South Asia News in brief: 1–15 March 2008
A round-up of news from or about South Asia for the period 1–15 March 2008.
20 March 2008 | EN
Science and Development Network
News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world
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News
Here is a list of the latest articles
Emerging infectious diseases 'on the rise'
Emerging infectious diseases are on the increase, but there is insufficient monitoring and surveillance in high-risk areas.
21 February 2008 | EN
Scientists shed light on SARS virus cell entry
Researchers in Beijing have found how the SARS virus enters cells, which may be the first step towards effective treatment.
SARS antibodies offer new treatment hope
Scientists have identified two human antibodies able to neutralise the known strains of the SARS virus.
Source: 科学与发展网络（SciDev.Net）
First Chinese bird flu death 'was in 2003, not 2005'
A Chinese man thought to have died of SARS may in fact have died of H5N1 two years before China first reported its first bird flu victim.
26 June 2006 | EN
SARS-like virus found in wild bats in Hong Kong
A SARS-like virus has been found in wild bats by researchers in Hong Kong, who warn that people should avoid handling the creatures.
Health experts call for global animal surveillance
Health experts have called for a global early warning system to guard against infectious diseases that could spread from animals to people.
Source: 科学与发展网络
China-Europe team identifies 15 anti-SARS drugs
A team of researchers from China and Europe has identified 15 compounds they say could combat the SARS virus.
China plans wildlife 'health-checks' to protect people
Authorities in China plan to monitor the health of wildlife across the country in case outbreaks of animal diseases also threaten people.
Source: 科学与发展网络（SciDev.Net）
Chinese SARS vaccine passes first safety test
A vaccine against the virus that causes SARS has passed the first stage of safety tests in China.
China's media urged to report varying scientific views
Journalists in China have been urged to include a wider range of scientific opinions when reporting on emerging health crises.
26 November 2004 | EN
Molecules stop SARS in its tracks
Scientists claiming to have found molecules that can block the SARS virus hope to create a drug to treat the disease if it returns.
Source: Independent Online (IOL)
24 September 2004 | EN
Researchers unveil two bird flu tests
As new cases of bird flu are reported in Malaysia and Thailand, researchers in the UK announce two tests for the infection.
Source: BBC Online
16 September 2004 | EN
New rules require open reporting of epidemics in China
Concern over the lack of public information about the SARS and bird flu epidemics have prompted Chinese authorities to require greater transparency.
7 September 2004 | EN
Brazilian scientists identify the genes in coffee beans
Researchers have decoded the genetic makeup of coffee, raising hopes of crops resistant to frost and drought, and better tasting coffee.
Source: BBC Online
11 August 2004 | EN
