SciDev weekly update 24 March

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Science & Development Network  News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world
Articles published on the SciDev.Net website over the last week: 18 - 24 March 2013
SciDev.Net's multimedia move Providing more visual content will make our site more compelling and allow visitors to explore information in new, non-linear ways. Editorials SciDev.Net's multimedia future can widen our reach  Offering more images, audio and video will entice new readers to science-related development stories that they might otherwise overlook.  EN More EDITORIALS  News Solar-powered 3D printer uses sand to make glass  A 3D printer that makes use of abundant solar energy and desert sand could be a cost-effective way of producing glass in the future.  EN  Global team urges cancer R&D collaboration  Scientists from leading cancer centres are calling for the exchange of research findings as one recommendation for cutting cancer deaths.  EN | ES  EU's new research mechanism 'complex and narrow'  The EU's Horizon 2020 mechanism risks alienating developing countries with its complex procedures and lack of capacity building, say critics.  EN  Data gaps in aid impact must be filled, urges review  Without new methods of assessing the impact of development aid on maternal health, its influence will remain unclear, says a review.  EN  Local crops 'can still be grown as farming intensifies'  Biodiverse traditional crops are often still grown as poor rural farmers seek to earn more from new crops, according to research in Bolivia.  EN | ES  India to improve nutrition with biofortified crops  Nutritional deficiency among Indians can be tackled by introducing biofortified varieties of staples like wheat and rice, say experts.  EN  Pakistan revamps climate study centre  Pakistan's revamped Global Climate Change Impact Centre is set to give the country a bigger role in climate studies.  EN  Cameroon settles on new bean varieties  Researchers in Cameroon have opted for seven hardier bean varieties — from a pool of many — to help meet demands for a staple food.  EN Other News Clinical trials ‘are far from regional health priorities’  ES  Digital atlas catalogues wild plants of Guatemala  ES  Study suggests expanding anti-pneumococcal vaccine roll-out  ES More NEWS  Opinions Focus on Disability: Include disabled people in housing research  Disabled people are thought to make up about a seventh of the world's population, so why are they often ignored in housing research, asks Sue Coe.  EN  The Red-Dead water conveyer can avoid a dead end  The Red-Dead canal could take a small step forward in light of projected environmental impacts and other constraints, says Batir Wardam.  EN  In Perspective: Focus cash on research infrastructure  EN  Islam Analysis: The 'women in science' movement has a long way to go  EN  Latin American Radar: Between opinion and influence  ES More OPINIONS  In Perspective: research infrastructure funding can fast forward progress Supporting science infrastructure can help nations in places such as Africa see dramatic development, says David Dickson.		Call for columnists: Deadline 1 April  SciDev.Net is seeking columnists with expertise in the areas of science and migration; poverty and vulnerability; and the private sector World TB Day Yesterday was World TB Day, read our coverage of the science and policy behind diognocstics, drugs and vaccine development. 2013: international year of water Read our coverage of water security and how science and technology can contribute to access to clean drinking water NOTICES Announcements Call for Applications: Bellagio Center Resident Fellows Program  Closing date: 1 May 2013  More ANNOUNCEMENTS  Jobs Country Manager Rwanda  Location: Kigali, Rwanda Closing date: 12 April 2013  Technology Manager  Location: Nairobi, Kenya Closing date: 12 April 2013  Enterprise Support Team Manager  Location: Nairobi, Kenya Closing date: 12 April 2013  Financial Linkages Manager  Location: Nairobi, Kenya Closing date: 12 April 2013  Programme Manager - ESME  Location: Nairobi, Kenya Closing date: 12 April 2013  Regional Manager - India  Location: Woking, United Kingdom Closing date: 12 April 2001  Regional Manager - China & HSBC  Location: Woking, United Kingdom Closing date: 12 April 2001  More JOBS   HIGHLIGHTS Nanotech for pure water A water filter containing copper or silver nanoparticles can purify water for up to six months Red–Dead sea water Plans to build a 180 km canal to link the Red Sea and Dead Sea can avoid failure Too complex, too narrow? The EU's Horizon 2020 research programme is too complicated to apply for and ignores important areas, say critics Aid impact in the dark More peer-reviewed research is needed to find out if development aid is boosting maternal health Disability focus Science has an important role to play in improving housing for people with disabilities Solar power printer A 3D printer can turn sand into glass using only the power of the sun Interested in South-East Asia?  Keep up-to-date with the latest news, views and analysis from the region