Column in 2009

The conclusion that our planet is warming thanks to human activity must not be forgotten amid discussion of research ethics, say climatologists Hans von Storch and Myles Allen.

Decaying infrastructure is an urgent threat that scientists and engineers must help to address, says Colin Macilwain.

A mathematical model that links health and economic development may have its limitations, says Philip Ball. But its consequences are too serious to ignore.

An innovative approach to reducing toxic-chemical use scrambles to stay alive as big science prospers, says Daniel Sarewitz.

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.

Our departing columnist David Goldston reflects on some misconceptions about science and politics.

Sometimes all you need to do scientific research is string, sealing wax and a bit of imagination, says Philip Ball.

The Obama administration has good proposals but needs a more systematic approach, David Goldston argues.

The outcome of games designed to tell us how we behave may depend on who 'we' are. Economists and evolutionary biologists should take note, says Philip Ball.

US science agencies may need to prove they are solving national problems. David Goldston explains.

An Obama gambit on space policy highlights the benefits and risks of turning to outside experts. David Goldston explains.

To call biomedical research proposals political distorts the issue, says David Goldston.

Deciding how to evaluate a cap-and-trade programme raises some thorny questions, says David Goldston.

Arguments about the pandemic status of swine flu are a distraction from tackling the outbreak, warns Declan Butler.

The 'war' between science and religion is stuck in a rut. Can we change the record now, asks Philip Ball?

A proposal for spotting extraterrestrials resurrects an old idea linking light and life, says Philip Ball.

A suggestion that the discovery of physical laws can be automated raises questions about what it means to do science, says Philip Ball.

Promises about job creation in the US stimulus bill may be coming home to roost, says David Goldston.

The shape of DNA can play a crucial role in genetics, says Philip Ball.

China has become the world's biggest carbon emitter partly because of its exports. So whose responsibility is that, asks Philip Ball?