The Chilean Supreme Court has ruled that is illegal to approve a hydroelectric plant without first conducting environmental studies.

Brazil heads a list of eight countries polled for awareness and understanding of biodiversity and Rio+20.

More than 90 per cent of Brazilians worry about the environment – but less than a fifth have changed consumption patterns, says a study.

A study finds that some developing countries may face significant food security impacts by 2020 if their ambitious biofuels targets are met.

Brazilian scientists have identified a gene that enables sugarcane to defend itself from a fungal disease that reduces the crop’s productivity.

A Global Research Council, announced this week, has agreed on six principles for reviewing research grant applications.

Vietnam is seeking help from experts in Australia to reduce its levels of tuberculosis, one of the highest in Asia.

The earthquake and tsunami that hit Chile in 2010 have led to the unexpected emergence of marine species displaced years ago by human action.

Puerto Rico invests US$38 million a year in dengue fever cases, a study has found — and for every dollar spent on prevention, the state could save five in treatment.

A new interactive website seeks to encourage social participation in the recommendations about sustainable development to be conveyed to Rio+20.

Cultivation of cardamom can be detrimental to the health of tropical forests say two new studies.

Seed keepers from across Chile have contributed to a seed catalogue that aims to help farmers rescue traditional staple crops.

Brazil’s Ministry of Health announces USS10 million boost for neglected disease research.

The Peruvian government has launched a plan to generate scientific data for industrial sectors, looking for a low carbon economy.

While Brazil publishes more science articles, work from Argentina is higher in quality, according to the latest SCImago ranking.

A predictive tool could free up resources by reducing the need for specialised monitoring of how well anti-HIV drugs are working.

The latest round of informal consultations on the Rio+20 zero draft has heard conflicting arguments on Sustainable Development Goals.

A ranking of countries' abilities to monitor forest loss reveals that many are unable to fulfil the terms of REDD+ and need outside support.

More than 70 dams planned for five Latin American countries will heavily impact the Amazon basin, says a study.

Interviews with researchers, documentaries and science fiction series will feature on a new Argentinean television channel.