Africa should do more to assess whether boosting science and tech leads to development, writes Linda Nordling. A popular principle in policymaking circles is that investment in science, technology and innovation (STI) will translate into improved national competitiveness and, ultimately, development success. Read the full article here […]
Read More… from Africa Analysis: Link S&T investments to development
A UN working group has recently released a ‘zero’ draft proposing 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and related targets to replace the Millennium Development Goals, which expire next year. Some experts have criticised the draft because it lacks detail on how the goals might be delivered. But the draft does contain some concrete points about how to empower women. […]
Read More… from Focus on Gender: Rooting SDG commitments in reality
Philips has introduced an innovative mobile ultra sound system (VISIQ) that aims at bringing high quality, affordable healthcare to pregnant mothers in Kenya. Ulrich Klaus, Philips’ Business Development Manager said in Nairobi that the VISIQ provides high quality images for expectant mothers wherever care is taking place. Read More […]
Read More… from Philips introduces ultra sound machine in Kenya to aid pregnant women
An initiative that mails a box of antimalarial compounds for free to scientists around the world has helped boost research on drug discovery and development since its launch in 2011 and inspired a second project for neglected tropical diseases, according to product-development partnership the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV). The Malaria Box contains samples of 400 compounds […]
Read More… from Project that mails antimalarial boxes to start spin-off
A super-enriched banana genetically engineered to improve the lives of millions of people in Africa will soon have its first human trial, which will test its effect on vitamin A levels, Australian researchers said Monday. The project plans to have the special banana varieties – enriched with alpha and beta carotene which the body converts […]
Read More… from ‘Super banana’ could save millions in Africa
Last month, while in East Africa for interviews about higher education — watch out for our Spotlight on the topic later this month — I picked up a book from the handful of English titles stocked by the hotel. It was a personal account of child soldiers by the Canadian senator, humanitarian, author and retired general, Roméo Dallaire. His […]
Read More… from Technology’s part in the tale of Rwanda’s child soldiers
The information and communication technology (ICT) device with greatest potential for education and training is laptop, whereas Facebook is the most popular social media, according to a new survey of e-learning professionals in Africa. Researchers from Integrated Communications, Worldwide Events (ICWE) in Germany surveyed 1,444 e-learning professionals from 55 countries in Africa through e-mail between March and May this year. Read […]
Read More… from Laptop ‘tops other ICT tools important for e-learning’
Scientists have created mosquitoes that produce 95% male offspring, with the aim of helping control malaria. Flooding cages of normal mosquitoes with the new strain caused a shortage of females and a population crash. The system works by shredding the X chromosome during sperm production, leaving very few X-carrying sperm to produce female embryos. Read more […]
A revival in huge hydro projects may cut carbon emissions, but proponents’ use of the term ‘renewable’ is misplaced. Hydroelectric dams are the quintessential expression of human control of nature. As well as power, they create reservoirs of clean water, which to some are both pleasing to the eye and a place for tranquil recreation. They […]
Read More… from Should hydropower truly be described as renewable?
African countries need to help smallholder farmers access technologies that will enable them increase farm yields, achieve resilience and better nutrition to address poverty, food security as well as economic growth, a conference has heard. Kanayo Nwanze, president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, says this will only be possible through a paradigm shift that enables smallholder farmers, particularly in rural areas, […]
Read More… from African smallholders ‘need tech to spur food security