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Updates every hour. Last Updated: 26-Oct-2026 13:17 ET (26-Oct-2026 17:17 GMT/UTC)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Theoretical study shows that matter tends to be ordered at low temperatures

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

Scientists found that in actual materials, there's no such thing as a critical point at which a quantum phase transition occurs in a genuine zero field because of the persistence of the residual magnetic field created by the many-body interaction.

Journal: Scientific Reports
Funder: São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Brazil). Geochronologic research at the MIT Isotope Lab