News Q&A

A former US science adviser says people can often achieve more than governments.

An open-source computer program flouts patents to test for cancer-causing gene mutations.

Nobel laureate explains why the carbon sheets deserved to win this year's prize.

British scientists begin to mobilize in the fight against research funding cuts.

A dearth of data on water resources is holding up improved management practices.

Susan Reverby describes her finding that several hundred Guatemalans were exposed to syphilis by the US Public Health Service.

Coping with climate change is a key priority for conservation in the United States, says new science adviser.

Geneticist Jasper Rine reflects on a controversial gene-testing programme.

Incoming president Marc Tessier-Lavigne relishes the chance to apply industry experience in academia.

Monitoring Greenland's melting glaciers from a 15-metre long sailboat.

Medical adviser Michael Duncan says rescuing trapped miners is just the first step

Rodolfo del Valle and his team are heading to the Southern Ocean to measure a methane leak.

On 14 September, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) appointed Australian biologist Alan Trounson as its new president. The CIRM has lacked a permanent director since neuroscientist Zach Hall departed in April, amidst rumours of tension between himself and Robert Klein, chair of the $3-billion agency's board.

Jean Lindenmann, who discovered how inactivated viruses help to protect cells, talks to Alison Abbott about his career.

Nina Fedoroff begins as science and technology adviser to the US state department.