Our prayers and good wishes are with all our readers during these unsettling times when COVID-19 pandemic has destabilized our daily lives. Well-being and safety of our readers comes top on our priority as we all wage war against this disease. This pandemic reminds us that we need to invest more in science, technology and innovation to combat challenges such as disease epidemics, drought and food insecurity. It is for this reason that this edition gives special focus to cassava, and an important project aimed at developing brown streak disease (CBSD) resistant and nutritionally enhanced cassava varieties.

Kenya is on the verge of becoming the first-ever country globally to approve genetically modified (GM) cassava. This is following a submission of an Application for environmental release and commercialization of CBSD-resistant GM cassava line 4046, a submission made to the country's National Biosafety Authority by cassava scientists at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). The NBA published a notice requesting the public to participate by sending their comments on the Application by June 14, 2020.

In this regard, the Video of the Month tells you the story of VIRCA Plus, a project under which the disease-resistant cassava research in Kenya was developed. VIRCA Plus project is a collaborative program between KALRO, the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) Uganda, and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.

The Story of the Month features an innovative project on value addition of cassava starch to make biodegradable plastics for different applications including packaging bags. The project has already developed samples of cassava starch-based plastics which have a wide array of applications such as biodegradable carrier bags, food containers and cutlery, single-use drinking straws and so on.

In the Courses we Offer, a science communication-training workshop scheduled for June 2020 has been postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. A new date will be communicated later. However, registration for the training continues. Register now and improve your skills in translating your research into knowledge products for uptake by end users.

We endeavor to bring you the best coverage of latest bioscience stories that promote innovative solutions in Africa. Explore these and more stories through your favorite issue of the DrumBeat.

Happy reading!