Scientists have built a database for schistosomiasis in Africa, which they are putting forward as a model for a global neglected disease tool.

An award-winning, rapid test for hepatitis C that uses gold nanoparticles could be especially useful in the Middle East and North Africa.

A new formulation of benznidazol, at a dose suitable for children, will be produced and distributed at cost for Latin American countries.

Egyptian scientists are developing a diabetes treatment from bitter gourd, but the jury is out on whether it could replace insulin.

A rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Africa requires more investment in science, a conference has heard.

There are research gaps in assessing whether clean cookstoves have the desired health effects, say researchers.

Natural sediment that mops up arsenic may keep deep groundwater cleaner than was thought, a study finds.

The discovery of six new genes for a common form of diabetes among South Asians could offer clues for better treatment.

A collaboration with China has produced Pakistan's first genome map.

Most neglected diseases are in retreat in Brazil and remaining challenges include reducing caesarean sections and non-infectious diseases.

African nations have signed the Brazzaville Declaration, urging the use of IT to tackle non-communicable diseases.

A new centre will train African researchers to develop drugs for diseases neglected by large pharmaceutical companies.

Argentina and Brazil will collaborate on studies of adult and embryonic stem cells as part of a bilateral programme on cell therapy.

Ecuadorian women over the age of 62, who have low incomes, are more prone to developing metabolic syndrome than men of the same age.

A computerised simulation model has shown that a vaccine against Chagas disease would be economically beneficial even if its efficacy were low.

Nutritious spirulina is being piloted in Jordanian schools to reduce malnutrition, and could be rolled out elsewhere in the Middle East.

A funding gap has caused promising drug developments to stop at the Nigerian Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development.

Scientists have proposed a research agenda for neglected infectious diseases based on the strengths of Latin America and the Caribbean.

A low-cost microsope that can be carried in a backpack could be effective in detecting tuberculosis in rural areas, a study has found.

A study suggesting the number of new cases of hepatitis C in Egypt is five times higher than thought has been disputed by health officals.