News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 29-Oct-2026 15:17 ET (29-Oct-2026 19:17 GMT/UTC)

27-Jan-2021

 

Melatonin produced in the lungs prevents infection by novel coronavirus

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

The hormone acts as a barrier against SARS-CoV-2, blocking the expression of genes that encode proteins in cells serving as viral entry points, according to a study by researchers at the University of São Paulo.

Journal

Melatonin Research

Funder

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

26-Jan-2021

 

Study helps understand why kids of obese mothers may be susceptible to metabolic diseases

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

The phenomenon may be associated with a deficiency of the protein mitofusin-2 in the mother's eggs, which affects the shape and functioning of mitochondria. The finding was based on experiments with mice conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos and reported in the journal Molecular Human Reproduction.

Journal

Molecular Human Reproduction

Funder

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

21-Jan-2021

 

Advances in modeling and sensors can help farmers and insurers manage risk

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

A review of index insurance for smallholder farmers shows the potential of high-resolution satellite imagery to help poor farmers be compensated for potentially devastating losses.

Journal

Nature Reviews Earth & Environment

Funder

Risk and Resilience, Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Markets, United States Agency for International Development

21-Jan-2021

 

The downward trend: Nature's decline risks our quality of life

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

Scientists conducted a sweeping review of nature's contributions to humans in order to present a clear breakdown of global trends since 1970. Not surprisingly, the results are grim

20-Jan-2021

 

Inflammation caused by scorpion venom should be blocked immediately, study shows

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

In an article published in Nature Communications, Brazilian researchers show for the first time that in severe cases of scorpion envenomation it is the neuroimmune reaction triggered by the venom that leads to death.

Journal

Nature Communications

Funder

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

19-Jan-2021

 

Lack of physical exercise during COVID-19 confinement may lead to a rise in mortality

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

In a review article published in Frontiers of Endocrinology, Brazilian researchers estimate a reduction of 35% in levels of physical activity and a rise of 28% in sedentary behavior in the initial months of confinement imposed by the pandemic.

Journal

Frontiers in Endocrinology

Funder

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

15-Jan-2021

 

Large mammals make soil more fertile in tropical forests

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

A study conducted by scientists at São Paulo State University demonstrates that animals like peccaries and tapirs boost soil levels of nitrogen, an essential element to plant growth.

Journal

Functional Ecology

Funder

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

13-Jan-2021

 

Researchers at Brazil's space institute discover why lightning branches and flickers

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

Analysis of the first super slow motion recordings of upward flashes suggests a possible explanation for the formation of luminous structures after electrical discharges split in the atmosphere.

Funder

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

13-Jan-2021

 

Smithsonian scientists reduce uncertainty in forest carbon storage calculations

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Helene Muller-Landau, staff scientist was invited to write an authoritative review about carbon storage in forests. Her team combed through existing studies and came up with some novel conclusions of their own.

Journal

New Phytologist

12-Jan-2021

 

Scientists study use of abundant enzyme in tumor cells to monitor cancer treatment

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

After 14 years studying the action of the enzyme LMWPTP in tumor cells, Brazilian researchers conclude that the molecule is associated with chemotherapy resistance and metastasis.

Journal

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences

Funder

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