"We know that animals in 'germ-free' conditions can reproduce, they have a longer lifespan, and they seem to live perfectly OK, provided you don't expose them to stress or damage, " said Sven Pettersson, the Karolinska Institute microbiologist who, along with neuroscientist Rochellys Diaz Heijtz, led the research.
But it would be surprising if Brazil does not see in the summit the germ of a united South American front in talks for a Free Trade Area of the Americas, which could speed up next year.