Questions Surround Mexican Genome

In deciphering the population’s genome, Mexico has entered new scientific territory, replete with legal and ethical challenges.

HEALTH: Science on the Trail of New Flu’s Secrets

Scientists around the world are trying to decipher the influenza H1N1 virus in order to develop a vaccine, while others are tracking its origins to fight its spread more effectively.

Science on the Trail of New Flu's Secrets

Using genetic studies, scientists are seeking conclusive answers about influenza virus A/H1N1, which continues to mutate.

LATIN AMERICA: Recession Challenges Fair Trade

The world economic recession is threatening the progress Latin America has made in fair trade. The leaders of this alternative form of exchange are making emergency contacts in order to assess the situation and come up with strategies to confront it.

Recession Challenges Fair Trade

The uncertainty caused by the global economic recession has cast a shadow over the immediate future of fair trade efforts in Latin America.

MEXICO: Films on Indigenous People – But Who Will See Them?

Half a century of films about indigenous peoples have been removed from forgotten corners of store rooms, recorded on compact discs and launched on the Mexican market, in order to bring to light views and realities that are seldom shown on commercial television and in movies.

ECONOMY-MEXICO: Stimulus Plan to Curb Impact of Crisis

The Mexican government announced a 54 billion dollar economic recovery plan Wednesday aimed at helping the local economy weather the global financial crisis, with measures like freezing gasoline prices and boosting spending on public works.

MEXICO: Fishermen on Strike over High Fuel Prices

Thousands of fishermen in Mexico have gone on strike over the last few days to protest the rise in the cost of diesel fuel which, they say, has reduced their profit margin to zero. But the industry's problems, which have been simmering for decades, go beyond the question of fuel prices.

Manganese Mines Harm Children's Mental Development

Decades of manganese mining in the Mexican state of Hidalgo have left an indelible mark on children, according to health studies.

Paraguayan Indigenous Minister Asks for Patience

Margarita Mbyvângi faces the challenge of becoming the first woman and first indigenous person to head Paraguay's indigenous policy.

Cyclists Speed Up Transportation Changes

On pure pedal power, activists, academics and authorities are working to design policies that will make healthy bicycling a viable mode of transportation in Mexico's polluted capital.

Time Running Out for Mexico City's Garbage

The capital of Mexico, home to nine million people, has a gigantic dump that is on the verge of collapse and emits two million tons of climate-changing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere annually.

Mexican Peasants Seek Ways to Block Canadian-Run Mine

In the Western Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico, a very common conflict these days in Latin America is heating up: the booming mining industry versus local residents.

Internet Can Be a Dangerous Pharmacy

Medications that have been stolen or falsified, are expired, or sold without a doctor's prescription are the reality of the online pharmacy.

Tobacco Regulations as Solid as Smoke

Widespread cigarette advertising and the freedom to smoke in public -- including in hospitals and schools -- continue in most Latin American countries.

The Perverse Patent of the Yellow Bean

A patent for a common bean has been overturned in the United States and the move applauded as the end to a fraud, but is not likely to have much impact in Mexico, where its cultivation and consumption is limited.

No Place for Small Farmers at the Supermarkets

Efforts by small farmers in Mexico to avoid intermediaries and get their products on supermarket shelves have failed due to the chains' strict rules, say farmers groups.

“Transgenic Seed Companies Lie and Bribe”

Indigenous farmer Jesús León Santos hardly knew what to do 25 years ago when he decided to try to regenerate eroded land in southern Mexico. Now he is celebrating winning the Goldman Environmental Prize 2008.

Biodiversity for Sale on the Streets

Mexico has meager resources to fight trafficking in fauna and flora across its vast territory, while the crime continues just down the street.

Record Reforestation, But Still Some Discontent

An unprecedented budget for Mexico's forest policies and the government's goal to plant hundreds of millions of trees have not been enough to calm the debate about the scope of deforestation.