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MercoPress, en Español

Montevideo, July 20th 2025 - 23:48 UTC

Health & Science

  • Thursday, February 13th 2025 - 20:17 UTC

    Brazilian scientists find enzyme that can transform waste into biofuel

    “This discovery changes the paradigm of cellulose degradation in nature,” Murakami explained

    Scientists at Brazil's National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) have discovered a biocatalyst called CelOCE (Cellulose Oxidative Cleaving Enzyme) stemming from a soil bacteria, which can transform waste into biofuel. The enzyme, isolated from bacteria found in sugarcane bagasse, enhances the breakdown of cellulose, increasing glucose release by up to 21%. The study showing these findings was published Thursday in the journal Nature.

  • Wednesday, February 12th 2025 - 22:08 UTC

    Falklands: consultation begins on Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty legislation

    The FIG is seeking a strong representation of views from across the Falklands. We have committed to a public consultation that will last until 10th March and welcome the views of everyone

    The Falkland Islands Government is planning to introduce Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty legislation to the Falkland Islands. The Ordinance will introduce to the Falkland Islands a legal framework designed to protect and support people who may lack the ability to make a particular decision for themselves, at a particular time.

  • Tuesday, February 11th 2025 - 10:11 UTC

    PAHO warns of outbrreak of dengue DENV-3 serotype

    In the first weeks of 2025, 23 countries and territories in the region reported a total of 238,659 cases

    The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Monday issued an epidemiological alert given the growing circulation of a different of dengue in the region. Cases of the DENV-3 serotype have been repported to be on the rise in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru.

  • Tuesday, February 11th 2025 - 08:32 UTC

    Uruguay’s President-elect Orsi appoints key figures for science, technology, and innovation agencies

    “The Presidency will promote the consolidation of a science, technology, and innovation ecosystem to position Uruguay as a global reference in the field,” stated an official communiqué

    Uruguay’s incoming president, Yamandú Orsi, has announced the leadership of key agencies overseeing science, technology, and innovation. The move aims to strengthen coordination among institutions such as the National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII) and the National Meat Institute (INAC).

  • Sunday, February 9th 2025 - 10:49 UTC

    Beautiful South Georgia from the air on a day of great visibility

    Approaching the island

    The BFSAI is reporting that an RFA Airbus Atlas 400 M during a recent fisheries patrol operation, ColdStare, along South Georgia Island and waters enjoyed spectacular flying conditions, with blue skies, since they are normally covered in cloud’

  • Friday, February 7th 2025 - 08:32 UTC

    Covid 19: Milei wants WHO Chief tried for human rights violations

    “We will never forget” what the WHO under Tedros did, Milei warned

    Argentine President Javier Milei announced Thursday that he intends to hold World Health Organization (WHO) Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accountable “for crimes against humanity” given the measures recommended and adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier this week, the South American country left the WHO, thus following in on US President Donald Trump's steps.

  • Friday, February 7th 2025 - 07:59 UTC

    Scientists discover micro plastics in Antarctica deep field camps

    A view over the Ellsworth Mountains, West Antarctica. Credit: Steve Gibbs, BAS

    Scientists have discovered microplastics in the snow near some of Antarctica’s deep field camps, revealing how far-reaching plastic pollution has become. While not new, it’s the first time these tiny pieces of plastic have been found in remote locations.

  • Wednesday, February 5th 2025 - 23:06 UTC

    Milei pulls Argentina out of WHO

    Leaving the WHO does not mean leaving the PAHO, Health Minister Mario Lugones explained

    Argentine Presidential Spokesman Manuel Adorni announced Wednesday during his morning press briefing that his country would be following in on Donald Trump's steps and withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), which entailed disbursements totaling around US$ 10 million annually.

  • Monday, February 3rd 2025 - 08:22 UTC

    Mask mandates decreed in Bolivia as school year starts amid Covid-19 fears

    An increase in Covid-19 cases has also been reported in North and Northeast Brazil

    Bolivian authorities decreed schoolchildren should wear facemasks and adopt other sanitary measures such as alcohol gel and hand washing as they return to school Monday to prevent respiratory diseases (i.e. Covid-19) which have been reported to be on the rise.

  • Friday, January 31st 2025 - 09:40 UTC

    Dengue epidemic reported in Ecuador

    An increase in circulation of dengue type 3 was deemed the cause for a recent surge in Brazil

    Ecuador's Health Ministry confirmed Thursday that the South American country was going through a dengue epidemic. Surveillance, Prevention, and Epidemiological Control Undersecretary Teresa Aumala made the announcement during a virtual press conference after 2 deaths and over 4,500 cases were recorded.