News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 16-May-2024 10:08 ET (16-May-2024 14:08 GMT/UTC)

15-May-2024

Researchers conduct first-ever study to characterize microbiota in saliva of weaned piglets on commercial farms in Brazil

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

Results show that oral fluid bacteria differ from fecal and environmental bacteria. Identification of these microorganisms can help diagnose infectious diseases and improve pork production.

Journal

Scientific Reports

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

14-May-2024

Bruxism is a recurring condition among people with post-traumatic stress disorder

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

The finding is from a study conducted at the University of São Paulo and published in Clinical Oral Investigations; its authors stress the importance of joint action by dentists and psychiatrists to diagnose and treat these patients.

Journal

Clinical Oral Investigations

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

13-May-2024

In a reservoir in Southeast Brazil, introduction of a fish native to the Amazon has reduced native species diversity

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

Since 2001, when it was first recorded in the Jaguarai reservoir in São Paulo state, the Silver croaker (Plagioscion squamosissimus) has established and increased its population in the Paraíba do Sul Basin to the detriment of native fish species.

Journal

Biological Invasions

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Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

10-May-2024

Wildfires in old-growth Amazon forest areas rose 152% in 2023, study shows

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

The increase was confirmed by an analysis of satellite images, contrasting with a drop in deforestation and the total number of fires detected in the Amazon. The Brazilian government’s center for forest fire prevention says it is partnering with other institutions to combat wildfires in the region.

Journal

Global Change Biology

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

9-May-2024

Laser printing on fallen tree leaves produces sensors for medical and laboratory use

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

Leaf cellulose is converted by pyrolysis to graphite, which is printed in the right shape for the surface to function as a sensor. Tests to determine concentrations of dopamine and paracetamol confirmed that the sensor performed successfully.

Journal

ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

8-May-2024

Almost 30% of children and adolescents experience pain in muscles, bones or ligaments, study shows

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

A survey conducted in Brazil provides an overview of musculoskeletal pain in the very young. Back pain and leg pain were the most frequent complaints among 2,688 volunteers aged 12 on average.

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

6-May-2024

Loss of large herbivores affects interactions between plants and their natural enemies, study shows

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

Researchers in Brazil compared leaf damage caused by insects and pathogens in areas with and without the presence of mammals such as tapirs, deer and peccaries. Absence of the animals led to loss of microorganisms that cause leaf disease, potentially affecting long-term eco-evolutionary processes and reducing biodiversity in tropical forests.

Journal

Journal of Ecology

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

6-May-2024

In Brazil, 76% of deforestation in three Amazonian states occurred in a planned agricultural development zone

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

The researchers showed that pressure has intensified since the 2018 announcement of a plan to create a development zone where the states of Amazonas, Acre and Rondônia meet.

Journal

Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

2-May-2024

Study helps understand how energy metabolism is regulated at cellular level

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

An article published by a FAPESP-supported research center highlights the link between mitochondrial calcium transport and autophagy, the process whereby cells break down and reuse some of their own components.

Journal

The FASEB Journal

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

2-May-2024

Analysis of flour and rice shows high levels of harmful fungal toxins

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

The foods, found in the homes of Brazilian families participating in the research, were stored for future consumption. The study is the first in Brazil to use biomarkers to characterize the risk associated with mycotoxins in the diet.

Journal

Food Research International

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo