SciDev.Net Weekly Update (11 - 17 March 2013)

HIV targets need new focus Gates Foundation HIV chief Stefano Bertozzi argues for changing tack on how health providers measure the effectiveness of interventions. News Cheap 'nano-tablet' purifies water for up to six months  US researchers have launched a small ceramic disc containing nanoparticles that can purify water in poor communities.  EN | ES  Southern skies may go unmonitored for asteroid risk  Dangerous asteroids could go undetected if the Southern Hemisphere's only telescope survey to track them closes in July.  EN | ES  Disease threatens aquaculture in developing world  The impact of disease on fish farming could hit food security and damage the economies of many tropical nations, a study reveals.  EN  Antibiotics could cut deaths from malnutrition  Two separate studies suggest that antibiotics might be a useful addition to emergency food supplements for malnourished children.  EN  Study reveals economic burden of Chagas disease  Chagas disease costs countries US$7 billion a year, with Latin America paying the greatest price, a study has found.  EN | ES  Bolivian researchers sound alarm over quinoa farming  Surging demand for quinoa brings in money, but it is ruining farmland and putting the crop out of reach of local consumers, say scientists.  EN | ES  Coffee pest spreading to other crops in East Africa  Scientists fear the spread of a devastating coffee pest to new species could threaten food security and livelihoods in East Africa.  EN  Cash for diagnostics may help track cassava disease  The second phase of a multimillion dollar cassava disease project aims to boost diagnostics research capacity in seven African countries.  EN  Variable crop sowing dates 'produce higher yields'  Cropping systems with sowing dates adapted to climate change will result in increased future crop yields, a study indicates  EN  Developing countries to get access to 12,000 online research books  A global academic publishing company is making more than 12,000 research books available free online to low- and middle-income countries.  EN  Sri Lanka launches office to foster innovation  Sri Lanka has launched an Office of Science, Technology and Innovation to promote partnerships for innovation.  EN  Mobile phone microscope detects worm infections  Trials of a mobile phone microscope to detect intestinal worms in children show strong results and could make testing much more accessible.  EN  Three-quarters of Asia-Pacific nations 'lack water security'  Despite showing strong economic growth, much of the Asia-Pacific continues to face severe water and sanitation challenges, says a study.  EN  'Main drug against leishmaniasis losing efficacy'  Hopes of eliminating kala azar in South Asia are receding with the main drug used against the parasitic disease losing efficacy.  EN Other News Paraguay's new science policy enters public debate  ES More NEWS  Opinions A new set of HIV targets can create long-term impact  By measuring the right things, health providers can improve HIV response and save lives, says Stefano Bertozzi of the Gates Foundation.  EN | ES  More OPINIONS  Features Drones begin to show their development promise  Drones could be used to deliver medicines and protect vulnerable people, but major hurdles remain, findsRodrigo de Oliveira Andrade.  EN | ES  More FEATURES  Quinoa conundrum Bolivian farmers are making money from quinoa, but it's coming at the expense of soil quality, traditional farming techniques and local consumers, say experts. Drones offer development rather than destruction Unmanned aerial vehicles could deliver medicines to remote areas and protect civilians in conflicts, findsRodrigo de Oliveira Andrade.