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News from Latin America

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 26-Apr-2025 00:08 ET (26-Apr-2025 04:08 GMT/UTC)

Human pressure most affecting Atlantic Rainforest deer density, study finds

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

The most robust estimate ever made in the biome shows that hunting, predation by domestic dogs, livestock diseases and competition with wild boars are among the main anthropogenic influences. Scientists used an innovative method involving trained dogs and fecal DNA analysis.

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

Aquaculture in the Amazon promotes food security with less impact than livestock farming

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

Researchers from Brazil and the United States point out the advantages of fish farming over livestock farming, but warn of the need for stricter environmental regulations to prevent the activity from becoming an additional pressure on the biome.

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

Maternal childhood trauma may lead to early metabolic changes in male children

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

This is the finding of a study that followed 352 pairs of newborns and their mothers in the cities of Guarulhos and São Paulo (Brazil). Changes observed in the first two months of life may increase future risk of obesity and diabetes.

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

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

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