Tropical cyclone damage costs are set to increase dramatically because of climate change, and population and economic growth, says a study.

Chile's parliament has substantially improved its tax incentives for companies to invest in R&D.

Engineers want the Rio+20 summit proposals to give more emphasis to the role engineering plays in driving sustainable development.

A bioprospecting project in Panama is the first to be funded by the Nagoya Protocol Implementation Fund.

Newly-developed software to monitor food prices of staple crops may help reduce volatility in food prices in many Sub-Saharan countries.

Unprecedented collaboration by drug firms, ambitious targets and more funds form part of a new fight against neglected tropical diseases.

A controversial science reform that gave the Venezuelan government more control over a private sector R&D tax has boosted science funding.

A 13 per cent hike in Saudi Arabia's higher education budget, has reignited a debate about university rankings.

Colombian scientists have questioned the government's decision to give large portions of science royalties to areas with poor R&D capacity.

Asia now collectively invests slightly more than the United States in research and development, says a report.

The Egyptian revolution has led to a golden year for science with increased investment, ambitious plans and renewed public interest.

Campaigners welcome plenty of science in the first draft of the planet's environmental negotiations, but say there are omissions.

The UN has published its draft negotiating document, 'The Future We Want', ahead of the Rio+20 summit in June.

Peru has unveiled an ambitious innovation project to improve collaboration between the public and private sectors, and boost science.

Uganda's president has declared, again, that he will raise scientists' pay to "international standards".

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

Argentinean scientists have criticised the redistribution of fellowships, a move aimed at rewarding productivity and boosting remote regions.

Botswana is awaiting parliamentary approval next month of two science and technology bodies.

Almost half of the 238 scientists who make up the new National System of Researchers in Paraguay will receive government funds.

Despite promises by the Peruvian president, the S&T budget 2012 has not increased, but some positive signs are keeping scientists optimistic.