News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 7-Jun-2025 10:09 ET (7-Jun-2025 14:09 GMT/UTC)

26-Jun-2018

Substance found in grapes prevents agglomeration of a mutant protein that leads to cancer

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

A novel Brazilian study published in Oncotarget is the first to show the action of resveratrol, a bioactive compound present in grapes and red wine, on the inhibition of aggregates of the mutant p53 protein. Because they are found in more than half of human malignant tumors, these amyloid aggregates are considered strategic targets in the fight against cancer.

Journal

OncoTargets and Therapy

Funder

Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research in the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (Capes/Ministry of Education), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)

18-Jun-2018

Research shows how a moderate dose of alcohol protects the heart

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

Results published in Cardiovascular Research suggest the effect is associated with activation of the enzyme ALDH2, which helps rid the organism of an aldehyde which is a toxic byproduct of alcohol digestion as much as it is a byproduct of heart cells submitted to stress.

Journal

Cardiovascular Research

Funder

Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP

13-Jun-2018

Antarctic fungi found to be effective against citrus canker

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

Brazilian researchers have identified activity against Xanthomonas citri in 29 fungi isolated from samples collected in Antarctica. One of the compounds inhibited reproduction of the bacterium by up to 98 percent. The process of purifying and submitting bioactive compounds to toxicological tests is expected to be concluded no later than 2019.

Journal

Letters in Applied Microbiology

Funder

Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP

12-Jun-2018

Platform uses artificial intelligence to diagnose Zika and other pathogens

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

Method created in Brazil combines mass spectrometry analysis of blood serum with an algorithm that recognizes patterns associated with diseases from various origins. Adoption of machine learning technique allows the program to adapt itself to possible viral mutations.

Journal

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

Funder

Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP

11-Jun-2018

Discovery of the oldest mammal in Brazil pays tribute to David Bowie

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

Brasilestes stardusti lived around 70 million years ago and was named after Ziggy Stardust, the singer's iconic persona. Description was based on a fossilized tooth. It's the first indication that placental mammals and dinosaurs co-existed in South America. For scientists, fossil features showed similarities with another prehistoric mammal found in India, suggesting both shared a common ancestral native from the Gondwana supercontinent.

Journal

Royal Society Open Science

Funder

Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP

8-Jun-2018

Startup uses artificial intelligence to analyze vehicle driver behavior

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Business Announcement

Innovative firm from Brazil designs a tool that can identify behavioral pattern and establish driver profile with over 90 percent accuracy, helping cutting costs in car fleet management. During its three-year existence, the company has been awarded by the Harvard Business School; currently, they are working on an updated version equipped with a solar battery that can be affixed to any part of the vehicle.

Funder

Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP

7-Jun-2018

Study develops a model enhancing particle beam efficiency

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

Inspired by tokamaks, Brazilians researchers create via computer simulation an alternative for better control, in accelerators, of the particles' chaotic trajectories.

Journal

Physics of Plasmas

Funder

Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP

6-Jun-2018

Fungicide impairs silk production, according to study

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

By testing an agrochemical designed to increase resistance on the mulberry plants used to feed silkworms, a research verified a rise in caterpillars' mortality and reduction in the size of cocoons. Intensive use of pesticides in monoculture systems may be the cause of silkworm crop losses in Brazil.

Journal

Journal of Economic Entomology

Funder

Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP

6-Jun-2018

What does the future hold for the children of the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil?

Publicase International
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine uses a mouse model to investigate the potential long-term effects of early-life infection by Zika virus, and indicates that blocking TNF- may be an effective strategy to stop seizures in newborns exposed to Zika congenitally.

Journal

Science Translational Medicine

5-Jun-2018

Invasive species of coral boasts amazing capacity for regeneration

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

Colonies of sun coral multiply rapidly, driving native corals out. Scientists in Brazil investigate whether the rising of oceanic temperature, combined with increasing activity of the oil and gas industry, might be favoring the invasive species.

Journal

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology

Funder

Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP