Stories about Science from April, 2008
Ukraine: Chernobyl
Belatedly, a link to Ukrainiana‘s extensive post on the 22nd anniversary of Chernobyl.
Russia: Computerization of the Russian North
Window on Eurasia reports: “Scholars in the Sakha Republic have developed computer scripts for the Linux operating system […], a breakthrough that […] promises to open the way for computerization across the Russian north.”
Russia: Yuri Gagarin
Soviet Russia posts commemorative videos of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space.
Russia, Kazakhstan: Baikonur
Russia may “decamp” from Baikonur, “the Russian Cape Canaveral,” The Lede (the New York Times) reports.
Madagascar: Too much emphasis on the environment ?
Madagascar is arguably most renowned for its unique biodiversity. However, the focus on the environment is sometimes resented by Malagasies who think it diverts attention away from the hardships of the Malagasy people.
Southeast Asia: Rising price of rice
Rice is the staple food in Southeast Asia and in many parts of the world. Many people in Southeast Asia are worried over reports that rice is getting more expensive and supplies are dwindling. Bloggers discuss the impact of the rice crisis in the region.
Saudi Arabia: Electronic Games – The Good, the Bad, and the Overlooked
The newly-founded Saudi Information Technology Club, a non-profit organization established by young, Saudi IT enthusiasts and situated in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom between the cities of Dammam and Khobar, held a unique initiative which targeted the largely-overlooked subject of the effects of electronic gaming on youth. Fahad Albutairi reports from the session and brings up to date with the gaming scene in Saudi Arabia, where the average Saudi gamer spends an average of $400 annually on new video games.