SciDev.Net

Science journalism has an important role to play in scrutinising science and engaging with the media, says a Nature editorial.

Should African governments be following the trend in appointing chief scientific advisors, asks Linda Nordling.

IPCC chair R. K. Pachauri calls on journalists to maintain focus on the scientific rationale for action in their coverage of climate change.

Science journalists in the developing world can help bring science news to a global public, says senior Harvard fellow Cristine Russell.

Venezuelan science is falling foul of the government's agenda warns Claudio Bifano, president of the country's science academy.

Essential field trials of GM trees are being hindered by anti-GM activists working through the Convention on Biological Diversity, say Steven H. Strauss and colleagues.

A layered and cooperative approach would help Southern African countries harmonise their biosafety laws, says Julius Mugwagwa.

Science and technology minister Professor Romain Murenzi says science and technology will be at the heart of Rwanda's development strategies.

South Africa's new science minister will help boost science for development, says an editorial in the South African Journal of Science.

Translating genetics research is easier in agriculture than medicine, says a Nature Genetics editorial, and existing technologies can be used.

Compulsory licensing of clean technologies will only be needed if developed countries duck UNFCCC obligations, says Dalindyebo Shabalala.

Global discussions on how to adapt to climate change must include fisheries, say Nicholas Dulvy and Edward Allison.

A lack of political will to create vaccines is causing millions of deaths a year due to infectious diseases, says Manuel Elkin Patarroyo.

As African science ministers prepare to meet in Burundi, Linda Nordling asks what has happened to the idea of a pan-African science fund.

Scientists can help policymakers tackle epidemics by providing critical information in real time, says an editorial in Science.

The current swine flu outbreak is linked to how we produce food, argues Sunita Narain, editor of the Indian science magazine Down to Earth.

Regional clinical research networks provide timely evidence to help emerging health policy. They deserve more support, says Jimmy Whitworth.

Everyone — from scientists to the public — has a role to play in preparing for earthquakes, says a Nature editorial.

Blame for the turmoil in Egypt over swine flu can be laid squarely at the feet of the media and politicians, says Nadia El-Awady.

New technologies can help African countries identify counterfeit or substandard drugs, says director of Africa Fighting Malaria Roger Bate.