News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 14-Jan-2026 03:11 ET (14-Jan-2026 08:11 GMT/UTC)

21-Aug-2020

Researchers validate rapid tests to detect dengue, Zika, yellow fever and other viruses

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

The method identifies and distinguishes between flaviviruses that cause many diseases in humans and animals in Brazil.

Journal

Archives of Virology

Funder

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

18-Aug-2020

Mother bats use baby talk to communicate with their pups

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

When addressing infants, human adults tend to change the speed, pitch and "color" of their voice. This "baby talk" is known to facilitate language learning. According to new research at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, it may not be exclusive of humans. Some bats have their own version of "baby talk" to communicate with their pups.

Journal

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution

Funder

German Research Foundation, Elsa-Neumann Foundation, Heisenberg Fellowship

18-Aug-2020

Enzyme cocktail developed in Brazil powers production of second-generation ethanol

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

Brazilian researchers used genetic engineering to develop a low-cost platform for the production of enzymes that break down sugarcane trash and bagasse for conversion into biofuel. The novel molecules have many potential industrial applications.

Journal

Nature Chemical Biology

Funder

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

17-Aug-2020

Wearable sensors printed on natural materials analyze substances present in sweat

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

Applied to skin as a piece of sticking plaster, the device developed by Brazilian researchers can be used to monitor human metabolism and administer drugs.

Journal

Talanta

Funder

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

13-Aug-2020

Native trees thrive in teak plantations and may protect the Panama Canal

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Teak often underperforms on poor soils. By planting valuable native trees in existing teak plantations, researchers will evaluate the potential increase in timber value, biodiversity value and ecosystem services provided.

Journal

New Forests

Funder

Hoch family, Stanley Motta, Kristin and Frank Levinson, Lloyd's Tercentenary Research Foundation

13-Aug-2020

Strianassa lerayi anker, new shrimp species from Panama's Coiba national park

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Last year's expedition, part of the project to compare microbiomes of animals in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, resulted in the discovery of several new animal genera and a species of mud shrimp named for STRI and post-doctoral fellow, Matt Leray

Journal

Zootaxa

12-Aug-2020

Group produces materials via self-organization in chemical systems

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

Applications range from sensors and batteries to fuel cells, among other technological possibilities. Achieving a deeper understanding and control of the processes involved is the goal of the Campinas Electrochemistry Group.

Journal

The Journal of Physical Chemistry C

Funder

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

11-Aug-2020

Researchers explore pollen fertilization mechanisms

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

A study showing how pollen tubes grow into flowers to reach the ovule paves the way for the improvement of food crop varieties as well as a deeper understanding of the growth of fungi and neurons.

Journal

Nature Communications

Funder

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

11-Aug-2020

Lab-created molecule achieves positive results in the treatment of arthritis

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

Tested in mice with genetically induced arthritis, the substance decreased the area affected, reduced local swelling, and assuaged the pain associated with the inflammatory process.

Journal

The FASEB Journal

Funder

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

10-Aug-2020

Oxytocin can help prevent osteoporosis

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

In a laboratory experiment with rats, Brazilian researchers succeeded in reversing natural processes associated with aging that lead to loss of bone density and strength.

Journal

Scientific Reports

Funder

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