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Sep 13, 2024 · SciDev.Net: Bringing science & development together through news and analysis.
The case for a ‘deficit model’ of science communication
Jun 24, 2005 · The traditional ‘deficit model’. Technically speaking, this is a slight ‘spin’ on the term ‘deficit model’. The original purpose of the phrase, coined by social scientists studying the public communication of science in the 1980s, was not to describe a mode of science communication. Rather it was to characterise a widely held belief ...
Does biobanking hold the key to achieving universal health?
Oct 1, 2021 · The data generated through biosamples is a key resource for the digital transformation of health systems, he suggested. World revenue for biobanking will surpass $53 billion in 2027, according to Zatloukal, who underlined one of the key challenges facing biobanking: the drug industry is required to provide funding, yet patients remain reluctant to make their samples available to drug companies.
Engineering: a vital link between science and society - SciDev.Net
Apr 19, 2004 · The skills of the engineer are essential to the success of efforts to use science to promote social and economic well-being. Enhanced efforts are badly needed to promote such skills in the developing world — and ensure that they are properly rewarded.. Last week, Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, was announced as the recipient of the first-ever Millennium Technology Prize.
What is a knowledge economy? - SciDev.Net
Apr 15, 2015 · Information is widely believed to be the future source of prosperity. The term ‘knowledge economy’ was coined in the 1960s to describe a shift from traditional economies to ones where the production and use of knowledge are paramount. Academic institutions and companies engaging in research and development are important foundations of such ...
A simple solution to the old problem of floods - scidev.net
Mar 7, 2016 · Instead, farmers, firms and factories rely on wells that tap underground reservoirs. But this resource is quickly depleted because most monsoon rainfall runs uncontrollably off the land, without replenishing the underlying water. When flooding occurs, it is traditional to divert water away from inundated floodplains to protect people and reduce ...
Landslide victory: Bioengineering in Nepal - SciDev.Net
Aug 14, 2007 · The facelift. Bioengineering combines vegetation — grass, shrubs and trees — with minor structures such as small dams, walls and drains to manage water and debris, to protect and stabilise slopes. Its legacy lies in Nepali farmers’ centuries-old use of trees on the terraced slopes of their farmland and forests.
Nanotechnology: a blessing or a curse for developing nations?
Aug 1, 2019 · Speed read. Nanotechnology has the potential to boost nutrition and crop resilience. But questions remain about its safety, with research lacking. Experts say global regulation is needed, especially to protect developing nations. By: Mićo Tatalović. Nanoparticles are increasingly being explored for boosting crops and nutrition, but doubts ...
Indian science: the achievements and the challenges - SciDev.Net
Oct 15, 2010 · The country has seen steady increases in government spending on research and development of 15 per cent or more each year, and has a critical mass of "well-educated professionals and a vast pool of scientists and technologists". Additionally, the private sector is stepping up and providing an increasing proportion of funding.
Labia stretching and its controversies - scidev.net
Nov 25, 2020 · Episode 17. Is labia stretching — also called labia minora elongation — a violation of girls’ and women’s rights, or a harmless cultural practice? To some, it’s a form of female genital mutilation. To others, labia pulling is just part of having a sex life. This week, Africa Science Focus goes to Zambia to seek answers from women and ...