In science news around the world this week, seven local radio stations in Burkina Faso began broadcasting messages about measures parents can take to prevent and treat deadly disease in their babies and toddlers, the U.S. Senate approved the RESTORE Act, seabirds are more endangered than other types of birds, and the last ferry-operating company to carry research animals between the United Kingdom and Europe has stopped the service.

After years of unconfirmed reports and false sightings in Mexico and Central America, scientists now know where the northern black swift (Cypseloides niger borealis) goes each winter. Last month, aerial photographer and biologist Matevž Lenar?i? flew a single-seat airplane across 2000 kilometers of airspace between Easter Island and Totegegie Airport in French Polynesia. And this week's numbers quantify the amount spent on genetic tests in the United States in 2010 and the annual carbon footprint of pumping for China's groundwater irrigation system.

This week, Merck launched a new nonprofit research institute to help academics turn their basic biology insights into drug compounds ready for human tests.