Ancestral Nutrition Study (Ecuador): A new PNAS report says an Ecuadorian prenatal program using ancestral, locally adapted dietary principles improved pregnant women’s diet quality and boosted growth in a key fetal brain region, aiming to counter the shift from poverty-driven malnutrition to processed-food nutrient gaps. Border Tech Upgrade (Ecuador-UAE): Ecuador is rolling out an AI-driven EDGE border surveillance system with UAE support to detect suspicious activity at key crossings like Rumichaca and Huaquillas, targeting drug trafficking and organized crime. Power-Ration Plan (Ecuador): With El Niño drying conditions looming, Ecuador’s energy minister says electricity to 150 large companies will be cut one day per week to protect hydro reservoirs, after shocks from reduced Colombia transfers. El Niño Climate Watch (Region): Peru reports record heat and broad red alerts as El Niño intensifies, with major wildlife deaths already logged along the coast. Amazon “Rain Machine” Warning: TEDxAmazônia speakers highlight how deforestation and drought can disrupt the Amazon’s water cycle, risking a flip from carbon sink to source. Aviation Safety (Ecuador-linked): Investigators report fatal helicopter crashes in Kenya, including the death of Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi. Food Tech Event (Regional): CeFood 2026 in Plovdiv (Sept 23–26) will spotlight food science, biotech, and engineering with participation including Ecuador.