Editorials in 2009

Some bacteria have the remarkable ability to switch from a free-swimming, planktonic phase to coexistence in a complex biofilm. In this issue of NSMB, the structures of the ligand-bound c-di-GMP riboswitch give insight into some of the molecular processes linked to lifestyle changes but also suggest a potential avenue for applications that begs exploration.

The 2009 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine goes to telomerase researchers, the Lasker Award to nuclear reprogramming pioneers, and crystallographers are awarded the Chemistry Nobel once again.

Scientists engaging with the public on a more direct level is bound to benefit both.

Manuscript peer reviewing is at the heart of the scientific system, but it seems that these duties are often not properly (if at all) recognized by universities, funding agencies or even the rest of the scientific community.

A recent survey revealed striking differences between the public and scientists' views of US scientific achievement and its societal benefits. This reinforces the fact that more must be done to effectively communicate with, educate and engage the public.

The US State Department promises to accelerate the visa process for foreign graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. That will be a welcome change.

The practice of origami dates from the 1600s, but this cannot compare to how long proteins have been evolving form and function. How proteins achieve their correct shape is the subject of this special Focus.

As we set off into the full swing of traveling for the globally oriented meeting season, it's worth also remembering the delights of local science consumption.

One aim in science communication is to make the general public more aware of the breakthroughs and insights basic science research provides. Our press office gives us one route to help achieve that goal.

The economic benefits of biomedical research are recognized by governments around the world, but investment in science should go beyond profitability.

Now that we are well into 2009, I can't help but think about the year that has passed. Fear not, this will not be one of those dreaded holiday letters where we list all the highs and lows of the year. But as I look back, there are many things I hope that I have permanently crossed off my 'To Do' list and others that I am looking forward to doing.

As we enter 2009 and celebrate the anniversaries associated with the birth of Darwin and publication of The Origin of Species, it's worth asking why there isn't greater public awareness of the increasing molecular evidence relevant to evolution and what can be done to address this.