Editorials in 2014

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa has starkly exposed major gaps in plans to tackle emerging infectious diseases. Lessons must be learned.

Bacterial enzyme supercharges photosynthesis, promising increased yields for crops.

Finalizing the European Research Area is still a vibrant and relevant goal.

There is growing evidence that embracing diversity — in all its senses — is key to doing good science. But there is still work to be done to ensure that inclusivity is the default, not the exception.

The space launch of a 3D printer does not herald a brave new era — but it is a good start.

Australia’s decision to uphold a patent on biological material is in danger of hampering the development of diagnostic tests.

Governments and research organizations must mobilize to end the West African outbreak.

A new section of Nature examines the software and websites that make research easier.

The discovery of our Galaxy’s place in the Universe adds detail to our address.

With high numbers of postdocs emerging from universities, prospective PhD students must be prepared for the fact that they will probably not end up with a career in research.

Government science advisers are unlikely to be specialists on the subject of a crisis, but they are key to bringing together relevant experts and disseminating the information clearly and accurately.

Climate models must consider how humans are responding to a warming world.

Federal restrictions on the use of drones by US researchers threaten an increasingly productive tool. The scientific community must speak out while there is a chance to change matters.

The NIH is right to investigate whether bias makes grant awards unfair.

Pushing the boundaries of current computing technologies will show the way to new ones.

Infants and young people are being traumatized by armed conflict in their countries. Their resulting mental illnesses must be addressed, for the good of both the individuals and their society.

A US proposal to regulate medical diagnostics from individual labs reflects the tests’ growing complexity. Such guidance should be welcomed, not resisted.

Delays in approving genetically engineered salmon may be a taste of worse to come.

To create a strong biosafety culture, information on mishaps involving deadly pathogens must be reported and shared fully and transparently.

Exploring how species adapt to climate change requires long-term studies, not snapshots.