A review of experimental GM insect releases points to 'scientific deficiencies' and lack of openness in regulatory approvals.

Tropical cyclone damage costs are set to increase dramatically because of climate change, and population and economic growth, says a study.

Ocean acidification caused by human activities is likely to hit the Caribbean and west tropical Pacific regions the most.

Slash-and-burn agriculture is more sustainable than modern clearing methods and improves biodiversity, a study suggests.

Science institutions from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay are collaborating on the study of high-impact diseases in the region.

Chile's parliament has substantially improved its tax incentives for companies to invest in R&D.

Policies favouring black and mixed-race students in Brazil is closing the educational gap, but disadvantages still persist.

An integrated control programme means Suriname is close to becoming the first Amazonian country to eliminate malaria.

A bioprospecting project in Panama is the first to be funded by the Nagoya Protocol Implementation Fund.

Unprecedented collaboration by drug firms, ambitious targets and more funds form part of a new fight against neglected tropical diseases.

A controversial science reform that gave the Venezuelan government more control over a private sector R&D tax has boosted science funding.

Contrary to popular belief, locusts are hampered by nitrogen-rich food — a finding which could be exploited to control swarms.

A science study published in layman’s language shows how Amazonian fruit trees and plants can support the wellbeing and nutrition of local people.

The Argentinean government and a public-private consortium have allocated US$1.2  million for the improvement of early diagnosis of Chagas disease in newborns.

Patent applications to the Brazilian office of industrial property rose by 15% from 2009-2011, but most of them were from foreigners.

The origin of two genetic sub-types of the malaria parasite P. falciparum in South America has been traced back slaves arriving from Africa, a study says.

Traps that let juvenile and small fish escape have increased the sustainability of fisheries — without affecting fishers' livelihoods.

Mountain glaciers in Peru are melting quickly, which could result in a water shortage long before the expected 10-30 years, says a study. 

Colombian scientists have questioned the government's decision to give large portions of science royalties to areas with poor R&D capacity.

The physicist Marco Antonio Raupp will take up the position of science minister next Tuesday, replacing the career politician Aloizio Mercadante.