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The need to prioritize is focusing US astronomers' attention on threats to national facilities. But there are many smaller optical telescopes run by universities that represent an underused resource.
The research equipment that scientists require to remain competitive is becoming more and more expensive. Unless new funding is found, existing allocation and management systems will have to change.
By etching an array of tiny holes in a semiconductor crystal, one can prevent light of certain wavelengths from propagating. Now these photonic bandgaps are approaching the technologically fertile optical regime.
Employment prospects are on the rise in genomics, genetic counselling and biotechnology. For the lucky few the rewards are great, but competition to break into the field can be tough. Nature reports trends from Europe and the United States on the eve of the American Society for Human Genetics meeting on 29 October.
