News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 1-May-2025 11:08 ET (1-May-2025 15:08 GMT/UTC)

16-Aug-2023

Novel enzyme could boost sustainable production of aviation fuel

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

A biocatalyst discovered by Brazilian researchers has the potential to increase renewable biofuel output by removing obstacles in technology and production processes, as well as enhancing the manufacturing of bioplastics and biopolymers.

Journal

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

15-Aug-2023

Study proposes use of artificial intelligence to diagnose autism spectrum disorder

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

Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to train a machine learning algorithm to help diagnose autism. The study involved physicists, statisticians, physicians and neuroscientists from centers in Brazil, France and Germany.

Journal

Scientific Reports

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

10-Aug-2023

Novel socio-environmental vulnerability index pinpoints sustainability issues in Brazilian river basins

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

The innovative approach highlights vulnerability to deforestation, fire and drought, as well as poverty. The results can help formulate public policies for sustainable development.

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

9-Aug-2023

Rare long-distance dispersal events help maintain genetic structure of mangroves

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

A study combining genetic analysis and oceanographic simulations showed that a species of mangrove rarely disperses very far, so that North and South Brazil have two distinct populations. The results can help prioritize conservation units and understand global patterns in mangrove forest formation.

Journal

Molecular Ecology Resources

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

8-Aug-2023

Sustainable Cocoa Innovation Challenge for Colombia: Supporting innovation in the cocoa value chain for forest conservation and peacebuilding

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

Are you an innovator working on a solution that is applicable to the cocoa value chain in Colombia? Apply to the Sustainable Cocoa Innovation Challenge powered by CGIAR and Rockstart.

8-Aug-2023

Co-infection by novel species of parasite is confirmed in visceral leishmaniasis patient

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

Genome sequencing of clinical samples from a child hospitalized in Aracaju, the capital of Sergipe state (Brazil), revealed the simultaneous presence of the protozoan Leishmania infantum and an as-yet unnamed parasite belonging to the genus Crithidia, identified earlier in a fatal case of visceral leishmaniasis in the same region.

Journal

International Journal of Infectious Diseases

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

7-Aug-2023

More work needed to unlock mysteries of Asia’s bees

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

Although the collapse of hives of European honey bees (Apis mellifera) has gained worldwide attention in recent years, there are massive gaps in knowledge of other bee species, particularly in the Asian region, which contains over half the world’s human population and where food security (in which bees play a key role) remains a major challenge.

Journal

Biological Conservation

3-Aug-2023

Three out of every ten meals ordered from the main food delivery app in Brazil come from dark kitchens

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

Noting that dark kitchens featured frequently in local news outlets owing to rows with neighbors over noise, smells and biker traffic around homes in the vicinity, the researchers also found health and safety issues to be problematic.

Journal

Food Research International

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

2-Aug-2023

Researchers map cadmium in cacao: “The problem isn’t as bad as we thought”

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

Cadmium naturally occurs in the soil of much of Latin America's cacao farms, and is absorbed by the plants. With EU regulations restricting the amount of cadmium allowed in chocolate imports, it is important for farmers to know where they can grow cacao that is fit for the global market. Researchers have compiled a map that aims to address this challenge.

Journal

Science of The Total Environment

2-Aug-2023

Substitution of tolerant for sensitive species balances ecosystems in agricultural areas, study says

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

Research conducted in manipulated sugarcane plots showed that small water bodies such as ponds and puddles can contribute to sustainable farming even with environmentally hostile. practices

Journal

Journal of Applied Ecology

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo