SciDev.Net

A peanut butter-like paste has been proposed to curb childhood malnutrition, but critics claim there is little evidence for its success.

Rapid diagnostic tests potentially present a quick, easy-to-use solution for improved malaria diagnosis. But are they the way to go?

A mobile phone application called EpiSurveyor proved instrumental in monitoring and containing a polio outbreak in Kenya.

Big pharma drug companies are striking deals with Asian drug researchers to secure the future of the drug industry.

Florence Wambugu, winner of the 2008 YARA prize for African agriculture, speaks to SciDev.Net about the challenges facing the field.

Trials of a vaccine to prevent nasopharyngeal cancer will start soon in China, where it mainly affects the Cantonese-speaking population.

Thailand is pumping money into nanotechnology but a dearth of scientists and engineers could be a barrier to success.

Vietnam is protecting flood prone areas with barriers that make use of innovative technology.

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.