Editorials in 2023

The study of Prebiotic Chemistry, and the closely related study of Astrobiology, is ultimately the study of our own point(s) of origin. Aiming to answer the questions of how, when, and where did the building blocks of life—i.e. biologically relevant organic molecules—form? With the imminent analysis of samples successfully returned from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu, and continuing discoveries from the Ryugu asteroid samples, the answers to some of these questions may be in sight.

One Health refers to the interconnectedness of the health of humans, animals, and the environment. It recognises that coordination across sectors is needed for effective prevention, detection, and management of infectious disease threats. Although the concept of One Health is not new, it has gained increased prominence following the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting national and international institutions to adopt One Health policies aimed at preventing disease spillover^1–4. At Nature Communications, we have launched a Collection and call for papers in recognition of the need for better scientific evidence to support One Health policy ambitions.

Terrestrial freshwater environments are both affected by and contribute to climate change, with highly complex feedback mechanisms. We must look to the records these environments preserve of past periods of climactic upheaval to be able to prepare for an uncertain future.

Genetic modification is a cornerstone of modern plant biology research and has the potential to transform agriculture. To have the greatest impact, it is essential that the characteristics of new plant genotypes and the methodology used to produce them are accurately reported in the scientific literature. Nature Communications is therefore asking for specific methodological details regarding the production of novel plant genotypes to improve transparency and reporting in plant biology.

Climate change is an expensive collective problem that will be felt unequally around the world and within communities. Sustainable and equitable financing is needed to address disparities and reduce the economic costs of loss and damage from climate change.

Every area of science can contribute to the changes that are required for a sustainable future through the application of its fundamental discoveries. While some fields have clear paths to application, Nature Communications believes that there is great potential for utility and application to be found in, and across, all of  the different disciplines that we publish.