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News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 27-Oct-2026 10:17 ET (27-Oct-2026 14:17 GMT/UTC)

Yellow fever virus is detected in urine and semen almost a month after infection

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

The confirmation involved one single patient; Brazilian investigators say it suggests the virus may be contagious for a period which stretches longer than previously thought. Scientists especulate whether the use of urine samples could allow for positive diagnosis in asymptomatic patients, who comprise half of the cases of yellow fever's infection.

Journal: Emerging Infectious Diseases
Funder: Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

Research on the Silky Anteater II

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Reports and Proceedings

Research on the Silky Anteater III

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Reports and Proceedings

Researchers identify the types of genetic mutations associated with nephrotic syndrome

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

By analyzing the most common genetic variants, Brazilian scientists aim at improving diagnosis nad treatment for the disease, which presents high resistance to drugs as well as relapse in post-transplant scenario. The work made possible an in-depth study of the proteins involved in the glomerular filtration barrier, a structure which is damaged by the syndrome.

Journal: Transplantation
Funder: Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP

Brazilian study discovers six new species of silky anteaters

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

By employing genetical analysis and geometric morphometrics, the work attested the existence of at least seven species of these recluse xenarthrans from South and Central America, which were thrown together under one single species. Until now.

Journal: Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society
Funder: Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

Model based on hydrothermal sources evaluate possibility of life Jupiter's icy moon

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

Brazilian scientists compare primitive Earth scenario with satellite Europa's conditions; the jupiterian moon could host microorganisms at the bottom of a huge warm ocean located underneath its frozen crust.

Journal: Scientific Reports
Funder: Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)

Looking for the origins of schizophrenia

D'Or Institute for Research and Education
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Schizophrenia may be related to neurodevelopment changes, including brain's inability to create the appropriate vascular system, according to new study resulted from a partnership between the D'Or Institute for Research and Education, the University of Chile and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). The results broaden the understanding about the causes of this severe and disabling disorder, which affects about 1 percent of the world's population.

Journal: Translational Psychiatry
Funder: Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social

Disease-bearing mosquitoes gain from shrinkage of green spaces

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

A study conducted in São Paulo, Southern Hemisphere's biggest city, shows that mosquitoes belonging to vector species make up for seven out of the eight most common species found in municipal parks; adapted to urban environment, they benefit from the fragmentation of green areas, a process which leads to the extinction of wild species.

Journal: Scientific Reports
Funder: Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP

Zika virus could help combat brain cancer

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

Study by Brazilian researchers shows infection by Zika caused death of cells from glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive kind of malignant brain tumor in adults. Scientists foresee the use of genetic engineering to neutralize Zika virus' infectious whilst preserving the viral particles which induce the death of tumoral cells.

Journal: Journal of Mass Spectrometry
Funder: Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP

Computer models allow farmers to diversify pest management methods

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

A technology developed by Brazilian researchers can help fighting highly resistant agricultural pests by analyzing the connections between the pests' patterns of dispersal in crops and different configurations in diversified intercropping systems.

Journal: Scientific Reports
Funder: Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP