News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 8-Jun-2025 12:09 ET (8-Jun-2025 16:09 GMT/UTC)

28-May-2024

Fight against obesity goes far beyond individual struggle to change lifestyle, scientists say

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

In an article published in Nature Metabolism, researchers based in Brazil and Mexico analyze the Latin American obesity epidemic from a broad perspective that includes socioeconomic, cultural and epigenetic factors. For the authors, solutions must focus on collective action rather than individualization of the problem.

Journal

Nature Metabolism

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

23-May-2024

Drought in the Cerrado (Neotropical savanna) is the worst for at least seven centuries, study shows

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

Chemical analysis of stalagmites in the Peruaçu Caves National Park showed that global warming has disrupted the hydrological cycle in Brazil’s central region, making a significant proportion of any rain that falls evaporate before it can penetrate the so

Journal

Nature Communications

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Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

23-May-2024

Sowing a secure future: Belgium’s new ark to nurture biodiversity

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture
Business Announcement

In efforts to preserve plant species and help secure biodiversity within our changing environment, Meise Botanic Garden inaugurated Belgium’s new ark of seedbanks to ensure global food security and to conserve and protect plant genetic diversity.

22-May-2024

Proteins modified in lungs offer clues to biological functions of bromine

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

Researchers at a FAPESP-supported research center showed that the addition of bromine to extracellular matrix proteins is a physiological modification dependent on the enzyme peroxidasin – the study extends knowledge of the scope of this enzyme’s activity in the mammalian organism.

Journal

Redox Biology

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

21-May-2024

Jaboticaba peel reduces inflammation and controls blood sugar in people with metabolic syndrome

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

In a study with 49 participants, researchers at the State University of Campinas found that daily consumption of a dietary supplement containing 15 g of the substance for five weeks improved glucose metabolism even after meals.

Journal

Nutrition Research

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

17-May-2024

Aerobic exercise performed in the evening benefits elderly hypertensives more than morning exercise

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

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo with 23 volunteers found that only evening training regulated baroreflex sensitivity, a mechanism that compensates for abrupt changes in blood pressure.

Journal

The Journal of Physiology

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

16-May-2024

Plasma treatment of semiconductor films can improve hydrogen production

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

In an experiment resulting from collaboration between two FAPESP-supported research centers, a material was modified for use in solar-driven water splitting to produce hydrogen.

Journal

Chemical Engineering Journal

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

15-May-2024

Researchers conduct first-ever study to characterize microbiota in saliva of weaned piglets on commercial farms in Brazil

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

Results show that oral fluid bacteria differ from fecal and environmental bacteria. Identification of these microorganisms can help diagnose infectious diseases and improve pork production.

Journal

Scientific Reports

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

14-May-2024

Bruxism is a recurring condition among people with post-traumatic stress disorder

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

The finding is from a study conducted at the University of São Paulo and published in Clinical Oral Investigations; its authors stress the importance of joint action by dentists and psychiatrists to diagnose and treat these patients.

Journal

Clinical Oral Investigations

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Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

13-May-2024

In a reservoir in Southeast Brazil, introduction of a fish native to the Amazon has reduced native species diversity

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

Since 2001, when it was first recorded in the Jaguarai reservoir in São Paulo state, the Silver croaker (Plagioscion squamosissimus) has established and increased its population in the Paraíba do Sul Basin to the detriment of native fish species.

Journal

Biological Invasions

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo