Colombia
Colombia’s science agency Colciencias has launched the “Time to Return ” program with the intention of repatriating Colombian scientists to promote high-level projects in science and technology in the country. LatinAmericanScience.org has covered this repatriation program.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua’s Bat Conservation Program has conducted research in a colony of bats inhabiting its Masaya volcano, finding that the bats feed on insects that include dengue-carrying mosquito.
Latin America
Over 300 ecological conflicts currently exist in Latin America, according to an interactive map published by the Environmental Justice Atlas. Most of these conflicts are due to mining and affect poor communities. This work was conducted by experts from different countries and coordinated by the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
Argentina
Studies of neuronal reprogramming in order to treat diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis earned the Argentine researcher Andrés De la Rossa the Pfizer award. His study showed that reprogramming can be performed in vivo.
Mexico
A multidisciplinary group of Mexican scientists developed nanotubes and nanospheres based on viral proteins. Using the protein VP6 of a rotavirus, the scientists were able to form nanotubes and coupled these to metal to give them new functions, such as biosensors or for use in the chemical industry.
Chile
From the observatory in Atacama desert astronomers have found signs of what could be the cosmic event of the year: a gas cloud being “swallowed” by a black hole. This event will occur in April and will be observed by telescopes around the world.