United Arab Emirates

Three research teams are preparing for a competition in which they’ll look to find the best way to make it rain over the Arabian Peninsula. The teams will share a US$5-million fund from the United Arab Emirates’ Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science, each tackling different aspects of cloud seeding technology. The objective is to help secure the country’s water supplies in the coming century.

Sweden

Politicians in a small Swedish town are campaigning to save a rare Viking language by teaching it in a local school. Students in the town of Älvdalen will learn the Elfdalian dialect, which is currently spoken by fewer than 60 children. For those who begin learning it at age 6, the language will remain a part of their curriculum until they turn 18.

Russia

Six years ago, the “Northern Sea Route” from the Atlantic to the Pacific along the north coast of Russia was touted as a potential alternative to the Suez Canal. That’s not proving to be the case, however, with traffic sharply declining over the past two years. Companies cite harsh climate conditions and high ecological risks for their reticence in making use of the shortcut.

Senegal

African universities should place more of an emphasis on teaching math to raise the profile of science on the continent, according to delegates at the Next Einstein Forum, which took place in Dakar between March 8 and 10. Scientists, government officials, and teachers have pledged to improve numeracy skills as a result. “There is the need to demystify mathematics in Africa,” said Martial De-Paul Ikounga, the African Union’s science commissioner. “It must be simplified to almost seem like when a child is learning the mother tongue.”

North Pole

Polar researchers are calling for the establishment of a floating “International Ice Station” close to the North Pole. The settlement, which would house more than 40 scientists and technicians, would drift with the ice from Siberia to Canada over the course of a year. The Russian Geographic Society has signed on to provide logistics and technical support, but the project, called Arktika-1, still needs other partners and sponsors.

Thailand

Thai officials have launched a drive to help monks lose weight—following a report showing that 48 percent suffer from obesity. The government covers medical fees for monks and spent more than US$8.5 million on obesity-related problems in 2012 alone. A pilot project will see a monastic college and four temples in Bangkok begin extensive physical exercise and nutritional cooking programs.