Latin America is embracing the free access movement in its scientific production, but there are structural and economic challenges, says Carla Almeida.

Scientists in developing countries should increase the quality of their research by publishing more good papers, not fewer, says Rafael Loyola.

Brains Network editor Marc Mcilhone backs open sharing in the second article on how to support online science journalism in Africa.

In the first of two articles on how to support African science journalism online, Research Africa editor Linda Nordling takes on plagiarism.

Pakistan's 'open access instrumentation' initiative can be replicated in other developing countries, opines Atta-ur-Rahman.

Earthquake science was not on trial in Italy — it was about inadequate information and participation in decision-making, says Carina Fearnley.

Poor translations undermine efforts to promote science in Arab countries, says science translator and lecturer Ehab Abdelrahim Ali.

To make science truly useful to development, we need a new, inclusive system of tracking publications, says S&T policy expert Caroline Wagner.

Quack science and illogical claims abound in Pakistan, says Pervez Hoodbhoy.

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

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

Reforms in the Arab region should focus on transitioning to a green economy, argues award-winning environmental advocate Najib Saab.

Online technologies bring something new to science communication, but blogging has had little impact so far, argues Alice Bell.

India must not fall into a 'China Syndrome' trap but set and implement its own science and technology priorities, says Ved P. Kharbanda.

English may be the language of science, but students learn better and contribute more when taught in their local tongue, says Giovanni Tapang.

Some Muslim countries' powerful financial incentives to make quick progress in research could backfire, cautions Athar Osama.

The online encyclopaedia can fill a resource gap for students, policymakers and the public, say Samuel A. Assefa and Alex Bateman.

The developing world is not well served by traditional research publishing, but can break new ground with open access, argues Leslie Chan.

The arXiv.org site helps developing world researchers ensure their papers are not short shrifted by reviewers and original ideas get due credit, says Praveen Chaddah.