News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 22-Dec-2025 17:11 ET (22-Dec-2025 22:11 GMT/UTC)

16-May-2023

Temperature of solar flares helps understand nature of solar plasma

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

A new study simulated dozens of solar flares and showed that analysis of the Lyman Continuum spectrum formed by hydrogen ionization and recombination can be used for diagnosis of the solar plasma.

Journal

The Astrophysical Journal

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

15-May-2023

Researchers find compound that combats multidrug-resistant bacteria in less than one hour

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

In vitro experiments were conducted at a FAPESP-supported research center with a synthetic peptide inspired by molecules secreted by the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum.The compound is a new peptide with a molecular framework designed to enhance its antimicrobial activity and with low toxicity.

Journal

Antibiotics

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

10-May-2023

Study proves efficacy of remote physical training in rehabilitation of severe COVID patients

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

A program developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo included three weekly sessions of up to 80 minutes each for 16 weeks, with positive effects on cardiorespiratory fitness, lung function, functional capacity, body composition and persistent symptoms.

Journal

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

10-May-2023

Study points to novel method for early diagnosis of cachexia in lung cancer patients

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

Predictive model developed at São Paulo State University (UNESP) helps identify tumor biomarkers of this metabolic syndrome characterized by acute weight loss and muscle wasting.

Journal

Journal of Translational Medicine

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

9-May-2023

Melatonin, commonly used to improve sleep, can aggravate bowel inflammation

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

In laboratory mice, the hormone easily bought from pharmacies and widely consumed as a supplement aggravated Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, depending on the animal’s gut microbiota profile, according to a study by researchers at the University of São Paulo.

Journal

Microorganisms

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

8-May-2023

COVID-19: institutional politics was crucial to success of vaccine technology transfer in Brazil

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

Researchers show the importance of political skill on the part of federal research institution Fiocruz and regulatory agency ANVISA in the process that resulted in the signature of an agreement with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca in mid-pandemic.

Journal

Research Policy

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

4-May-2023

Genetic sequencing of sea turtles can help understand disease that threatens species

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

The most comprehensive sequencing to date of the genomes of the Leatherback and Green sea turtles shows they are mostly identical. An article in PNAS helps scientists understand how the group has evolved and provides ideas for conservation strategies.

Journal

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

3-May-2023

Used coffee pods can be recycled to produce filaments for 3D printing

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

Tested by Brazilian and British researchers, the process is an example of circular economy technology, in which waste produced in one economic activity is converted into resources for other sectors.

Journal

ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

2-May-2023

A method to access genetic information in blood samples and find correlations with mental health problems

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

In a study with 116 participants, researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo evaluated the genetic material contained in extracellular vesicles possibly secreted by brain tissue. The analysis pointed to patterns of microRNA expression associated with depression, anxiety and ADHD.

Journal

Translational Psychiatry

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

26-Apr-2023

Environmental context strongly influences drug dependence, study shows

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

Researchers observed the behavior and brain structures of mice after they developed addiction to cocaine, noting more agitation and brain activation associated with a specific environment.

Journal

Biomedicines

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo