The project will coordinate research from the various institutions, to examine the Pacific's complicated ocean circulation system and air-sea interactions. Scientists say that strengthening knowledge of the ocean's circulation will provide crucial understanding of climate patterns that directly impact the lives of millions of people. It is hoped that, armed with better knowledge, countries in the region will be able to improve their climate predictions.

"Changes in the Northwest Pacific water properties and ocean circulation can influence the heat and freshwater budget and [therefore] atmospheric deep convection over the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool," says Song. "But we hardly know the inner mechanisms of these processes. We can hypothesize based on our knowledge of the Pacific Ocean condition in the past. But the data [is too limited] to make a declaration."

The Pacific seems a long way from Africa, but Song says that the project also aims to build knowledge that will improve understanding of global climate change, knowledge that would be particularly relevant to Africans.

"The Northwest Pacific plays a very important role in not only regional, but also global climate changes," he says. "[On this point] we would emphasize the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool, which together with the Indonesian Throughflow connects the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The change of Warm Pool heat content significantly affects ocean and climate processes such as El Niño, Asian-Australian Monsoon and East Asian Monsoon."

Tech Bytes

➲ South African scientists testing a vaginal microbicidal gel in two AIDS-ravaged communities have discovered it has a 39 percent success rate at blocking HIV transmission. Tenofovir, its antiretroviral component, is already well known in AIDS treatment circles. Not only does the gel give women more power when it comes to protection, it's also cheap (less than 25 cents per application). But more studies are needed. Rwanda has volunteered, signing a contract with a gel manufacturer that would allow citizens access to the product at no or limited cost if study results are successful.

➲ Students at Makere University in Nairobi, Kenya have developed a software program that lets doctors notify pregnant patients by text message about their due dates, clinic appointments and other prenatal and postnatal care information. Unveiled at Microsoft's Imagine Cup 2010 held in Poland in July, the software is aimed at developing countries because it is an effective way to reduce infant and maternal mortality.

➲ A joint project between the Chinese Academy of Sciences and China's Third Military Medical University has produced the world's first minimally invasive spinal surgery robot. The specialized robot system is currently undergoing clinical trials at Chongqing's Xinqiao Hospital. Its development is seen as part and parcel of China's push towards establishing its own domestic robotics industry.