Opinion in 2001

In markets that have never been tougher, IT and telecoms companies are well structured for essential innovation. Investors are recognizing this, but some governments risk losing long-term opportunities by failing to invest in related research.

The detection of BSE in Japan last week raises the prospect of vCJD to follow. The history of government handling of human health crises gives little basis for confidence that appropriate preventative measures will be taken.

Introducing two new Nature journals.

Last week's attacks in New York and Washington were an offence against fundamental values that merits a well-targeted response, helped by science. But enhanced contacts with Islamic colleagues should also be pursued.

A small proportion of referees are undermining the scientific process, especially in biology. Some of the problems are getting worse, partly because of changes in scientific publishing.

Debates over the administration of US astronomy funding have highlighted areas for collaboration between agencies.

The Internet's transformation of scientific communication has only begun, but already much of its promise is within reach. The vision below may change in its detail, but experimentation and lack of dogmatism are undoubtedly the way forward.

The United States should only proceed with its sole proposed nuclear-waste repository once geological concerns have been addressed and provided that law-makers are convinced that the assessment process has been conducted fairly.

The California Institute of Technology needs to address imbalances and frustrations.

Introducing a new policy for authors of research papers in Nature and Nature journals.

Telecommunications and semiconductor companies are suffering from a precipitous downturn. But researchers can be sure that a healthy, handy electronic future is on the way.

If genetic modification is to yield benefits in socially acceptable ways, governments need to ensure that there is broad but well-focused consultation. A New Zealand commission provides an excellent example.

The United States has rejected an attempt to give teeth to the Biological Weapons Convention, complaining that the protocol is too weak. If so, this is largely because of US demands. No wonder America's allies feel betrayed.

The International Space Station's current plight provides another chance to subject its research portfolio to rigorous review.

The government's threat to suspend clinical trials at America's largest medical school highlights an impasse over funding.

East Asian collaboration in molecular biology could enhance the scientific viability of the region, but it requires more enthusiastic support from potential participants — particularly Japan.

With less politics and more money, Italy's scientific community could take its rightful place among the world's élite.

'Pro-life' groups define the beginning of human life as the union of sperm and egg, and equate the harvesting of human embryonic stem cells to homicide. But our biological understanding lends little support to these views.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has a creditable record of developing a scientific consensus and delivering it to policy-makers. What its critics really object to are the facts.

The confirmation that neutrinos have mass and can switch identity is a triumph of careful experiment that opens doors for theoretical physicists. It is not a crisis for existing models, but a route to deeper ones.