Peer Reviewed

Acute aseptic arthritis was induced in 8 healthy donkeys aged 2-4 years and weighing 80-110 kg. The animals were divided into 2 groups (A and B) of 4 animals each.

Researchers studying the Malaysian Short-Nosed Fruit Bat found that their body size and genetic makeup is determined by where they live.

India battles bird flu, virus kills Azeri dog; Denmark finds first case of H5; Bird flu threat highlights disaster-planning flaws; Banks told to prepare for bird flu; The Treatment of H5N1 Avian Influenza Report; Animal rights and avian influenza;

The BAIF Development Research Foundation, in partnership with IDRC and nine Indian nongovernmental organizations, and with the financial support of the Canadian International Development Agency, has been exploring women's empowerment processes through a five-year, multi-institution, multi-state initiative, the Swayamsiddha project.

An exquisitely preserved dinosaur shows that the adoption of feathers by so-called 'non-avian' dinosaurs was a complex process; Japanese researchers unravel the mechanism by which firefly controls colour; A Chinese frog is the latest addition to the range of animals known to communicate by ultrasound; Conservation - an example from Southeast Asia.

Summaries of newsworthy papers from Nature Vol.440 No.7082 Dated 16 March 2006

Azerbaijan reports 3 deaths; Dutch start voluntary vaccination; Novavax Shares Up; Hungary gets go ahead; Bird Flu Plans Require $30.5 Mln More for 2007; Global avian influenza control project receives US$1 million grant; Generex Biotechnology to Present Its Avian Influenza Vaccine; Cats And Avian Influenza, Defra Urgently Seeking Further ...;

'Tongkat Ali', a plant used for traditional medicine in Southeast Asia has also been proven to be effective for the treatment of Malaria and possess anti-cancer and anti microbial properties. The main problem is obtaining a sustainable supply of high quality roots. This research will ensure that this is now a problem of the past.

First bird flu case in Afghanistan, Myanmar; Azerbaijan reports three people dead; Bird flu has limited spread impact; Bird Flu Shot Requires 6-Month Production; Bird flu suspected at poultry farm in Germany; SA: show us the money, say govts; IMF warns of economic blow from pandemic; USGS Testing Wild Birds; Airport staff vaccinated;

THE NATURE RESEARCH JOURNALS PRESS RELEASE - For papers that will be published online on 12 March 2006

The problem of possible hazards brought about by earthquakes such as building collapse and loss of lives, especially in major urban metropolis like Metro Manila, must be addressed by city planners, building officials and structural engineers.

Africa 'needs fund'; Azerbaijan tests 11 people; Albania culls 2,000..; Norway tests dead ducks; Serbia confirms 1st case; European scare adds cats, dogs; Japan to help; China - 10th Death; Bird Flu Found in Weasel-Like Animal; Bird flu would ravage Asian markets; Poorest forgotten in compensation; Indonesia-Japan venture launches vaccine;

Southern Thailand was regarded as a non-seismic-prone region, therefore buildings were not designed for earthquakes, let alone tsunamis. The survival of many non-seismic, non-tsunami resistant buildings shows that it is possible to design buildings to resist moderate tsunamis, with important implications to saving lives (Pictures attached)

Three commentaries responding to a call for legalized organ donation are published online this week by Kidney International, the official journal of the International Society of Nephrology.

This research highlights the use of remote sensing technologies in disaster management, notably post-earthquake/tsunami damage detection due to the 2003 Bam Earthquake and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, and seismic risk assessment based on land use classification in Metro Manila, the Philippines (Pictures attached).

The Seoul National University Investigation Committee investigating the work of the disgraced cloning pioneer Woo Suk Hwang has found that Snuppy - the Afghan hound unveiled by Hwang's team as the world's first cloned dog - is genuine.

Summaries of newsworthy papers from Nature Vol.440 No.7081 Dated 9 March 2006 including "It's all in the expression; Frogs sidestep predation by looking nasty - but not too nasty"

WHO urge studies on cats; Ministers of Black Sea countries meet; Jurong Bird park's birds vaccinated; Foie gras endangered; Poultry faeces likely cause of spread; Dutch postpone vaccination; Israel sends aid to Nigeria; Virus in China Not Infectious; French Consumers Cut Consumption; Hong Kong to Cut Chicken Population; Researchers Make Strides

Nature reveals serious doubts over claims for fusion in collapsing bubbles

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer afflicting women. The mortality rate can be greatly reduced with mass screening programs, which are not available in many developing countries due to a shortage of pathologists. This invention known as CCAID System will enable mass screening programs to be undertaken in many developing nations.

Government agencies involved in poverty alleviation efforts can use the findings of this study as a take-off point in setting-up microfinance projects which will enhance the earning capabilities of women in poor communities

This study compares men-owned and women-owned businesses - to find out how management style and strategies influence them. The results strongly suggest that certain differences between men and women business owners may be fundamental in nature.

March 8 is International Women's Day. To commemorate this day, ResearchSEA is focusing on Women, highlighting research and experts on issues affecting women.

Bird flu virus 'killed Chinese man'; Deadly bird flu virus spreads to southeast France; First Case in Poland; Bird flu a disaster for poor in Africa; Mela attempts to diffuse bird flu care; Number of cases rises to 11; Questions & Answers; Human Infection With Avian Influenza Viruses; No avian influenza yet reported in Uganda

Despite progress in maternal-fetal medicine, preterm birth is still one of the most complicated problems in modern obstetrics.

This technology from Universiti Sains Malaysia won a Gold Award at the recent Malaysian Technology Expo (MTE 2006). For example 74.2 ppm copper in an industrial wastewater sample is reduced to less than 1.0 ppm and more than 95% gold can be recovered from an initial concentration of 500 ppm in 3 hours

A military-style network of laboratories for the avian flu is proposed; The earthquake that unleashed the tsunami in the Indian Ocean forces some rethinking about how and where such giant earthquakes might occur; The application of neutral theory of biodiversity to real-life data is raising new questions and problems.

Summaries of newsworthy papers from Nature. Vol.440 No.7080 Dated 2 March 2006

Pet worries fuel fears; Indonesian Dies; Rs.100,000 for…; African press eyes dangers; World Cup – FIFA; Calls for military labs; Hawaii on front lines; Russia plans mass vaccination; No danger for domestic cats; Lab network proposed; H5N1 in domestic cat in Germany; DA-12 holds forum; Statement From Cats Protection..; situation in Iraq;

Meeting of experts adds urgency; Cat in Germany Has..; All safety measures ensured; More ban French poultry; Sweden reports 1st case; Distrust hurts Nigeria; Trade and Consumption affected..; Turkish areas still under quarantine; Sweden hit; Defra's Message; Govt rules out any human case; Businesses need to plan..; Sweden confirms..;