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Nature Outlooks

Nature Outlooks tackle topics of scientific, clinical and societal interest, giving a comprehensive picture of the current state of knowledge and the hottest areas of research. They present news features written by top science journalists and commentary pieces from leading academic and industry thinkers. A Nature Outlook might focus on a disease, technological innovation or a field of particularly intense scientific progress. Outlooks target a generalist, scientifically literate audience, while maintaining Nature’s strong evidence-based editorial values. As such, Outlooks offer a unique opportunity for sponsors to report their scientific advances in the pages of Nature alongside relevant, independent and accessible content.

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2018

  • Alzheimer’s disease

    Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. For decades, researchers have sought a treatment to no avail, and our understanding of the condition is now being questioned. This Outlook lays bare the problems, the disagreements and the reasons to be hopeful. Produced with support from Biogen Inc. and Eisai Co., Ltd. Additional funding provided by a grant from Merck & Co., Inc. in Kenilworth, New Jersey.

    Nature (26 July 2018)

  • Huntington's disease

    There is fresh hope for treating Huntington’s disease, an inherited neurodegenerative condition that causes uncontrollable movements, emotional disturbance and the loss of mental abilities. But biological mysteries remain. Produced with support from F. Hoffmann-La Roche.

    Nature (31 May 2018)

  • The future of medicine

    Modern medicine is affording people longer and healthier lives. But researchers want to take improvements in health even further. With advances in gene editing, technology to overcome paralysis and efforts to address high drug costs, the future of medicine is bright. Produced with support from Merck.

    Nature (08 March 2018)

2017

  • Cancer immunotherapy

    Drugs that mobilize our immune systems against cancer are dramatically improving care for many people, and research is rapidly moving ahead in the lab and the clinic. Produced with support from F. Hoffmann-La Roche and MedImmune, the global biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca. Additional funding provided by a grant from Merck & Co., Inc. in Kenilworth, New Jersey.

    Nature (21 December 2017)

  • Outline: Spinal-cord injury

    An injury to the spinal cord is life-changing. There is currently no way to reverse damage to the spinal cord, and no way to restore the ability to move and feel that such an injury takes away. But regenerative therapies in the initial stages of clinical testing are offering some much-needed hope. Produced with support from Translational Research Informatics Center (TRI) and Sapporo Medical University.

    Nature (14 December 2017)

  • Energy transitions

    Fossil fuels are on the way out, but slowly. Their exit has massive ramifications for many sectors and is causing ripples in both politics and society. Produced with support from Max-Planck-Gesellschaft.

    Nature (30 November 2017)

  • Fatty liver disease

    The worldwide increase in obesity and diabetes has led to a spike in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which often progresses to the more severe condition non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. This Outlook discusses topics such as the surge in drug development that is poised to deliver new treatments; how innovative technologies are enabling earlier diagnosis; and the disturbing rise of fatty liver disease in children. Produced with support from Gilead Sciences.

    Nature (23 November 2017)

  • Bladder cancer

    For three decades, the treatment of bladder cancer stood still. There were no new drugs and no improvements in diagnosis or survival rates. But all of that has changed, and now people with the disease and researchers have more options and hope. This Outlook discusses topics such as: how checkpoint-inhibitor drugs are helping those affected to survive for longer; why a healthy bladder is not sterile; and how the genetics of bladder cancer is revealing some surprising connections. Produced with support from AstraZeneca. Additional funding was provided by a grant from Merck & Co., Inc.

    Nature (09 November 2017)

  • Outline: Non-union bone fracture

    Bone fractures are an unfortunate fact of life. In most cases, after the pain subsides, they become a mere inconvenience — soon to be forgotten once the bone has healed. But some, known as non-union bone fractures, do not heal with conventional treatment, causing prolonged pain and disability. With the incidence of such fractures expected to rise, researchers are looking for ways to improve the success rate of existing surgical repair techniques and to accelerate the bone-healing process. Produced with support from Translational Research Informatics Center (TRI), and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine.

    Nature (26 October 2017)

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease with poorly understood causes and no known cure. But research is slowly beginning to bring hope to those affected. This Outlook discusses topics such as: how genetic and epidemiological research are beginning to reveal the secrets of ALS; new drugs and other treatments that are finally becoming available; and the lessons that the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge offers for funding disease research. Produced with support from Biogen, BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics and Cytokinetics. Additional funding was provided by a grant from Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc.

    Nature (19 October 2017)

  • Climate change

    Faced with a warming planet, scientists tired of inaction are seeking technical and political solutions to a truly global problem. This Outlook discusses the wide array of marine life that is threatened by acidifying oceans, and how species are struggling to adapt. It also takes a look at the latest approaches to carbon capture, storage and use and at how some scientists are swapping research for politics to spur climate action. Produced with support from Mars, Incorporated.

    Nature (12 October 2017)

  • Outline: Fatty liver disease

    The worldwide rise in obesity and diabetes has led to a massive spike in the number of people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which often advances to a more severe condition known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and in some cases to fibrosis and cirrhosis. This Outline discusses new ways to diagnose and treat this progressive condition. Produced with support from Gilead Sciences.

    Nature (12 October 2017)

  • Women's health

    This Outlook takes a look at conditions that affect only women, or more women than men, as well as those with different symptoms in the sexes. It discusses how to meet the challenges in conducting research in patriarchal societies in Africa; explains why research on sexual arousal in women has finally become a priority; and questions whether girls are entering puberty earlier — and, if so, whether we should be worried. Produced with support from Symbiomix Therapeutics, LLC.

    Nature (05 October 2017)

  • Blood

    Blood is the epicentre of much biomedical research, from fighting disease to creating artificial substitutes for this vital fluid. This Outlook discusses topics including a gene-editing treatment for sickle-cell disease and keeping the blood supply safe from pathogens such as Zika virus. Produced with support from Grifols.

    Nature (28 September 2017)

  • Outline: Critical limb ischaemia

    When arteries become blocked, slowing or limiting blood flow, it can cause pain and sometimes the loss of a limb. Severe cases of critical limb ischaemia can be life threatening. Around 70% of patients are eligible for surgery; those who are not have had few options other than amputation. But regenerative therapies could change that. Produced with the support of Translational Research Informatics Center (TRI).

    Nature (24 August 2017)

  • Outline: Eardrum regeneration

    A burst eardrum, like a stubbed toe, is a common injury. Although ruptures can cause pain and hearing loss, most will heal naturally. For those that don’t, however, the only option is specialist surgery, but this is expensive and carries risks. It would be far better to try to stimulate the eardrum to heal itself, which is what tissue-engineering researchers think they have achieved. Produced with the support of Translational Research Informatics Center (TRI) & Kitano Hospital.

    Nature (22 June 2017)

  • University spin-offs

    Starting a company demands a suite of skills and attitudes that are far from universal among those who choose to pursue a career in science. Still, a substantial proportion of researchers have ambitions of launching a commercial venture. And as this Outlook’s stories of 22 spin-offs attests, this Venn-diagram intersection of investigation and entrepreneurship is creating a vigorous sector in the global economy.

    Nature (18 May 2017)

  • Food security

    Adequate access to food is a universal right, but eliminating all forms of malnutrition in a growing world is no small task. In the coming decades significant improvements in how we produce, distribute and consume food will be required. This Outlook discusses how tinkering with photosynthesis could make food crops more efficient, the nutritional, environmental and taste credentials of sustainable alternatives to meat, and whether they can tempt us away from beef, and the robotic and sensing technologies that will drive the next big revolution in agriculture. Produced with support from Nestlé Research.

    Nature (27 April 2017)

  • Outline: Corneal repair

    The eye is a remarkable organ, and the body makes a lot of effort to keep it clear to allow the best possible vision. When infection, injury or an inherited disease disrupts natural regeneration, this can result in pain, inflammation and potentially loss of vision. This Outline introduces the limbal stem cells that naturally regenerate the surface of the cornea, describes the surgical procedures that can help to regenerate the surface of the eye when it’s damaged and gives a flavour of future research directions. Produced with the support of Translational Research Informatics Center (TRI) & Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine.

    Nature (20 April 2017)

  • Animal health

    The health of humans is heavily influenced by the health of the world’s animals. Human-induced changes to the environment, particularly climate change, are shifting the distribution of certain animal diseases. This Outlook examines how climate change is pushing some diseases into formerly ‘safe’ regions of the world, looks at the challenges of treating common parasites that affect cats and dogs, discusses efforts to vaccinate gorillas against Ebola and considers how a holistic, one-health approach to disease could further the well-being of humans, pets and other animals. Produced with support from Bayer Animal Health GmbH.

    Nature (29 March 2017)

  • Outline: Quantum computing

    Quantum computers are big news, each week brings reports of fresh advances in stability and power. But for many people, the quantum world is mysterious and confusing. In this Outline, we explain the differences between classical and quantum computing, and introduce readers to the basic terminology; explore the challenges faced by researchers and engineers as they attempt to build a working quantum computer; and give a flavour of how quantum computers could revolutionize science and technology.

    Nature (23 March 2017)

2016

  • Inflammatory bowel disease

    For certain infections, faecal transplants have resulted in remarkable recoveries. Will the same ever be true for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? It’s a condition on the rise in Asia, but why? Follow those trying to find out, and learn how our environments influence IBD in this new Outlook. Plus, an engaging infographic provides an introduction to the biology and statistics that underlie IBD. Produced with support from Salix Pharmaceuticals.

    Nature (21 December 2016)

  • Regenerative medicine

    Our bodies aren’t forever: parts wear out, trauma breaks things and organs stop functioning. Sometimes, a drug can remedy a chemical imbalance or surgery can repair a structural failure, but there are times when there is no substitute for replacing a part with human tissue or even an entire organ. Rapid advances in the field of regenerative medicine are bringing that possibility closer to reality. Produced with support from Translational Research Informatics Center (TRI), Clio, Inc., Sapporo Medical University and CYBERDYNE,INC..

    Nature (07 December 2016)

  • Multiple sclerosis

    Multiple sclerosis is a devastating disease that induces the body's own immune system to eat away at the central nervous system, slowly robbing patients of their physical mobility. It is also mysterious. Despite years of research, the cause remains elusive, and treatments are few and far between. But new research to find the causes and provide innovative treatments means that progress, although still slow, is beginning to speed up. Produced with support from F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

    Nature (30 November 2016)

  • Parkinson’s disease

    It is 200 years since Parkinson’s disease was first described. This Outlook charts the progress of research in an engaging timeline and shows how our understanding of Parkinson’s motor and non-motor symptoms has evolved. It also reveals the exciting new applications of smartphones in monitoring the disease. Produced with support from Roche.

    Nature (26 October 2016)

  • The dark universe

    It’s a sobering thought: all the matter that has ever been detected accounts for a mere 4.9% of the Universe. Most of the cosmos is the dark universe, a mix of dark matter and dark energy. Both have so far proved impenetrable puzzles, but physicists young and old are intent on changing that. Produced with support from Mars, Incorporated.

    Nature (29 September 2016)

  • Lysosomal storage disorders

    Lysosomal storage disorders are individually rare but collectively common, affecting 1 in around 7,000 people. The more than 50 disorders identified so far share little by way of symptoms, but the one thing that unites them is that they all involve some fault with the lysosome — the cell’s recycling centre. The study of these diseases is not only leading to better treatments, but also revealing many of the secrets of this underappreciated organelle. Produced with support from Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc., Shire plc and BioMarin Pharmaceuticals, Inc..

    Nature (21 September 2016)

  • Kidney cancer

    Kidney cancer has long flown under the radar despite being one of the top-ten cancer killers worldwide. It lacks the research spotlight and public awareness of other cancers that can help to drive new discoveries. It remains hard to detect, difficult to treat and poorly understood. But that is starting to change as researchers dig into the mysteries surrounding the disease. Produced with support from Eisai Inc..

    Nature (14 September 2016)

  • Precision medicine

    Health care that is tailored on the basis of an individual’s genes, lifestyle and environment is not a uniquely modern concept. But advances in genetics and the growing availability of health data for researchers and physicians promise to make this new era of medicine more personalized than ever before. Produced with support from Illumina, Inc..

    Nature (07 September 2016)

  • Science-led economies

    This Nature Outlook explores the elements that make up a strong science-led economy, the role research-funding policy has, and how the diverse needs of research economies around the globe may be met. It specifically looks at the science funding and policy scenes in Germany, China, Singapore, the Middle East, Rwanda, Russia, Australia and the US state of Massachusetts. Each location has lessons for policymakers as they embark on creating science-led economies.

    Nature (31 August 2016)

  • Pain

    Nature Outlook: Pain examines new ways to treat chronic and neuropathic pain. It provides high-quality coverage on pain research, including a timeline showing how treatments have evolved from the Ancient Egyptians to now. You can also dive into an infographic that outlines normal, healthy pain mechanisms, allowing you to gain an understanding of how these change to disease states of chronic and neuropathic pain. Produced with support from ESTEVE, Mundipharma International Ltd and Mundipharma Research GmbH & Co. KG.

    Nature (13 July 2016)

  • Irritable bowel syndrome

    Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. Although the stigma surrounding the syndrome is falling away, many physicians and research funders still consider it to be a mild condition that does not merit substantial investment. As research slowly progresses, there is increased hope for treating, or perhaps preventing, this always unpleasant and in some cases severe condition. Produced with support from Allergan plc.

