Researchers like to work on projects that start small and slowly scale up. They must think bigger and faster, says Sandy J. Andelman, to tackle today's problems in time.

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v475/n7356/full/475290a.html

Vijayan summarizes the problems faced with respect to funding of research. He suggests how grant system could be improved to achieve better quality in research. The manner in which grant
applications are handled and funds are released is only one dimension (albeit a major one); there are other aspects to the
problem. (Correspondence)

A shoddy inter-academy report on GM crops casts a shadow on the integrity and competence of Indian science, while a US expert finds approval for Bt brinjal deeply flawed according to this latest special report in Down to Earth.  

By ending ownership of ideas we can banish ignorance and change human history.

The leading academies of science in India have, at the request of the government, prepared a report that was expected to give an independent scientific review of transgenic crops and the proposed Biotechnology Regulatory Bill. But the Inter- Academy Report that has been prepared is disappointing on several fronts

It is time for a science of how city growth affects society and environment, say Luis Bettencourt and Geoffrey West.

Which urban regions produce the best research

The explosion in urban population looks set to continue through the twenty-first century, presenting challenges and opportunities for scientists.

Local action can curb habitat loss and counter global pessimism on biodiversity. (Editorial)