SciDev.Net Weekly Update (26 November - 2 December 2012)

Showing the value of science for development Research for SciDev.Net's strategic review shows a continuing gulf between science and policy — and how we can go about bridging it. Editorials Showing decision-makers the value of science  A SciDev.Net survey reveals the challenges of applying research insights to policy and practice, and underscores that evidence is not enough.  EN | ES | 中文 More EDITORIALS  News 'Culture change needed' to avert growing disaster risk  A report calls for a change in thinking on disaster risk, urging everyone involved in development to consider their decisions in light of risks.  EN  Study reveals extent of Mekong dam food security threat  The planned construction of 88 dams on Asia's Mekong river will decimate fish supplies and threaten food security, scientists claim.  EN  Mixed results for big pharma work on drug access, R&D The world's largest drug firms have increased spending on drug access in developing countries, but face questions over clinical trial ethics.  EN  Venezuelan DIY science project hits stumbling block  A widely lauded new technology for disease diagnosis in poor countries has failed to progress to field trial stage because of funding issues.  EN | ES  Patent laws key to drug innovation, argues report  Novel drugs would be more likely if middle-income nations were more vigorous at enforcing intellectual property laws, says a report.  EN | ES  EU's research grants for Africa in limbo  An EU-funded grants programme for African research is coming to an end — prompting questions of whether African nations will take over.  EN Other News Individual innovators thrive in Sri Lanka  EN  Trust 'a major challenge' to agricultural biotechnology  EN  Scientists torn over Kenya's recent GM food ban  EN  More infectious HIV strains spreading in India  EN  Mapping tool to support sustainable palm-oil farming  EN  Climate forecasts boosted West African floods response  EN  Iraq unveils plan to revamp science infrastructure  EN More NEWS  Opinions Climate funds must help integrate climate into policy  Developing countries deserve more support for their efforts to prioritise climate change in development, writes climate expert Simon Anderson.  EN  Asia–Pacific Analysis: Safer path needed for e-waste  Instead of limiting imports of electronic waste, the Asia–Pacific region should set up a robust recycling system, says Crispin Maslog.  EN More OPINIONS  Reducing disaster risk: from alert to action SciDev.Net puts the Spotlight on early warning systems for natural hazards, and asks how the impact of scientific tools can be enhanced so disaster warning triggers action.