SciDev.Net Weekly Update (24 December 2012 - 6 January 2013

2012 around the globe: Rio+20 and trends in science The past year was marked by global environmental talks and high-tech solutions going mainstream in developing world.  Editorials Countries need better science to win trade disputes  With disputes about the quality of exports on the rise, developing countries need to boost scientific capacity to win claims, says Joel D. Adriano.  EN | ES More EDITORIALS  News China–South-East Asia science ties 'could benefit both'  Research collaboration between China and South-East Asian nations could boost international ties and growth, says OECD report.  EN | 中文  Idea for supply chains of flying drones takes off  Start-up companies are demonstrating unmanned aerial vehicles that can deliver small payloads such as medical supplies to remote areas.  EN | ES  Himalayas should brace for 'mega quake' this century  Scientists have said that a mega quake is likely to happen this century after taking closer look at a weak point in the main Himalayan fault.  EN  Rising emissions may double sweet potato size  Higher levels of carbon dioxide may lead to larger size of this key crop, finds a study, but questions remain over nutritional changes.  EN | ES  Network to boost visibility of Latin America's science  An open-access science network plans to catalyse the foundation of research repositories and boost transnational science collaborations.  EN | ES  Top controversies of 2012  SciDev.Net revisits some of the hottest controversies in science and development in 2012.  EN | ES  Key interviews of 2012  SciDev.Net looks back over the year's interviews, highlighting some of the most fascinating Q&A (question and answer) articles.  EN  The most debated stories of 2012  Are GM crops a force for good? Should scientists be cloning camels for drug production? Here are some of the most debated articles of 2012.  EN | ES | 中文  Science and development highlights of 2012  The Rio+20 summit, cutting-edge science, high-tech solutions and other highlights from around the developing world.  EN | ES Other News Islamic states agree new plan for science  EN  India's new S&T policy banks on the private sector  EN  India's shift to inclusive innovation is 'a model to follow'  EN  Philippines to launch 100,000 eco-friendly 'e-trikes'  EN  Crop yields stall in China, India  EN | 中文  Asia-Pacific commits to improving health data systems  EN  New rotavirus strains may hit India's vaccination plans  EN  African scientists call for climate change evidence  EN  Climate data 'has helped African farmers boost production'  EN More NEWS  Opinions Building support for locally relevant climate tech  Climate Innovation Centers can promote clean technologies but need backing with a coordinated effort, says policy specialist Ambuj Sagar.  EN  Africa Analysis: Filling climate data gaps is only the first step  Africa's ever-improving climate change data need to be put to better use if they are to help farmers and avert disasters, says Linda Nordling.  EN  Asia-Pacific Analysis: The growth of stem-cell therapy  EN More OPINIONS  Features Indian Science Congress tries to go inclusive in its 100th year  As the annual Indian Science Congress marks its centenary this month (3–7 January) the relevance of its present 'inclusive' form is being questioned, reportsArchita Bhatta.  EN  The best feature stories of 2012  SciDev.Net brings you a selection of the best feature articles of 2012 curated by our editors in London.  EN More FEATURES  Tech transition for the climate Efforts to boost locally relevant, clean technology will falter without coordinated efforts in developing countries, argues policy specialist Ambuj Sagar.