SciDev.Net

Egypt has set up a South–South cooperation centre to promote technology transfer and industrial development.

Egypt has set up a regional centre of excellence for renewable energy for the Middle East and North Africa.

Iraq has put science and technology at the centre of a proposed five-year, US$1 billion higher education plan.

The African Union's new commissioner has placed education at the top of his agenda for advancing science and technology on the continent.

Scientists have created a system that transfers medical images via mobile phones, enabling more economical imaging technology.

Egypt has approved a Bt maize variety for commercialisation, the first genetically modified crop to gain approval in the country.

Iranian scientists have found that a rapid diagnostic test for visceral leishmaniasis can discriminate between different forms of the disease.

Tunisia and South Korea have signed a deal to improve Tunisian air quality monitoring and develop an air quality improvement strategy.

Global computer giant Intel has teamed up with an Arab foundation to train two million teachers in interactive learning in 16 countries.

A new report finds that Arab states have demonstrated the most significant improvement of any region in technology-readiness.

A global agriculture study has called for an increase in agricultural research to feed the world's growing population sustainably.

A new Lebanese study finds that a significant proportion of the population have experienced at least one mental disorder.

The Organisation of the Islamic Conference has increased support for its science committee, with higher status and mandatory donations from member countries.

A roundup of the latest news on the spread of the bird flu virus and the threat to human health.

Member states of the Arab League have approved a ten-year strategy aiming to boost higher education and scientific research.

The Organization of the Islamic Conference has approved several resolutions to strengthen innovation and research in the Islamic world.

The United Arab Emirates has announced the launch of its first national authority to coordinate and fund scientific research.

Algeria has signed cooperation agreements with Egypt, to learn from Egyptian scientists' research experience.

The South Asia Food Security Programme will receive an estimated US$25 million for ten projects addressing food security.

Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia have joined forces to create varieties of barley suitable for the North African region.