SciDev.Net

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.

Ajaga Nji argues that failing democracies and the selfish influence of donors are dooming healthcare policies and systems.

A test for malaria caused by Plasmodium knowlesi exists, says Balbir Singh, but it isn't routine in rural areas where the disease is common.

Questions remain as to whether other countries' success with biofuels can be replicated in Africa, says Barry Muckle.

Nuclear development is unnecessary since solar power, transmitted from North Africa and the Middle East, can supply Europe, argues Gerry Wolff.

Science, and solar energy in particular, can play a key role in providing Kenya with a better future, says Sam Aola Ooko.

Henning Baur points out that Mwai Kibaki has not yet been 're-elected', and science and technology alone is not sufficient for development.