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News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 22-Jun-2025 10:10 ET (22-Jun-2025 14:10 GMT/UTC)

Scientists seek faster route to treat depression

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

The Brazilian research group used epigenetic modulators to try to 'erase' the damage done by stress to neuroplasticity. The study showed that acute intervention in epigenetic mechanisms produces antidepressant-like effects more rapidly than conventional drugs.

Journal: Molecular Neurobiology
Funder: São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab

Enhanced scorpion venom molecules can be used to treat Chagas disease

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

Brazilian researchers tested the antichagasic properties of VmCT1, obtained from the venom of Vaejovis mexicanus, a scorpion harmless to humans, and synthesized novel analogs to redesign the native molecule

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

Device refines analysis of materials for fuel cells and batteries

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

Developed at an Engineering Research Center supported by FAPESP, the novel spectroelectrochemical cell can be used to study the behavior of electrolytes and catalysts by means of X-rays and infrared or even visible light.

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

Brazilian researcher experiments with electron-plasma interactions

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

The study could help upgrade satellite communications equipment.

Journal: Physics of Plasmas
Funder: São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab

Study of dune dynamics will help scientists understand the topography of Mars

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

Researchers at the University of Campinas conducted more than 120 experiments with dunes of up to 10 cm that interact for a few minutes, obtaining a model valid for dunes on the surface of Mars that are many miles long and take more than a thousand years to interact

Journal: Geophysical Research Letters
Funder: São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab

Molecules derived from omega-3 can regenerate inflamed periodontal tissue

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

An in vitro study by a Brazilian researcher shows that maresin and resolvin synthesized from fatty acid stimulate periodontal ligament stem cells even in the presence of inflammation

Journal: Frontiers in Immunology
Funder: São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab

How much greenhouse gas emission comes from tropical deforestation and peatland loss?

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

New research papers provide better data for tropical countries on how land conversion -- in this case, the removal of tropical forests and peatland for agriculture -- leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Journal: Ecosphere

A no-meat diet everywhere will not solve the climate crisis

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

Scientists argue Authors further argue that a singular focus on negative livestock-related environmental impacts ignores the critical but more positive role livestock play in ecosystem services, income and asset provision or insurance in low- and middle-income countries. It also overlooks more systemic questions about how animals are raised.

Journal: Environmental Research Letters
Funder: CGIAR Research Program on Livestock

Drug for pulmonary hypertension may become an option against cancer

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

In experiments by Brazilian researchers with mice and tumor cell lines, the drug showed potential to combat metastasis. The scientists are planning to conduct clinical trials with patients who are on chemotherapy.

Journal: Scientific Reports
Funder: São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab

Male bats with high testosterone levels have large forearm crusts when females are fertile

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Mammalian odors are frequently sexually dimorphic, with males often exhibiting a stronger, or otherwise distinct, odor relative to females, which can be especially useful for nocturnal species with reduced use of vision. Some male bats exhibit intense odors to attract females and reproduce, presumably as a consequence of a high concentration of testosterone.

Journal: Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology