Central America
The chikungunya virus is quickly spreading through Central America and has alerted health authorities in several countries. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause profound fatigue, nausea and rashes. It has no cure and can cause death in the elderly.
Chile
A group of Chilean, Norwegian and Canadian scientists have cracked the genome of the Atlantic salmon.
Cuba
Fossils dating back to the early Cretaceous period were discovered in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba. The fossils have been identified as belonging to birds, amphibians and reptiles that lived 70 million years ago.
Brazil
Brazilian researchers have discovered a molecule to combat Trypanosoma cruzi that can be more efficient and less toxic than the treatment currently used to combat Chagas disease. This molecule has already been patented and will be tested in mice shortly.
Costa Rica
Costa Rican scientist Sandra Rojas, along with her colleagues in Germany, measured the amount of endorphins produced during exercise and determined that they produce happiness, relaxation and alleviate pain.
Ecuador
An adult endangered green sea turtle completed the historic migratory journey of 788 miles from Marino Cocos in Costa Rica to the Galapagos Marine Reserve in Ecuador. The voyage data were collected using satellite tracking.