SciDev.Net

Capitalism could counter its impact on obesity

Encouraging the spread of probiotic foods that promote healthy gut bacteria could help developing countries tackle obesity, says Kingsley Anukam.

LETTER | 18 August 2008 | EN

Researchers should be rated, but also rewarded

Kit Vaughan says South African research ratings foster healthy competition — but should expand to reward individuals, not just institutions.

LETTER | 12 August 2008 | EN

Failing democracies fail healthcare systems

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

LETTER | 13 February 2008 | EN

Doubts over biofuels for Africa

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

LETTER | 23 January 2008 | EN

Sustainable a 'euphemism for mass death'

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

LETTER | 13 December 2007 | EN

Provide carbon credits for long-term soil amendments

LETTER | 5 December 2007 | EN

Apply urban tax to provide subsidies for rural Africa

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

LETTER | 21 November 2007 | EN

Politics is the real cause of developing world hardship

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

LETTER | 31 October 2007 | EN

Tilapia fish can pose danger to ecosystems

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

LETTER | 5 September 2007 | EN

Mosquitoes will conquer pyrethrum

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

LETTER | 22 August 2007 | EN

Africa must ignore GM 'bullying' from both sides

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

LETTER | 26 July 2007 | EN

When water is available in Darfur, use it wisely

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

LETTER | 26 July 2007 | EN

Emphasising potential in UNESCO's science programmes

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

LETTER | 3 May 2007 | EN

No 'extra' patients in sleeping sickness trials

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

LETTER | 25 January 2007 | EN

Science culture in Africa: a complementary solution

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

LETTER | 12 January 2007 | EN

African centres of excellence need pragmatic approach

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.

LETTER | 20 December 2006 | EN

GM bananas to fight wilt in Africa

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

LETTER | 28 November 2006 | EN

Research funds are wasted on bureaucracy and controls

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'.

LETTER | 19 September 2006 | EN

No shoehorning into science-based development

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

LETTER | 8 September 2006 | EN

Venezuelan vision: cooperate, participate, innovate

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.

LETTER | 5 September 2006 | EN