Editorials in 2009

The world needs stronger leadership in safeguarding the security of computation and communication networks. That includes research institutions.

Tourism in the Antarctic needs to be regulated, but should not be banned.

China's first steps towards health care for all will require careful implementation.

The US National Academy of Sciences faces a difficult balancing act over global warming.

Screening programmes for cancer detection are not always as effective at saving lives as might be hoped. Improving the situation will require a concerted effort on a broad front.

The e-textbook is only one part of a bigger revolution in online learning.

Italy's Senate has approved a bill that ignores patients' wishes and the country's own constitution.

Nuclear non-proliferation's moment has come. Scientists must help governments to seize a historic opportunity to avoid future apocalypses.

The granting of patents on human genes has so far not been the disaster it was predicted to be.

UK researchers are rightly outraged at one funding council's decision to exclude certain applicants.

Now that the US federal funding ban on human embryonic stem cells is lifted, scientists must engage the public's concerns about embryo research.

President Obama's funds for electronic health records should prompt research — and controversy.

As science journalism declines, scientists must rise up and reach out.

Turkey's government has done more for science than many. A row over a censored magazine and a sacked editor could put the good work at risk.

Engaging with the public helped US scientists build the consensus that finally overturned federal restrictions on human embryonic stem-cell research. That public outreach should not stop now.

China's autocratic approach to environmental issues may not always reap the desired rewards.

The US electricity grid needs to evolve and requires fresh standards of communication.

NASA should work immediately to replace the lost Orbiting Carbon Observatory.