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News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 21-Apr-2025 22:09 ET (22-Apr-2025 02:09 GMT/UTC)

Study details role of protein that may play a key role in the development of schizophrenia

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

he rodent experiment, conducted at the State University of Campinas, highlighted the involvement of the hnRNP A1 molecule in maintaining the integrity of the myelin sheath – a fatty layer that protects neurons and facilitates communication between them.

Journal: Journal of Neurochemistry
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Research expands options for more sustainable soybean production

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

A group of scientists supported by FAPESP is studying a new strain of bacteria in consortium with rhizobia, microorganisms that biologically fix nitrogen, an essential nutrient for crops.

Journal: FEMS Microbiology Ecology
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

First ever assessment reveals accuracy of key maps cocoa companies rely on for environmental compliance

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture
Business Announcement

The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT have assessed the most commonly used maps for environmental compliance.

Study evaluates effect of oxidizing compounds on melanoma cells

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

Results from a FAPESP-supported research center pave the way for expanding the use of photodynamic therapy in the fight against skin cancer.

Journal: Photochemistry and Photobiology
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

In a preclinical study, a new jararaca antivenom serum was three times more effective than the standard one

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

Researchers from the Federal University of São Paulo and the Butantan Institute are working on an improved version of the antibothropic serum, with more neutralizing antibodies and fewer proteins associated with side effects.

Journal: Journal of Proteome Research
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Fiber consumption protects gut from serious bacterial infection, study suggests

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

Rodents fed a diet rich in soluble fiber coped better with a microorganism that causes diarrhea and can lead to death in debilitated patients. Researchers observed that acetate – a compound produced by the gut microbiota when fiber is digested – helps modulate the immune response.

Journal: Cell Host & Microbe
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Reducing cattle ranching is not enough to restore degraded soils in the Caatinga

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

Study carried out in Brazil’s semi-arid biome found that removing animals did not lead to significant improvements, even after three years of spontaneous soil recovery. Researchers suggest complementary measures such as green manure and strategic tree planting.

Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Creativity and problem-solving: How design thinking transforms university teaching

Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Thinking creatively, solving complex problems, and working in teams… all add up to Design Thinking (DT). A study conducted by the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) and Ghent University provides a step-by-step guide for teaching this methodology as a university course.

The main objective of this study is to share the implementation of DT in the first year of all undergraduate programs at ESPOL, considering that previous research has shown that this course fosters essential DT skills in a world of constant change, allowing students to build their own knowledge through experiential learning.

Journal: Thinking Skills and Creativity

Method uses drone and low-cost camera to select drought-tolerant plants

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

Images taken from an unmanned aerial vehicle, processed with free software, help assess water stress parameters in corn experiments and select varieties that are better adapted to water shortages.

Journal: The Plant Phenome Journal
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Firefly light gives rise to sensor that detects cellular alterations

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

An enzyme cloned from an insect found by Brazilian researchers – and genetically modified – makes it possible to monitor intracellular acidity and could be used to study diseases and drugs.

Journal: Biosensors
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

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