News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 21-Jun-2025 06:10 ET (21-Jun-2025 10:10 GMT/UTC)

10-May-2021

The formation of the Amazon Basin influenced the distribution of manatees

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

Whole mitochondrial DNA sequencing of the three extant species of the aquatic mammal shows that they first split from their common ancestor after geological events isolated the South American region from the sea. The African species may have originated in migration borne by marine currents.

Journal

Scientific Reports

Funder

São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab

10-May-2021

Informed tourists make whale watching safer for whales

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

How does whale watching affect whale behavior? Who watches whales in Panama's Las Perlas Archipelago? Researchers from STRI and ASU hope to recommend innovative data-based conservation strategies.

Journal

Frontiers in Marine Science

7-May-2021

Soybean and linseed oils added to cows' diet improve the quality of milk

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

Brazilian researchers show that feed supplementation improves fatty acid profile of milk and promotes a healthier omega-6/omega-3 ratio.

Journal

PLOS One

Funder

About São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

5-May-2021

Study shows how low-protein intake during pregnancy can cause renal problems in offspring

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

In an article published in PLOS ONE, scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center describe the impact of hypoproteinemia on the expression of microRNAs associated with kidney development in rat embryos.

Journal

PLOS One

Funder

São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab

4-May-2021

Forest fires drive expansion of savannas in the heart of the Amazon

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

Researchers analyzed the effects of wildfires on plant cover and soil quality in the last 40 years. The findings of the study show that the forest is highly vulnerable even in well-conserved areas far from the 'deforestation arc'.

Journal

Ecosystems

Funder

São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab

4-May-2021

Phase transition inside the nucleus provides oncogenic function to mutant p53 in cancer

Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB)
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), in Brazil, have found a crucial link between phase transition (aggregation) of mutant p53 protein and cancer pathology. The study opens new paths for the development of novels drugs against the disease. The results have been published in advance in the scientific journal Chemical Science.

Journal

Chemical Science

Funder

Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support in the State of Rio de Janeiro, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, National Council for Scientifc and Technological Development

28-Apr-2021

El Niño can help predict cacao harvests up to 2 years in advance

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

New research published in the Nature journal Scientific Reports shows that ENSO, the weather-shaping cycle of warming and cooling of the Pacific Ocean along the Equator, is a strong predictor of cacao harvests up to two years before a harvest.

Journal

Scientific Reports

27-Apr-2021

Physical activity reduces cardiovascular risk in rheumatic patients

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

People with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are more likely to have heart attacks, angina, and strokes. A review of the scientific literature on the subject shows that regular exercise improves vascular function in these patients

Journal

Rheumatology

Funder

São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab

23-Apr-2021

High dose of vitamin D fails to improve condition of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients

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

A clinical trial was conducted with 240 patients who were given 200,000 IU of vitamin D3 on admission to hospital. The supplementation did not reduce length of stay or affect the proportion requiring intensive care

Journal

JAMA

Funder

São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab

20-Apr-2021

Study could lead to production of more efficient optoelectronic devices

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

Resonant-tunneling diodes are used in high-frequency oscillators, wave emitters and detectors, logic gates, photodetectors, and optoelectronic circuits. The study was a collaboration between Brazilian and German researchers.

Journal

Physical Review Applied

Funder

São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab