SciDev.Net

Researchers have found that more than half the plants in west Nepal have medicinal use — higher than that reported in previous studies.

African science leaders say an intellectual property blueprint will not work in its current form.

Native populations know a trick or two when it comes to climate change, and this should contribute to policymaking, urges a new report.

A round-up of news from or about South Asia for the period 1–15 March 2008.

A round up of news from or about Sub-Saharan Africa for the period 25 February–12 March 2008.

 

Arguments over ownership of animal genetic resources are delaying vital conservation efforts, say experts.

A research and development centre for Arab Bedouins has been reopened in southern Israel's Negev desert.

Developing countries should create legislation on indigenous genetic resources or risk losing out to developed nations, say experts.

Clinical trials of a traditional medicine to treat HIV are set to begin this month in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.

An increase in the use of traditional medicine has prompted Southern African countries to resolve to develop safety guidelines.

China has launched a long-term development plan to boost research and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine.

Peru has created an online public register for research on the country's biodiversity.

A Peruvian proposal to create 'passports' for genetic resources has been backed by experts from 25 countries.

By targetting the early stages of malaria infection, a compound derived from tree bark could help fight the disease, say researchers.

Studies on traditional remedies should go straight to patient trials, instead of wasting resources on basic research, says a senior researcher.

China has announced an international project that aims to modernise its research and development of traditional medicines.

The African Union and World Health Organization should draft a law that African nations could use to protect traditional knowledge, say local experts.

Delegates to the UN biodiversity convention are failing to resolve a debate over access to genetic resources and traditional knowledge.

Protecting indigenous rights means protecting traditional knowledge, says a Peruvian parliamentarian.

The debate over how communities can share the benefits of research based on Africa's biodiversity is heating up.