The Amazonian Legal Network of Genomic Research, REALGENE, made up of seven universities and three research centers in the region, deciphered the useful part of the genome of guaraná (Paullinia cupana), a fruit found exclusively in the Brazilian Amazon. The genome of the plant is three times that of the human genome, and not much would be gained by studying its entirety, because it is very repetitive, project coordinator Spartaco Astolfi Filho explained to Tierramérica.

Guaraná, used in a popular Brazilian softdrink, is a stimulant, anti-carcinogen and memory enhancer. Identifying its proteins, enzymes and molecules could help reveal what produces these effects, he said.

REALGENE is also studying the genes of another fruit, the camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia), and the genetic make up of Amazonian microorganisms.