Opinion in 1999

Creationism's resurgence and its exploitation by politicians pose challenges to scientists that cannot be ignored. More resolute activism is required if a decent scientific education is not to be denied to some young Americans.

A large reduction in German support for agricultural research in the developing world sets a bad example.

The NIH has an opportunity to make its commitment to openness more purposeful.

Analysing the entire set of proteins of an organism is a far bigger challenge than anything in genomics. The technological obstacles and biological complexities require, for now, a steady approach to that necessary goal.

The apparent failure of a Mars probe underscores NASA's difficulties in pursuing planetary exploration. Planetary scientists must be allowed to build a credible programme of missions on the bedrock of continuing public support.

New guidelines should reduce the scale of ethical dilemmas in embryo research.

Two rival approaches to gene sequencing have demonstrated their complementarity with the fruitfly. For similar progress with the human genome, hostilities over data release policies should be re-examined.

Ambitious research agendas should stimulate vigorous demand for investment in broadband networks.

When negotiators gather in Seattle this weekend for the ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization, the future of genetically modified crops will be high on their agenda.

Debates on the ethics of biomedical research must find a way to combine breadth of vision with a practical timescale.

Recent statements by South Africa's president on the hazards of AZT need a sympathetic but firm response.

The official report into the loss of the Mars Climate Orbiter raises many issues that need to be coolly scrutinized. High on the list are NASA's efforts to increase its cost-effectiveness by launching ‘better, faster, cheaper’ missions.

The influence of commercial interests is highlighted by recent reports of deaths during trials of gene therapies. The loosening of public scrutiny of such studies needs to be reconsidered.

Charges faced by a Ukrainian scientist could have a chilling effect on the future of international collaboration.

A forward-looking series of articles depends at least as much on imagination as reality.

A sudden withdrawal of support by the European Union for key scientific institutes could be a major setback for the continent's biological research and is yet another example of a lack of scientific vision at the European level.

The stakes in the debate on genetically modified crops increase dramatically as it moves to the developing countries. Governments need to help existing agencies to rise to the challenges.

A debate on the prospects for women in science reveals some pessimism as well as constructive ideas of wider relevance.

A number of independent trends are increasing the significance of journals' roles in providing high-quality information. Other sources need to be strengthened.

Ten years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and despite a traumatic transition, science in east Germany is flourishing. Nationwide obstacles to progress require increased federal leverage for their removal.