Opinion in 2003

Our understanding of the likely ecological impact of genetically modified crops is incomplete. But these holes in our knowledge are symptomatic of a wider failure adequately to address the science of sustainable agriculture.

The loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its seven astronauts has cast a shadow over America's space agency. But it also presents an opportunity to redirect the US space programme towards the lofty goal of exploration.

Change is needed before the nations poised to join the European Union can reap the full scientific benefits of membership.

George W. Bush's administration stands accused of biasing the process by which the US government obtains scientific advice. There is a strong case to answer, but the situation is not as unusual as it might at first seem.

Given recent rumblings from opinion-formers, researchers working on the science of the incredibly small should exert more effort on putting the risks posed by their work into the proper perspective.

Ultra-long-duration ballooning has much to offer astronomers — but only if NASA nurtures this fledgling technology.

A proposal to control greenhouse gases may have been dead on arrival in the US Senate — but its time will surely come.

A Danish committee has picked an appropriate target and misfired.

Following the publication of the malaria parasite's genome sequence and the beginnings of relevant proteomics, research tools are now available that could make a big difference in the long-term war against malaria.

China must do more to protect the integrity of its policies that encourage greater participation by Chinese researchers overseas.

This year sees Nature getting up close and personal with researchers, thanks to a new series and a territorial expansion. Another important innovation is a policy that allows authors to retain copyright.