While Brazil hopes to gain an economic advantage from the World Cup taking place there, an editorial in New Scientist says the country should look toward science as a means of boosting its growth.
"Investing in science and technology is perhaps a more reliable route to riches — and one being taken by many emerging economies," the editorial says. "Think of China's burgeoning research base and India's 'geek nation' ambition."
In a related article, New Scientist adds that Brazil is embarking on a number of large-scale scientific projects and is encouraging start-up culture.
For instance, Brazil has turned to genetically modified mosquitoes in a bid to control the spread of dengue fever, and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation is offering three years of funding for 100 startups addressing local issues.