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

6-Mar-2026

Climate projections warn 20% of Colombia’s cocoa-growing areas could be lost by 2050, but adaptation options remain

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture
Peer-Reviewed Publication

By 2050, nearly 20% of the areas currently suitable for cocoa cultivation in Colombia could lose the climate conditions needed for production, particularly in the lowlands of the Caribbean region and the country’s northeastern departments, according to a new study. 

Journal

Regional Environmental Change

5-Mar-2026

Diversification of termite diets was made possible by genome modifications

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Study reveals that evolutionary divergence occurred before ecological divergence, enabling these insects to feed on both wood and soil. Future discoveries may be applied to the production of biofuels.

Journal

Nature Communications

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

4-Mar-2026

Natural dye produced by Amazonian fungus can be used in cosmetics

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A red extract made from Talaromyces amestolkiae was tested in the bases of potential products, including face cream, shampoo, and gel sticks, for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Journal

ACS Omega

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

4-Mar-2026

Researchers identify ‘neuroimmune signature’ that can predict hepatitis complications

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A network of genes linked to the nervous and immune systems can predict cancer risk and even explain symptoms such as fatigue and depression resulting from viral hepatitis infection.

Journal

Journal of Medical Virology

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

2-Mar-2026

Babies exposed to poverty show delays in motor development as early as six months

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Analyses conducted by researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos showed that the condition can be easily reversed through simple stimuli and strategies, reinforcing the need for programs aimed at this population.

Journal

Acta Psychologica

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

26-Feb-2026

Green turtle nests may bury ‘plastic rocks’ and endanger the species

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Study observed accumulation of plastic on Trindade Island, Brazil’s easternmost territory, precisely in the depressions where turtles lay their eggs and hatchlings are born.

Journal

Marine Pollution Bulletin

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo