SciDev.Net

The electronic waste processing industry has caused severe health problems for residents in a southern Chinese town.

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

The WHO has developed a research agenda to better understand the human health impacts of climate change.

A partnership between Egypt and IBM will establish the first regional nanotechnology research centre in Cairo.

Researchers have discovered a gene that plays a role in the size and weight of rice grains, which could potentially boost yields.

Experts say that Africa needs early warning systems to deal with increasing disease transmission through wildlife.

Paraguay will join the 'One Laptop Per Child' scheme, aiming to providing free laptops to 1.5 million schoolchildren in the next five years.

Scientists have found that satellite imagery archives like Google Earth provide an inexpensive method for mapping diseases such as dengue.

Colonial cities helped HIV jump to humans, African GM sorghum granted trials, Ugandan minister denies vaccine fund embezzlement, and more.

An institute to assess the impact of mobile banking in the developing world has been launched.

Zambia's first molecular laboratory is fully active after years of setbacks, and will prioritise the detection of genetically modified crops.

Brazil has prepared its climate change plan, which is available for public consultation until the end of the month.

The Chilean government will fund up to 58 per cent of research and development projects aimed at producing biofuels from wood biomass.

Two seed import agencies have denied breaking Zambia's ban on genetically modified maize.

African and European officials have identified six science and technology projects, including a scheme for research grants, for priority funding.

Migrating to or visiting urban centres with high dengue incidence is a prediction factor of infection for rural habitants, says a study.

Venezuela has ordered one million laptops for its schoolchildren as part of a US$3 billion bilateral agreement with Portugal.

A test developed to detect carcinogenic human papillomavirus in women in developing countries has shown promise in trials.

Malawi has signed up to contribute to an Africa-wide initiative to gauge the impact of science on development.

The Medicines for Malaria Venture plans to roll out three new antimalarials by 2010, according to its new five-year plan.