SciDev.Net

Scientists have successfully sequenced the genome of the malaria parasites Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium knowlesi.

South Africa has made good progress in the field of genomics but needs to address shortfalls in funding and local collaboration.

Southern genomics researchers should focus on single-gene disorders affecting their people rather than lifestyle diseases, says a scientist.

The Human Genome Organisation will help developing countries expand their infrastructure and technical expertise in genomics research.

An international team of researchers has sequenced the first human genome from the Arab population.

Scientists have sequenced the genome of the typhoid-fever causing bacterium, which could revolutionise public health approaches.

Scientists are proposing a set of guidelines to tackle developing countries' resistance to take up DNA barcoding for biodiversity mapping.

Genomic medicine in developing countries needs government support and protection of 'genomic sovereignty', says researchers.

Scientists have produced a draft genome sequence of a genetically modified papaya that could benefit future cultivation of the fruit.

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

Scientists have discovered a universal DNA 'barcode' to classify flowering plants, facilitating research in biodiversity.

Researchers from Cuba and Venezuela will analyse the genes involved in protecting people from the Leishmania parasite.

The genome of a parasitic worm that causes elephantiasis has been sequenced, highlighting specific genes that could become drug targets.

DNA 'barcodes' can identify species quickly and cheaply, helping to catalogue biodiversity and monitor disease vectors, say scientists.

A human trial of HIV gene therapy and new drugs hold hope for treatment, say scientists at an international HIV conference.

Gene sequencing of three Leishmania parasites has shown surprising similarity, and may point scientists in the direction of new treatments.

The genome of the Aedes aegypti mosquito will give insight into its biology and behaviour and could lead to new disease control methods, say scientists.

Zambia has taken steps towards biosafety legislation with a bill to deal with genetically modified organisms.

Selfish genes could enable mosquitoes resistant to malaria or dengue fever to outcompete the natural population.

Mosquitoes modified to produce inviable young could cut mosquito populations and therefore rates of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue.