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News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 1-Jul-2025 21:10 ET (2-Jul-2025 01:10 GMT/UTC)

Human fishing reshaped Caribbean reef food webs, 7000-year old exposed fossilized reefs reveal

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A groundbreaking study of 7000-year-old exposed coral reef fossils reveals how human fishing has transformed Caribbean reef food webs: as sharks declined by 75% and fish preferred by humans became smaller, prey fish species flourished —doubling in numbers and growing larger. This unprecedented look into prehistoric reef communities shows how the loss of top predators cascaded through the entire food web, shifting the balance amongst coral reefs

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Túngara frog tadpoles that grew up in the city developed faster but ended up being smaller

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Have you ever wondered how city life affects animals like frogs? A new study reveals that urban Túngara frog tadpoles develop faster —but end up being smaller — than tadpoles from forests, probably resulting in smaller adults. This might be an adaptation to warmer urban puddles with fewer predators or to constantly changing environmental conditions in the city.

Journal: Journal of Animal Ecology

New model enables the study of how protein complex influences mitochondrial function

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

A yeast experiment conducted at a FAPESP-supported research center shows how deficiencies in the proteasome, which is responsible for eliminating damaged and non-functional proteins, affect the metabolism of mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for cells.

Journal: Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Study finds that common bacteria in the mouth can help predict the progression of head and neck cancer

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

By analyzing patient samples, Brazilian researchers identified the species Fusobacterium nucleatum in nearly 60% of cases, with a higher prevalence in oropharyngeal tumors. This microorganism has also been associated with the development of colorectal cancer.

Journal: Journal of Oral Microbiology
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Research reveals how hormone accelerates fat burning and promotes weight loss in obese mice

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

An experiment conducted at the State University of Campinas showed that FGF19, produced in the intestine, acts on specific regions of the brain, causing the body to burn energy to produce heat; the discovery paves the way for new drugs.

Journal: Endocrinology and Metabolism
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Fishermen in Maceió, Brazil, have higher-than-average mercury levels

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

Blood and urine analyses of the population living in the Mundaú lagoon complex revealed a greater presence of chemical contaminants and metabolic alterations that can exacerbate chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. These results underscore the need to monitor the health of the inhabitants and control the sources of contamination.

Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Researchers identify protein essential for balancing bone tissue

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

Findings published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules could guide studies aimed at treating diseases such as osteoporosis.

Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Researchers develop ‘vegan meat’ based on sunflower flour

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

The ingredient, extracted from the plant’s seeds, is a good source of protein and has a neutral flavor and aroma, making it easy to use in food products.

Journal: Food Research International
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Droughts can reduce the caloric value of flower nectar by up to 95%, study finds

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

An experiment carried out by researchers from São Paulo State University on zucchini crops indicated that a 30% drop in rainfall would reduce the availability of calories in the sweet liquid that serves as food for pollinators, such as bees, by 34%, while extreme drought practically wipes out the resource. These results are particularly concerning for plants that depend on cross-pollination.

Journal: Scientific Reports
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Article presents innovative drug for controlling weight and blood sugar

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

In animal tests, the molecule developed in South America has been shown to prevent fat accumulation and treat existing obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Initial human studies have confirmed the safety of the compound.

Journal: Nature Metabolism
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

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