News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 29-Oct-2026 11:16 ET (29-Oct-2026 15:16 GMT/UTC)

7-Jun-2021

 

Chip mimicking bovine endometrium used in study of factors that can jeopardize pregnancy

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

The device was used for the first time to culture two maternal endometrial cell types, revealing the effects of alterations in glucose and insulin levels in the uterine environment.

Journal

Endocrinology

Funder

About São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

7-Jun-2021

 

Non-invasive sensor shows correlation between blood pressure and intracranial pressure

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

The discovery, made possible by a partnership between a research group and a startup in São Paulo state (Brazil), could lead to novel treatments for intracranial hypertension and its complications, such as stroke.

Funder

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

7-Jun-2021

 

Study helps to deeper understanding of brain dysfunctions in patients with schizophrenia

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

Researchers used protein mapping to show how abnormal levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate impair the functioning of neurons and oligodendrocytes. The findings could serve as a basis for more effective treatment.

Journal

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

Funder

About São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

3-Jun-2021

Alzheimer's disease raises the risk of severe COVID-19 and death from this viral disease

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

Patients with dementia and especially Alzheimer's run a threefold risk of dying as a result of infection by SARS-CoV-2. The risk is six times greater if they are over 80, according to a study by Brazilian researchers.

Funder

The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

2-Jun-2021

 

Study evaluates the filtration efficacy of 227 commercially available face masks in Brazil

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

Models for professional use were the most effective at retaining aerosol particles of a size equivalent to the novel coronavirus, followed by TNT masks sold in drugstores. The efficacy of fabric masks ranged from 15% to 70%. A tight fit and lack of seams enhanced protection.

Journal

Aerosol Science and Technology

Funder

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

1-Jun-2021

 

Direct action of SARS-CoV-2 on organs may cause exacerbated immune response in children

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

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 had spread throughout the body via the blood vessels, infecting various types of cell and tissue in these children. The clinical manifestations varied according to the organ targeted.

Journal

EClinicalMedicine

Funder

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

31-May-2021

 

Study finds major anti-inflammatory immune activity that favors oral cancer tumors

MELISA Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

This collaborative research made significant progress in the understanding of molecular mechanisms preventing an effective antitumor immune response in oral cancer; the latter due to the production of chemical mediators that induce an anti-inflammatory regulatory response that favors tumor development through a vitamin D signaling pathway. The study was published in Frontiers in Immunology on May 7, 2021.

Journal

Frontiers in Immunology

Funder

National Health and Medical Research Council, Sindicato-2, Chilean Agency of Investigation and Development, University of Concepcion, Diabetes Australia, Lions Medical Research Foundation

26-May-2021

 

Research identifies climate-change refugia in dry-forest region

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

The study was conducted in a Brazilian national park and was based on analysis of tree rings in the species Amburana cearensis, as well as satellite images.

Journal

Forest Ecology and Management

Funder

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

25-May-2021

 

Conserving and monitoring genetic diversity will benefit nature and society

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

Genetic diversity, which reflects the variation in DNA within species and populations and is the key to their capacity to adapt in times of change, is being lost at an alarming rate. According to an article by 28 authors representing 16 countries, the loss of genetic diversity can affect resiliency in the face of environmental change and result in the loss of important services provided to society.

Journal

BioScience

25-May-2021

 

Study shows how fungi and bacteria can activate genes associated with head and neck cancer

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

A research group at São Paulo State University (UNESP) analyzed how Candida albicans fungi and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria influence gene expression and tumor cell survival.

Journal

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

Funder

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