Policy

• Europe puts brakes on fusion project

  Firing up ITER in 2018 is not feasible, warn council delegates.

  19 November 2009

• South Korean R&D budget to soar

  Materials science and green technology should win large funding increases.

  19 November 2009

• Gene-makers form security coalition

  Latest salvo in the gene-synthesis 'standards war' sees firms set up a competing code.

  18 November 2009

• Curbing population growth crucial to reducing carbon emissions

  Access to contraception could tackle global warming, says United Nations.

  18 November 2009

• Plant genetics database at risk as funds run dry - Premium content

  National Science Foundation to cut support for Arabidopsis resource.

  18 November 2009

• Efforts to sustain biodiversity fall short

  But the issue is gaining attention as nations prepare for next year's summit.

  18 November 2009

• Biodiversity: Putting a price on nature - Premium content

  Gretchen Daily knows the value of ecosystems — but can ascribing financial worth to them help to maintain biodiversity? Emma Marris meets an ecosystem-services evangelist.

  18 November 2009

• World view: Experts and democracy - Premium content

  Specialist advice can be invaluable in shaping policy, but, argues Colin Macilwain, democracies need to keep a careful eye on the powers acquired by an unelected elite.

  18 November 2009

• Climate model sets tough targets - Premium content

  International group outlines steps needed to reach 'safe' levels of carbon dioxide.

  17 November 2009

• Japanese science faces deep cuts - Premium content

  The government's election promises vowed more support for science, but so far budgets look set to shrink.

  17 November 2009