SCI-Dev_Weekly update: 4 November 2013

Bringing science & global development together through news and analysis   Latest from global edition     Highlight         Synthetic biology’s malaria promises could backfire Claims about the benefits of a biotech project to make artemisinin are overblown, says Claire Marris.     Agriculture News: 01/11/13 Rifts emerge in scientists’ views on safety of GMOs A group of 93 scientists say that claims that GM foods are safe for humans ‘have no scientific basis’. News: 01/11/13 Farmers could cut emissions while boosting production Using updated practices can cut greenhouse gas emissions and save livestock farmers money, says FAO report. News: 31/10/13 Climate change to disrupt soil nutrients in drylands Declining soil fertility driven by drier conditions may harm the two billion who depend on drylands, says study. Environment Editorials: 04/11/13 The value and challenge of complexity science A compelling new book suggests a scientific revolution is needed in aid practice. But there are key challenges. News: 28/10/13 Rapid funding tool opens to aid humanitarian research The mechanism will pre-approve research proposals, allowing quick deployment of scientists to study crises. Health Feature: 30/10/13 Will a scientific trial show the value of cash donations? A charity is awaiting a verdict on its practice of sending money directly to poor Kenyans, reports Kath Nightingale. Opinion: 29/10/13 Synthetic biology’s malaria promises could backfire Claims about the benefits of a biotech project to make artemisinin are overblown, says Claire Marris. Governance Analysis blog: 31/10/13 Focus on Gender: Malala’s fame brings real progress This champion of schooling has helped the world refocus on the need to educate every girl, says Henrietta Miers. SciDev.Net at large: 29/10/13 Realigning Africa’s doctoral programmes Should the PhD system focus on pure research or practical outcomes? Imogen Mathers blogs from South Africa. Enterprise Multimedia: 01/11/13 Q&A: Ahmad Bsiesy on nanotech in emerging economies In this podcast, Lou Del Bello speaks to the head of the Centre for Microelectronics and Nanotechnologies, Grenoble, France. SciDev.Net at large: 01/11/13 Is open data improving governance? As a new working group and a report on open data are launched in London, Josh Howgego explores what is at stake. News: 31/10/13 Belgian schemes train African researchers in enterprise An NGO used distance learning and face-to-face meetings to boost the innovation skills in Africa. Communication tr> Multimedia: 30/10/13 Q&A: Omotade Akin Aina on expanding PhDs in Africa In this podcast, we shed light on what needs to be done to build doctoral research in Sub-Saharan Africa. News: 29/10/13 Ten years in, open access initiative sees limited use Despite 2,500 developing world institutions having signed up for the AGORA programme, many are not using it.