Outlook in 2014

The United States and other nations should follow Germany in routine skin screening, say Susan M. Swetter and Alan C. Geller.

People with advanced melanoma are living longer thanks to treatments that target cancerous cells or encourage the immune system to wipe out the tumour.

Spending time in the sun is a major risk factor for melanoma, but the relationship is not as straightforward as it seems.

A tablet that protects against sunburn is an attractive idea, but the science is patchy.

The United States does not have access to the latest sunscreens. The Sunscreen Innovation Act could set that right, says Michael J. Werner.

Melanoma is most common in light-skinned people, but it can also afflict those with darker pigment. Finding out why would help to explain the disease's origins.

Countries that can't persuade people to stay safe in the sun could learn from Australia, melanoma capital of the world.

The disparity in outcomes for children with sickle-cell disease in developed and developing countries is an injustice, says Isaac Odame.

Migration has led to an increase in the occurrence of sickle-cell disease in countries with previously low incidence of the disorder.

Correcting the genetic error in sickle-cell disease might be as simple as amending text.

Only one drug is available to treat sickle-cell disease, but a wave of investment and industry attention is set to turn the tide.

Stem-cell transplantation can cure sickle-cell disease, but so far this has been limited to a lucky few. That is changing fast.

Physician Graham Serjeant reflects on how Jamaica's inhabitants have helped to advance our understanding of sickle-cell disease.

Quality of life has become a vital consideration for children with sickle-cell disease in high-income countries, says Michael R. DeBaun.

People with sickle-cell disease experience bursts of debilitating agony from birth. But researchers have made a promising discovery that could ease these excruciating episodes.

Millions of people around the world rely on rice as the bulk of their daily diet. This snapshot of the crop's production, consumption and trade shows an overall surplus, but population growth in future decades may affect the situation, writes Emily Elert.

Africa's newfound taste for an old grain has experienced problems — drought, low yields and costly imports. But new projects are driving the continent towards self-sufficiency.

Corporate inefficiency and government meddling are curbing production of the vital crop in the countries that need it most, says Robert Zeigler.