Editorials in 2014

Soaring construction costs for ITER are jeopardizing alternative fusion projects.

The repeal of Australia’s carbon-pricing scheme — the first time a nation has reversed action on climate change — sets a worrying example for other countries mulling steps to reduce emissions.

Researchers investigating different farming practices should not have to pick sides.

A redoubling of efforts should swiftly eradicate polio from its last strongholds.

The faculty of the Scripps Research Institute is bucking a national trend with its refusal to merge with the University of Southern California.

A possible link between neonicotinoid pesticide use and a decline in bird numbers is worrying.

An outbreak of Ebola highlights the difficulties of implementing public-health measures.

The criticism of Europe’s Human Brain Project by leading scientists reflects a messy management structure that is in urgent need of clear direction.

As the centenary of its outbreak approaches, Nature looks back on the First World War.

Two retractions highlight long-standing issues of trust and sloppiness that must be addressed.

The human rights of academics in Egypt are being eroded by the military regime that has taken control of the country. The Arab Spring is on hold.

Environmentalists are divided over whether it is possible to have a ‘good’ Anthropocene.

An accident with anthrax demonstrates that pathogen research always carries a risk of release — and highlights the need for rigorous scrutiny of gain-of-function flu studies.

Measures of research impact are improving, but universities should be wary of their limits.

Does reality exist? Fifty years on, Bell’s theorem still divides (and confuses) physicists.

A fledgling neuroscience programme is a rare beacon of research excellence in Romania.

There is much hype about predicting and preventing future pandemics, but not enough is being done about a threat sitting under our noses.

International researchers can help to improve the scientific enterprise in South America.

Without careful stewardship, genetically engineered crops will do little to stop the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds.

Standardized procedures and analyses should help to get stem-cell therapies to the clinic.