News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 25-Oct-2026 03:16 ET (25-Oct-2026 07:16 GMT/UTC)

9-Nov-2021

 

Photovoltaic panels are home to microorganisms with potential biotech applications

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

The results were similar to those of studies conducted in Spain, the United States, the Arctic and Antarctic despite the differences in geography and climate. The bacterial genera Methylobacterium methylorubrum and Hymenobacter accounted for over 90% of the total microbial diversity observed. Researchers say some can be used to develop pigments and biodetergents

Journal

FEMS Microbiology Letters

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

8-Nov-2021

 

Change in vaccination strategy averted outbreak of urban yellow fever in São Paulo State, scientists say

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

An article in Scientific Reports shows that the virus spread at a speed of 1 km per day in the latest sylvatic outbreaks in the state, between 2016 and 2019, reaching cities never affected before. The authors warn that the situation could recur.

Journal

Scientific Reports

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

5-Nov-2021

 

Secondary forests restore fresh water sources in degraded landscapes

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Analyses of microbial communities in streams across different land use types suggests that passive reforestation rapidly restores water quality in lowland tropical watersheds

Journal

Scientific Reports

Funder

Edward M. and Jeanne C. Kashian, Simons Foundation

5-Nov-2021

 

Highly abundant virus in humans could be a biomarker for COVID-19

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

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo shows that levels of TTV, an apparently inoffensive virus considered an indicator of immunodepression, tend to be higher in people infected by SARS-CoV-2. TTV load declines as the symptoms of COVID-19 disappear, the researchers write in PLOS ONE .

Journal

PLOS One

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

4-Nov-2021

 

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing can be used for early detection of respiratory disorders in the obese

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

A study by researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo shows test results are highly applicable in practice to identify exercise limitation, regardless of overweight or obesity.

Journal

PLOS One

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

4-Nov-2021

 

Study extends amphibians’ known reproductive modes from 39 to 74 and creates new classification

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

Marsupial frogs like Fritziana goeldii carry their eggs on their back and deposit tadpoles in bromeliad water cups or bamboo stalks, where the offspring complete their development.

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

29-Oct-2021

Heparin dose capable of preventing COVID-19 deaths is four times higher than the dose recommended by WHO

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

This is one of the main findings of a clinical trial involving 465 patients at 28 hospitals in six countries, including Brazil. The likelihood of dying was 78% lower for the group given a therapeutic dose of the anti-coagulant.

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

28-Oct-2021

 

Artificial intelligence accelerates search for markers of resistance to sugarcane yellow leaf disease

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

Researchers used machine learning algorithms and traditional statistical methods to associate disease resistance with genetic traits. One of the varieties considered resistant has just been launched commercially in Brazil.

Journal

Scientific Reports

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

28-Oct-2021

 

Ancestors of whale sharks in Panama may come from distant waters

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Genetic population connectivity study of the endangered whale shark in Pacific Panama provides important baseline data for conservation efforts

Journal

Frontiers in Marine Science

Funder

MarViva Foundation, International Community Foundation, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Secretaria Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación de Panamá

27-Oct-2021

 

Scientists discover how forest fires influence rain cloud formation in the Amazon

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

Particles released into the atmosphere by fire modify the water droplet freezing process and can affect precipitation, according to a paper in Communications Earth & Environment.

Journal

Nature Communications

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo