Commentary in 1992

Scientific fraud, much in the news recently, is not a new phenomenon. What follows is a personal account of a particular case.

The Human Frontier Science Program is a bold attempt to support the next century's biology research. Its horizons should not be limited.

Taxonomy does not deserve its reputation as an arcane science. As the following examples from ungulate taxonomy show, classification has important implications for conservation legislation.

Despite initial hopes, the efficacy of tumour necrosis factor in treating cancer patients has been disappointing. But a more careful selection of patients, and more appropriate treatment, might be fruitful.

That science has become more difficult for nonspecialists to understand is a truth universally acknowledged. Here is a measure of the extent of the process.

Control of the chronic diseases of middle age is increasingly important, in developed and in developing countries, as other causes of premature death decrease. It requires bigger clinical trials, and better epidemiology.

All the signs are that global ozone depletion is increasing. Ideas to mitigate the problem that at first glance may seem far-fetched deserve more serious consideration and a scientific process of evaluation.

The introduction of human insulin to treat diabetics seemed straightforward. What can account for the problems that have followed?

A crude estimate of the number of taxonomists shows a striking mismatch between the geographical location of practitioners and biological diversity. At a time when resources are limited, what needs to be done?

The alarming termination rate of long-term monitoring programmes in Europe is hindering the detection of ecosystem change in the ocean. Existing programmes must be linked and data shared.

Scientists have for too long been faced with a polarized debate concerning the ethics of animal experiments. An ethical ideal and a practical scoring system would be valuable for the moderate majority

After more than a century, what can there be to say about the Periodic Table that is new? Merely to ask a question of such disarming simplicity, of course, signals that somebody, indeed, has something new to say.

Recent estimates of a global sea-level fall as a result of greenhouse warming have been uncritically accepted. A closer examination of the available data could lead to the opposite conclusion.

Despite resistance, there is a revolution in progress among Hungary's research community. The signs are promising that the legacy of Soviet-style inefficiency will give way to a brighter future.