News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 26-Oct-2026 05:16 ET (26-Oct-2026 09:16 GMT/UTC)

11-Sep-2024

 

Fermented beverages among indigenous Latin American societies

Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral

he Production of fermented foods and beverages is one of the oldest food processing techniques, dating back 10,000 to 15,000 years. The wide variety of these products results from a mix of cultural traditions and geographic influences across Latin America. Locally made fermented beverages, important in local diets, are usually created using simple techniques and traditional methods passed down through generations. 

Journal

Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

Funder

VLIR

11-Sep-2024

Natural disasters endanger 10% of the world’s terrestrial vertebrate species

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

A study conducted by Brazilian scientists and colleagues in other countries shows that earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions increase the risk of extinction for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The natural events may have synergies with hazards due to human activity.

Journal

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

10-Sep-2024

Study reveals mechanism that activates glucose production in the liver in response to stress

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

In addition to providing a detailed description of the morphology of hepatic nerves, the study led by Brazilians showed that the increase in blood sugar was activated by a protein called CREB.

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

9-Sep-2024

 

High-intensity interval training is more beneficial for older women than moderate exercise or resistance training alone, study shows

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

Researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil evaluated the effect of three different low-cost training programs on a group of socially vulnerable female volunteers. HIIT combined with muscle strength exercises was the most efficacious in terms of reducing blood pressure and arterial stiffness, the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Journal

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

4-Sep-2024

 

Brazilian researchers discover key gene regulating virulence of fungus that causes severe lung infections

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

The researchers are now looking for a molecule that inactivates the protein expressed by the gene as a basis for a drug that could complement existing medications, which are not always effective and can have adverse side-effects.

Journal

Communications Biology

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

2-Sep-2024

 

Severe COVID-19 can involve either exacerbated lung inflammation or high viral replication

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

In PLOS Pathogens, researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil report a study based on autopsies of 47 patients who died after being infected by the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2. The findings will support clinical decisions on the treatment of critical cases.

Journal

PLOS Pathogens

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

29-Aug-2024

 

Research group identifies novel probiotics in traditional Brazilian cheeses

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

In the journal Current Microbiology, Brazilian researchers describe how three strains of bacteria in the genus Lactobacillus can benefit human health and meet the needs of the cheese industry.

Journal

Current Microbiology

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

28-Aug-2024

Sustainable agricultural systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions

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

Scientists at the University of São Paulo present this conclusion based on a systematic review of the literature in a paper published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.

Journal

Journal of Cleaner Production

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

28-Aug-2024

Preterm delivery by cesarean section is a growing tendency in Brazil and entails risks for babies, study shows

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

Preterm delivery by cesarean section is a growing tendency in Brazil and entails risks for babies, study shows.

Journal

Health Economics

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

26-Aug-2024

Inflammation may link COVID-19 severity to the onset of neurological symptoms

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

COVID-19 is primarily known for its effects on the respiratory system, but its consequences go far beyond that. A recent study, published in the journal Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health and conducted at the D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), revealed molecular changes that may underlie the neurological symptoms exhibited by some patients affected by the disease, highlighting the importance of better understanding these still poorly known potential consequences of COVID-19.