SciDev.Net Weekly Update (21 - 27 January 2013)

Killings change anti-polio game plan The murders of health workers in Pakistan are a wake-up call — efforts at global eradication should not be pushed without considering local realities, arguesHeidi Larson.  Editorials It's not too soon for plans to monitor new development goals  The next set of development goals should be underpinned by plans to measure progress and results — and to boost data infrastructures.  EN More EDITORIALS  News Nations agree first global treaty to ban mercury emissions  More than 140 nations have agreed the first global, legally-binding treaty to prevent man-made emissions of mercury into the environment.  EN | ES  Insects' gut microbes hint at biofuel breakthrough  Plant-digesting enzymes from insects could one day be used to turn tough — and currently worthless — plant waste into biofuel, hope scientists.  EN  GM mosquito could help slash dengue vectors  Scientists have modelled if the release of GM mosquitoes would lead a drop in dengue-transmitting mosquitoes, but further tests are needed.  EN | ES  Dearth of research on disability hampers poverty goals  The complex relationship between disability and poverty needs more research, which could lead to more inclusive aid and health policies.  EN  WHO reports success in tackling neglected diseases  The neglected tropical diseases are closer to being controlled, and innovation has played a key role in this, says a WHO report.  EN | ES  Global collaboration needed to fight neglected diseases  Developed and developing nations must pool funding and expertise to deliver new drugs against neglected tropical diseases, urge health organisations.  EN | ES Other News 'Climate change in Pakistan turning extreme'  EN  Digital imaging shows promise in assessing crop health  EN  Scientists in Benin unveil enhanced malaria test  EN  Rapid disease mapping could guide treatment in South Sudan  EN  Many Amazonian trees ‘have survived extreme climate change’  ES  Mexico creates US$11 million fund to fight climate change  ES More NEWS  Opinions Polio killings should be a wake-up call to eradication effort  The murder of health workers in Pakistan means the last leg of efforts to eradicate the disease can't be business as usual, says Heidi Larson.  EN  Latin America Analysis: The challenge of training scientists  In addition to programmes for training abroad, Latin America needs measures and organisations for the promotion of science, writes Carla Almeida.  EN | ES  In Perspective: Launching a third industrial revolution  EN | ES More OPINIONS  Features 'Suspect' journals take scientists for a ride  Some 'journals' are out for profit, not to carry peer-reviewed science — and researchers in the developing world are targets, reports Yojana Sharma.  EN | ES  More FEATURES  Meeting the new development goals How to measure progress, and the data required to do this, should be part of debates over the next set of development goals, says Anita Makri. Latin America Analysis: Investing in human resources Promoting science education in Latin American countries requires both training abroad and support for researchers at home, says science journalistCarla Almeida in her first Latin America Analysis column.