Eduardo Posada, chairman of the coordinating council of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South, defends its activities

I. E. Qureshi of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South responds to criticism of its activities

We need a clearer understanding of disease patterns and ecosystem impacts before embarking on eradication strategies, says Ummer Rashid Zargar.

Collaborations between African and Canadian universities will boost Africa's education and knowledge infrastructure, writes Margaux Béland.

The value of developing new crop varieties with increased nutritional value should not be underestimated, argues Sherry Tanumihardjo.

India has great potential to integrate traditional and modern medicines but its biodiversity must be protected, writes Ummer Rashid Zargar.

Drought-tolerant crops have been developed for many years, but progress has been slow because breeders have focused too intently on yield.

GM crops have large benefits and pose no unique safety concerns, writes head of the Brazilian Biosafety Association, Leila Oda.

Biofortified crops are carefully selected to work for, not against, poor farmers, says Bonnie McClafferty from HarvestPlus.

Tackling micronutrient deficiencies isn't as simple as popping a few pills, says Michiel Korthals.

Science can and should inform politics and help bridge political differences within countries such as Bangladesh, says Lutfor Rahman.

Fortifying food will only boost health if the micronutrients are in a form the body can use, says Geoff Douglas.

Indigenous and wild cassava species offer a cheap source of key nutrients, says Brazilian agriculturalist Nagib Nassar.

Much of the criticism directed at a WHO report is "simply wrong", says Mary Moran, and readers should consult the full report.

Research in China is growing rapidly but publications are not being widely cited, says Stewart Dods.

Scientific evidence cannot be the only thing that politicians consider in making policy, says UK chief scientific adviser John Beddington.

Journalists must corroborate anti-GM stories with scientists and regulators to avoid scaremongering, says Robert Wager.

Encouraging the spread of probiotic foods that promote healthy gut bacteria could help developing countries tackle obesity, says Kingsley Anukam.

Kit Vaughan says South African research ratings foster healthy competition — but should expand to reward individuals, not just institutions.