    Nature (18 May 2016)

  • Open innovation

    In the fiercely competitive world of drug discovery and development, secrecy is no longer as important as it once was. As it has become more difficult and costly to produce therapies, competitors have begun to view greater collaboration and openness as a way to accelerate and improve the efficiency of research. Produced with support from Boehringer Ingelheim.

    Nature (11 May 2016)

  • Research commercialization

    Universities are under pressure to deliver more value for research outlay. Companies are facing competition in the search for the next business-sustaining product. And governments want their economies to grow. Each of these sectors has its own objectives, cultures and strengths, but they are locked together in a synergistic embrace that is fuelling a push to extract commercial value from academic research.

    Nature (04 May 2016)

  • Urban health and well-being

    With more than half of the world's population already living in cities and further growth expected, the health of urban dwellers is crucial to global well-being. This Nature Outlook explores some of the obstacles to a healthy, happy urban life — and the development of strategies to overcome them. Produced with support from the Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Zhongke DingShi Environmental Engineering Co., Ltd; Ningbo Tianhe Aquatic Ecosystems Engineering Co., Ltd; and Huilv Landscape Construction Development Co. Ltd.

    Nature (17 March 2016)

  • Cognitive health

    From superfoods to brain training, the Internet is full of advice on how to improve cognitive health and boost brain power. But the science behind these claims is murky at best. This Nature Outlook investigates some of the strategies that can be used to keep our brains in top form when faced with social and biological factors that induce deterioration. Produced with support from Nestlé Research.

    Nature (02 March 2016)

2015

  • Prostate cancer

    Most men, if they live long enough, will get prostate cancer. Thanks to screening, many cancers are now caught early. But some men have life-changing treatment for tumours that may never have threatened their health. New biomarker approaches promise more accurate prognoses, whereas treatment advances offer hope for metastatic cancers that so far have been beyond our control. Produced with support from Ferring Pharmaceuticals and a grant from Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc. and Medivation, Inc.

    Nature (17 December 2015)

  • Genome editing

    The term genetic engineering has been around since the 1970s, but it is only in the past few years that researchers have developed the tools to allow them to engineer the genome with the precision that they had originally envisaged. As scientists come together this December to discuss editing the human germ line, this Nature Outlook looks at the risks and benefits of genome editing. Produced with support from KISCO Ltd. in association with EditForce Inc.

    Nature (02 December 2015)

  • Outline: Ovarian cancer: beyond resistance

    Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer worldwide and one of the hardest to treat. As this Nature Outline and animation show, this is largely because many tumours develop resistance to first-line treatment: platinum-based chemotherapy. The good news is that experimental therapies in development could help to deliver a knockout blow to the deadly tumours.

    Nature (25 November 2015)

  • Breast cancer

    The global effort against breast cancer has already had major victories, but women with the disease need even more. With input from the fields of epidemiology, genomics, immunology and molecular biology, scientists are looking for the advances that could turn even more people with breast cancer into survivors. Produced with support from the Medipolis Proton Therapy and Research Center.

    Nature (18 November 2015)

  • Big data in biomedicine

    Advances in sequencing technology have triggered a tsunami of genomic data, and these are joined by waves of information from other '-omics' studies, clinical trials and patient records. Analysis of this big data is launching the era of precision medicine — but enormous scientific, engineering and institutional challenges remain. Produced with support from National Center for Protein Sciences - Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, China Human Proteome Organization, Beijing Institute of Radiation, and the Academy of Military Medical Sciences

    Nature (04 November 2015)

  • Batteries

    Batteries have the potential to transform the way we use energy, to make electric cars mainstream and to allow renewable energy sources, which tend to be intermittent, to be integrated into the power grid. Today's best batteries are reaching their limits, but researchers are experimenting with new chemistries and designs. Produced with support from SolidEnergy.

    Nature (28 October 2015)

  • Science masterclass

    The annual meeting between Nobel laureates and young researchers in Lindau, Germany, provides a unique opportunity to glean gems of advice for a successful career in science. The 2015 meeting cast a spotlight on super-resolution microscopy, as discussed in depth in this Nature Outlook, as well as fields as diverse as memory formation and the Higgs boson. Produced with support from Mars, Incorporated.

