SciDev.Net Weekly Update (28 January - 3 February 2013)

Focus on Gender: Mobile apps against sexual violence mHealth research should investigate how mobile phones could provide a lifeline to women and girls seeking help after sexual violence, says Henrietta Miers. News Global biodiversity panel holds first plenary meeting  A global biodiversity panel modelled on the IPCC has appointed its first chairman and a scientific advisory panel, following week-long negotiations in Germany.  EN | ES  Online global renewable energy atlas launched  A website aims to help governments and investors draw up energy policies, and find the best places for wind and solar energy projects.  EN | ES  Trials needed to test camel-urine cancer drug claims  Saudi researchers say they have discovered a cancer-curing compound in camel urine, but further trials are needed to test the claims.  EN  Funding running out for Aceh tsunami research centre  Aceh's tsunami research centre is running out of funds, placing its research and preparedness in danger and leaving its staff without pay.  EN  Social visits could undermine standard dengue fever controls  Human house-to-house movements play a key role in the transmission of the dengue virus, which could thwart control efforts, says a study  EN | ES  China and India catching up in the innovation stakes  China and India are collaborating with global partners and becoming innovative in their own right, according to new research.  EN  Costa Rican scientists trial aquatic agriculture to boost food security  Research suggests that growing crops on freshwater lakes could ease irrigation demands and boost global food supplies.  EN | ES Other News New handle on drug-resistant leishmaniasis  EN  Pakistan fears spurt in polio, measles cases  EN  Genetic markers offer hope for tackling drug-resistant malaria  EN  Global partnership launched to drive Africa’s agricultural research  EN  Pacific bluefin tuna population is 'fraction of its 1950s size'  EN  Study assesses use of plants in antimalarial therapies  EN  Educating women key to sustainable farming in Africa, says study  EN More NEWS  Opinions South Africa's fuel cell plan risks failure without support An ambitious strategy to create fuel cell products for export will need incentives and cross-government backing to bear fruit, says Radhika Perrot.  EN  Asia–Pacific Analysis: Pushing for a strong climate change policy  Although the region is not a big polluter, the threat of climate change means it should lead the way on cuts, argues Crispin Maslog.  EN  Focus on Gender: A role for mHealth in sexual violence  EN  Abdus Salam's unfinished business  EN More OPINIONS  Features US science diplomacy: the rocky road ahead  Facing opposition and funding cuts, what will Barack Obama's science diplomacy efforts look like in the future?Heather Maughan investigates.  EN | ES  More FEATURES  Obama and science diplomacy: take two Obama may have to reach out to the private sector if he wants to continue with his science diplomacy efforts, finds Heather Maughan.