SciDev.Net Weekly Update (4 - 10 March 2013)

How evidence gains traction Better insight into the policymaking process can help scientists communicate evidence more effectively. Editorials Adapting to the realities of getting science into policy  Messages about the workings of policymaking should be easier to come by, and can inform how scientific evidence is presented.  EN More EDITORIALS  News Changing how food aid is allocated 'may save more lives'  More children's lives could be saved if emergency food is distributed using alternative metrics to those recommended, suggests a paper.  EN  Housing improvements linked to good health  A sufficient amount of space and a comfortable living temperature are good predictors of better health, finds a Cochrane review.  EN | ES  Arabic computer code aims to inspire new programmers  New computer language based on Arabic characters is designed to encourage more Arab speakers to enter the software writing sector.  EN  Mexico's bismuth mining set for nanotech overhaul  Colombia and Mexico are hoping to use nanotechnology to make new products and add value to their bismuth mining industries.  EN | ES  Peru gets new research fund but scientists want vision  The new fund is just one measure Peru's government is introducing to support science, but some leading scientists say more help is needed.  EN | ES  Report sheds light on benefits of small-scale mining  Artisanal mining has a bad press, but with stronger, evidence-based policies, it could be greener and fairer, says a report.  EN | ES  Country-specific climate vulnerability data now online  Datasets relating to national climate change vulnerability in 2010 and predictions for 2030 are now available freely via an online portal.  EN Other News Early lung infection raises children's pneumonia risk  EN  A deadly malaria strand tightens its grip in Malaysia  EN  'India needs micro-level data for climate action'  EN  Climate change's effects on plant disease 'under-researched'  EN  Another blow for microbicide HIV prevention  EN  Egypt urged to improve its scientists' enterprise skills  EN  Pakistan unveils new climate change policy  EN  Banana and rubber tax to fund research in Côte d'Ivoire  EN  Uruguay and Mexico grant US$1 million to joint science  ES  Gulf's BP oil spill clean-up hits Caribbean corals hard  ES  Costa Rica suspends Monsanto's right to plant GM corn  ES More NEWS  Opinions Failing vaccine strategies need to be revamped  New approaches are needed to reverse the trend of disappointing vaccines against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, argues biotech expert Thomas Egwang.  EN  Africa Analysis: Meat DNA testing can help save species  African governments need to boost local efforts to protect endangered species by supporting DNA testing, argues Linda Nordling.  EN More OPINIONS  Features The real ground breakers: innovation in Kenya  Researchers say weak policy undermines Kenya's innovation landscape, but hope new science projects will shake things up, reports George Achia.  EN  More FEATURES  Focus housing improvements at the poorest Targeting housing improvements at the poorest and those with the worst health is more effective than schemes aimed at entire areas, reveals a review. Arabic computer code aims to attract local programmers The new programming language has been designed to make software writing more accessible for Arab speakers.