SciDev.Net

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.

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

The developing world needs 'big projects, not small ideas' — and nuclear power is a viable and necessary solution, argues Marje Hecht.

A tax on urban wealth is the 'only way' to ensure African farmers share the benefits of agricultural technologies, says Jonathan Williams.

Developing countries need global reform as well as focused aid to beat poverty, argues Paul Collins of War on Want.

Warea Orapa says that tilapia fish — hailed as a method of controlling mosquitoes — can cause damage when introduced into new ecosysems.

There is little resistance to the pesticide pyrethrum at present, but use in bednets could change this, says Christiaan Kooyman.

Africa must decide itself about genetically modified foods, no matter what pro- and anti-groups think, says John Daly.

Finding water in Darfur is not the end, says Willem van Cotthem. It should be used efficiently, and family gardens may be the answer.

Alexander Boksenberg argues that the unique potential of UNESCO's science strategies is substantial.

The African sleeping sickness trials are not enrolling more patients than needed, writes Gerardo Priotto of Doctors Without Borders.

Diola Bagayoko argues that to thrive, African science needs both stronger existing institutes and new centres of excellence.

Africa's science ministers have not endorsed a single model of centres of excellence, says John Mugabe, who suggests Africa must approach the issue pragmatically.

Leena Tripathi and colleagues argue that transgenic banana varieties could provide a reasonable and sustainable way to fight banana xanthomonas wilt.

Lothar Bohm says scientists should be freed from the constraints that funding agencies impose, which waste time and money and turn researchers into 'computer jockeys'.

Ben Laauwen argues that computers and mobiles will not be the norm until Africa addresses crucial social, economic and infrastructure needs.

Cristobal Valencia Ramirez describes Venezuela's take on innovation and enterprise, pointing out that its policies have been in place for at least five years.