Read at : SciDev.Net
SciDev.Net Weekly Update (12 – 18 May 2008)
Latest articles from the leading source of free news and commentary about science, technology and innovation in the developing world
United, we stand
Developing countries are turning increasingly towards each other for research partners, rather than relying exclusively on collaboration with ‘Northern’ scientists and institutions. A set of articles looks at the secrets of successful South–South collaboration, and the challenges that joint initiatives can face.
EDITORIALS
Research collaboration: the case for better understanding
Successful efforts to implement effective South–South research collaboration require a better understanding of what works best and why.
NEWS
……………………….
Egypt approves commercialisation of first GM crop
Egypt has approved a Bt maize variety for commercialisation, the first genetically modified crop to gain approval in the country.
‘Biopiracy’ thwarted as US revokes bean patent
Scientists are claiming victory against biopiracy after the United States revoked a patent on a Mexican bean following a seven-year battle.
…………………….
Agri-biotech firms committing ‘intellectual property grab’
Agri-biotech firms are seeking patents on ‘climate crops’, which could hinder developing country farmers, says a report.
Scientists find ‘yield-improving rice gene’
Chinese scientists have found a gene in rice that can control various traits, with the potential to improve rice productivity.
……………………..
India looks to nanotechnology to boost agriculture
A recent report recommends investing in nanotechnology R&D to boost Indian agricultural productivity.
South Asia News in brief: 30 April–15 May 2008
Asia gets a new climate change fund, how the tuberculosis bug gets its iron, gene causing Indian obesity found, and more.
Chile: Biofuels ‘not to blame’ for more expensive food
According to a Chilean survey, biofuels are not to blame for the increase in food prices.
[Spanish full text only]
México: ‘Low human resources investment in science’
The new president of the Mexican Academy of Science, Rosaura Ruiz, has highlighted poor human resources training in science.
[Spanish full text only]
FEATURES
Q&A: The growing promise in South–South scientific collaboration
Jacob Palis, president the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, talks about shared responsibility and a rosy future for South–South research collaboration.
OPINIONS
China and India set the pace in South–South cooperation
Renewed political commitment means China and India could set the pace for bilateral South–South collaboration, say Purnima Rupal and Dinesh Abrol.
Collaboration requires a strong home base
Developing-world scientists should make every effort to pursue careers at home – and their governments should help them, says Mohamed Hassan.
……………………….
POLICY BRIEFS
Opportunities and challenges in South–South collaboration
South–South research collaboration can be a powerful strategy for boosting scientific capacity and achieving common goals. But it should not be embraced uncritically, says Athar Osama.
………………………..
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Global Forum Proceedings now available online
SciDev.Net’s free email alerts are available in English, Chinese, French or Spanish and can be tailored to specific regions or topics. Some full-text options are also available. To sign up visit http://www.scidev.net/sign-up.
All SciDev.Net material is free to reproduce providing that the source and author are appropriately credited. For further details see http://www.scidev.net/reproduction.
