Plastic bags are too practical to be banned, but policies to manage their use are necessary to protect the environment, says Lilia Casanova.

Farming projects must be able to access research at any point along the innovation trajectory, say Rasheed Sulaiman V. and colleagues.

Buruli ulcer could spread as agriculture intensifies in Africa, making prevention research vital, says agro-eco-health expert Rousseau Djouaka.

An editorial in the journal Nature explains the reasons for publishing the full results of a controversial paper about a modified bird flu virus

Technological innovation can't be imposed on poor people — they must be engaged to select ideas that suit their lives, writes Lawrence Gudza.

Current models of innovation ignore small-scale technology — institutions must ensure it's a key part of the agenda, says Tony Marjoram.

New models of intellectual property rights are needed to protect — and promote — local knowledge and innovations, says Anil Gupta.

A culture of favouring science over technology comes at the expense of both technologists and research outputs, writes engineer Huafeng Wang.

Countries in the region need an organised, concerted effort to strengthen scientific input into decision-making, urges Crispin Maslog.

India's scientific research is flagging — its revival will depend on changes in leadership and culture, says Gautam R. Desiraju.

Several Muslim countries rank among the world's most efficient innovators. They must build on this success, says Athar Osama.

Africa's health research capacity is growing but needs a stronger workforce, say Carel IJsselmuiden and colleagues.

There is a pressing need for Africa to bolster its pharmaceuticals industry, and that requires the right policy framework, argues Priya Shetty.

Africa needs to up its game in malaria research, but by doing what it does best, not by replicating Western research, says Linda Nordling.

India should establish a Young Academy to promote research-based solutions to development challenges, says Raghunath Mashelkar.

Farmers are more likely to use GM crops if they are involved in crop development in the right way, say Obidimma Ezezika and Justin Mabeya.

Pakistan’s universities need to have academic freedom to excel, rather than churn out fake research papers, says Pervez Hoodbhoy.

The proposed Sustainable Development Goals need more focus on health to continue the progress achieved with MDGs, argues Priya Shetty.

R&D funds levied on business must build organisations that offer short-term benefits through a clear strategy, says Athar Osama.

The revised malaria death toll suggests a need for research into uncertainties in controlling neglected tropical diseases, says Mark Booth.