News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 29-Oct-2026 03:17 ET (29-Oct-2026 07:17 GMT/UTC)

21-Jan-2021

 

Advances in modeling and sensors can help farmers and insurers manage risk

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

A review of index insurance for smallholder farmers shows the potential of high-resolution satellite imagery to help poor farmers be compensated for potentially devastating losses.

Journal

Nature Reviews Earth & Environment

Funder

Risk and Resilience, Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Markets, United States Agency for International Development

21-Jan-2021

 

The downward trend: Nature's decline risks our quality of life

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

Scientists conducted a sweeping review of nature's contributions to humans in order to present a clear breakdown of global trends since 1970. Not surprisingly, the results are grim

20-Jan-2021

 

Inflammation caused by scorpion venom should be blocked immediately, study shows

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

In an article published in Nature Communications, Brazilian researchers show for the first time that in severe cases of scorpion envenomation it is the neuroimmune reaction triggered by the venom that leads to death.

Journal

Nature Communications

Funder

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

19-Jan-2021

 

Lack of physical exercise during COVID-19 confinement may lead to a rise in mortality

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

In a review article published in Frontiers of Endocrinology, Brazilian researchers estimate a reduction of 35% in levels of physical activity and a rise of 28% in sedentary behavior in the initial months of confinement imposed by the pandemic.

Journal

Frontiers in Endocrinology

Funder

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

15-Jan-2021

 

Large mammals make soil more fertile in tropical forests

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

A study conducted by scientists at São Paulo State University demonstrates that animals like peccaries and tapirs boost soil levels of nitrogen, an essential element to plant growth.

Journal

Functional Ecology

Funder

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

13-Jan-2021

 

Researchers at Brazil's space institute discover why lightning branches and flickers

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

Analysis of the first super slow motion recordings of upward flashes suggests a possible explanation for the formation of luminous structures after electrical discharges split in the atmosphere.

Funder

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

13-Jan-2021

 

Smithsonian scientists reduce uncertainty in forest carbon storage calculations

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Helene Muller-Landau, staff scientist was invited to write an authoritative review about carbon storage in forests. Her team combed through existing studies and came up with some novel conclusions of their own.

Journal

New Phytologist

12-Jan-2021

 

Scientists study use of abundant enzyme in tumor cells to monitor cancer treatment

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

After 14 years studying the action of the enzyme LMWPTP in tumor cells, Brazilian researchers conclude that the molecule is associated with chemotherapy resistance and metastasis.

Journal

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences

Funder

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

7-Jan-2021

 

Study reveals structure of protein and permits search for drugs against neglected diseases

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

Discovery by Brazilian scientists paves the way for the study of more potent molecules capable of directly destroying parasites underlying elephantiasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis, with fewer adverse side-effects.

Journal

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases

Funder

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

5-Jan-2021

 

Novel method identifies areas most suitable for conservation of black lion tamarin

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

The researchers used modeling to show which areas are suitable in terms of forest cover and climate for occupation by the endangered species, which is endemic to the state of São Paulo. Their study is a contribution to translocation initiatives that move groups of these animals to areas from which the species has disappeared.

Journal

American Journal of Primatology

Funder

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