Opinion in 2000

Despite the increasingly successful collaboration between physics and biology, there are contexts in which their styles and philosophies can diverge. Nowhere more so than in ‘understanding’.

Freely available software, developed by researchers, is good for science and keeps commercial companies on their toes. In an era of quasi-monopolies, research institutions should encourage it.

One initiative in one Dutch institute, born out of necessity, provides an example to follow.

Commercial sequencing of genomes has stimulated scientific progress. But the increasing value of such companies risks exacerbating the conflict between the interests of investors and of the public. Both need to worry.

AIDS in Africa threatens the United States. It should act accordingly.

Outstanding discoveries are inspiring, thanks to the research opportunities that they open up. But the creative processes involved, and obstacles to them, also deserve consideration.