News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 13-Jan-2026 15:12 ET (13-Jan-2026 20:12 GMT/UTC)

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

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

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

7-Jan-2021

Study reveals structure of protein and permits search for drugs against neglected diseases

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

Discovery by Brazilian scientists paves the way for the study of more potent molecules capable of directly destroying parasites underlying elephantiasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis, with fewer adverse side-effects.

Journal

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases

Funder

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

5-Jan-2021

Novel method identifies areas most suitable for conservation of black lion tamarin

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

The researchers used modeling to show which areas are suitable in terms of forest cover and climate for occupation by the endangered species, which is endemic to the state of São Paulo. Their study is a contribution to translocation initiatives that move groups of these animals to areas from which the species has disappeared.

Journal

American Journal of Primatology

Funder

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

4-Jan-2021

Scientists seek faster route to treat depression

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

The Brazilian research group used epigenetic modulators to try to 'erase' the damage done by stress to neuroplasticity. The study showed that acute intervention in epigenetic mechanisms produces antidepressant-like effects more rapidly than conventional drugs.

Journal

Molecular Neurobiology

Funder

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

21-Dec-2020

Enhanced scorpion venom molecules can be used to treat Chagas disease

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

Brazilian researchers tested the antichagasic properties of VmCT1, obtained from the venom of Vaejovis mexicanus, a scorpion harmless to humans, and synthesized novel analogs to redesign the native molecule

Journal

Parasitology

Funder

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

21-Dec-2020

Device refines analysis of materials for fuel cells and batteries

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

Developed at an Engineering Research Center supported by FAPESP, the novel spectroelectrochemical cell can be used to study the behavior of electrolytes and catalysts by means of X-rays and infrared or even visible light.

Journal

ChemElectroChem

Funder

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

21-Dec-2020

Brazilian researcher experiments with electron-plasma interactions

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

The study could help upgrade satellite communications equipment.

Journal

Physics of Plasmas

Funder

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

16-Dec-2020

Study of dune dynamics will help scientists understand the topography of Mars

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

Researchers at the University of Campinas conducted more than 120 experiments with dunes of up to 10 cm that interact for a few minutes, obtaining a model valid for dunes on the surface of Mars that are many miles long and take more than a thousand years to interact

Journal

Geophysical Research Letters

Funder

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