News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 14-Jan-2026 12:11 ET (14-Jan-2026 17:11 GMT/UTC)

17-Dec-2019

Researchers create functional mini-liver by 3D bioprinting

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

Technique developed at Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, funded by FAPESP and hosted by the University of São Paulo, produced hepatic tissue in the laboratory in only 90 days and could become an alternative to organ transplantation in future.

Journal

Biofabrication

Funder

São Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP

17-Dec-2019

Novel genetic signature that can predict some kinds of breast cancer is identified

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

The research, published in the journal PLOS Genetics, combined a study of the genes involved in retinopathy, as a model of angiogenesis, with analysis of transcriptomic gene expression profiles from public breast cancer databases.

Journal

PLOS Genetics

Funder

São Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP

16-Dec-2019

Leafcutter ants accelerate the cutting and transport of leaves during stormy weather

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

A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo's Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ-USP) in Brazil shows that leafcutter ants are capable of predicting adverse weather by sensing changes in atmospheric pressure.

Journal

Ethology

Funder

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

16-Dec-2019

The sympathetic nervous system can inhibit the defense cells in autoimmune disease

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

Using an experimental model of multiple sclerosis, the scientists found that the sympathetic nervous system can limit the generation of effector responses by inhibiting the action of the cells that attack an antigen taken as a threat by the immune system.

Journal

Cell Reports

Funder

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

13-Dec-2019

The wild relatives of major vegetables, needed for climate resilience, are in danger

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

The genes that make crop wild relatives robust have the potential to make their cultivated cousins -- our food plants -- better prepared for a harsh climate future. But a series of new research papers show these critical plants are imperiled.

Journal

Plants People Planet

12-Dec-2019

Beyond 'shovelomics': Growing cassava in the air helps study the plant's mysterious roots

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

Scientists at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture grew cassava in the air -- using a technique called aeroponics -- to better understand the root growth of one of the world's hardiest staple crops.

Journal

Plant Methods

11-Dec-2019

Study to help manage shark populations in Pacific Panama

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A study in Pacific Panama identifies 11 potential nursery areas of locally common and migratory sharks, which could support shark conservation efforts in the region.

Funder

Tecnología e Innovación de Panamá (SENACYT), Panalang-Union Group, Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Sistema Nacional de Investigación de Panamá

10-Dec-2019

Researchers show how opportunistic bacterium defeats competitors

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

The researchers discovered that Stenotrophomonas maltophilia uses a secretion system that produces a cocktail of toxins and injects them into other microorganisms with which it competes for space and food.

Journal

PLOS Pathogens

Funder

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

4-Dec-2019

Contamination by metals can increase metabolic stress in mussels

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

The researchers propose that this evidence should be used as input to public policy with the aim of mitigating the impacts of human activities on coastal and marine ecosystems.

Journal

Marine Pollution Bulletin

Funder

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

2-Dec-2019

New clues about the origins of familial forms of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB)
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A Brazilian study made important progress in understanding the accumulation of one of the proteins involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Scientists were able to gain insight into the interaction between normal and mutant forms of a protein known as superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1). The process alters protein accumulation in the cell, but also impairs the function of Sod1 protein, thus contributing to the development of the disease.

Journal

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences