SciDev.Net

Afghan farmers are weaning themselves off illegal poppy cultivation and branching out into other crops, reports T. V. Padma.

Cassava is getting a transgenic makeover to boost its nutritional value, shelf-life and disease resistance.

Chinese action on Olympic air pollution is a huge experiment that will be closely watched across China, and further afield, writes Wang Ying.

The Tibetan plateau is feeling the effects of climate change, with glacial retreat and permafrost degradation among the effects.

The Maldives has launched a pioneering system for its citizens to bank primarily using mobile phones.

Vaccines for non-infectious illness could help developing nations tackle the growing burden of chronic disease. Maryke Steffens reports.

Priya Shetty explores the truths and the myths about chronic diseases in the developing world.

Abdallah S. Daar speaks to SciDev.Net about the Grand Challenges in Chronic Non-communicable Diseases initiative.

Despite the acceleration of mobile technology in the developing world, the humble text message reigns supreme.

Poor rural communities in Laos are feeling the benefits of green energy, thanks to the efforts of a local energy company.

A low-tech clay water filter is proving successful in Sri Lanka, cutting disease levels and saving on fuel costs.

Indian scientist and journal editor Padmanabhan Balaram discusses open archives — an alternative to open access for science publishing.

Vietnamese researchers are expanding the use of biogas as a sustainable energy source for the country's small businesses.

The digital audio medium of podcasting is being adapted by developing nations to give local people a voice. Katherine Nightingale reports.

Small-scale solar power is taking off in Kenya due to its ease and cost-effectiveness — a welcome change from costly, unreliable electricity.

The first drought-tolerant maize varieties developed by the Asian Maize Network, established to tackle poor harvests, are showing promise.

Leading geneticist Samir Brahmachari explains why India should kickstart a new open source approach to drug discovery for diseases like TB.

A mutant strain of drought-resistant wheat is contributing to Kenya's food security, enabling the use of land previously unsuited to cultivation.

Jacob Palis, president of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, talks about shared responsibility and a rosy future for South–South research collaboration.

Prudence Mutowo, winner of a 2006 L'Oreal UNESCO fellowship, speaks to SciDev.Net about her experiences as a woman in science.