    Nature (21 October 2015)

  • Beauty

    Propagation of species depends on attraction, which in humans is rooted in the ephemeral quality of beauty. Nature Outlook: Beauty explores the science behind this aesthetic appeal, the technologies developed to achieve it, and the thorny social and psychological issues that pursuit of it triggers. Produced with support from KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.

    Nature (08 October 2015)

  • Cannabis

    Cannabis has been cultivated for millennia, but has been largely absent from scientific research during the past century. The herb is undergoing a resurgence of botanical and biomedical interest, spurred by claims of its therapeutic benefits. Yet research into these claims lags behind the legislation that allows medical marijuana use. Scientists are racing to fill this cannabis knowledge gap. Produced with support from GW Pharmaceuticals Plc.

    Nature (23 September 2015)

  • Addiction

    Addiction is a chronic disease that can destroy the lives of individuals and their families. Researchers are teasing apart the complex neural, genetic and behavioural factors that drive people to lose the ability to resist damaging substances, and are looking for ways to treat, reverse or even prevent addictions. Produced with support from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute on Drug Abuse and Indivior PLC.

    Nature (24 June 2015)

  • Bees

    The world of bees is fascinating and varied. The common honeybee is the most well-known and well-studied species, but there are thousands of wild bee species that enliven our landscapes and help to pollinate crops and wildflowers. The widely reported threats to honeybees, which cause their colonies to collapse, also jeopardize the lives of these lesser-known and under-appreciated bee species. Produced with support from Bayer CropScience.

    Nature (20 May 2015)

  • Colorectal cancer

    Colorectal cancer is the world’s fourth most deadly cancer, killing almost 700,000 people every year. And it is expected to become more common as more people adopt Western diets and lifestyles, which are implicated as risk factors. But research into screening, prevention and treatments is helping to fight the disease. Produced with support from F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ag and Eli Lilly & Company.

    Nature (13 May 2015)

  • Assessing Science (China)

    As China's research system matures, so must its policies for evaluating scientists and scientific output. But, as with any process of rapid change, there are obstacles to overcome to stimulate the most rigorous and original science — and translate that into the most useful societal benefits.

    Nature (29 April 2015)

  • Biomaterials

    Millions of years of evolution have made the biological world into a supremely effective materials development laboratory. Nature Outlook: Biomaterials examines the many ways in which solutions created by the natural world — by spiders, mussels, geckos, lotus leaves and more — are inspiring technological imitations that surpass some of the best existing human-engineered substances. Produced with support from KISCO Ltd in association with Spiber Inc.

    Nature (25 March 2015)

2014

  • Liver cancer

    Liver cancer is one of the most lethal forms of the disease: only 19% of those who have it survive a year after diagnosis, even with treatment, and there are few promising therapies in the pipeline. But if researchers can understand why some people with unhealthy livers develop cancer but others do not, they may be able to treat the disease more effectively — or even prevent it. Produced with support from Tongji Hospital.

    Nature (03 December 2014)

  • Haemophilia

    Hopes are rising rapidly for people with the bleeding disorder haemophilia. The advent of longer-lasting blood-clotting factors is making treatment less onerous, and — on the horizon — gene therapy offers a potential cure. Produced with support from Baxter Healthcare Corporation.

    Nature (26 November 2014)

  • Melanoma

    Melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — is on the rise in many parts of the world. But new treatments, and efforts to tell people how to prevent it, could mean we will soon gain the upper hand on the disease. Produced with support of a grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb.

    Nature (20 November 2014)

  • Sickle-cell disease

    Sickle-cell disease separates the haves and the have-nots — most children born with the disorder in low-income countries die before their fifth birthday. The survival rate is higher in wealthier nations, but pain, stroke and other severe complications can affect quality of life. However, researchers are investigating treatments, cures, ways to ease symptoms and how to bridge the rich–poor divide. Produced with support from Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc.

    Nature (12 November 2014)

  • Rice

    A simple grain with global impact, rice has helped to build empires and fed revolutions. Now, scientists are starting a rice revolution of their own to feed a hungry world. By decoding genetics, improving breeding and, perhaps, reshaping the plant's biology, researchers are working to take the world’s most vital crop into the future. Produced with support from Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; China National Rice Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science.

    Nature (29 October 2014)

  • Medical research masterclass

    From the basic functions of the cell to cures for HIV and cancer, Nature Outlook: Medical Research Masterclass uses the 2014 Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting as a basis to explore the latest research in medicine and physiology. Topics are viewed from the perspectives of Nobel laureates and the young researchers aiming to emulate their success. Produced with support from Mars, Incorporated.

    Nature (16 October 2014)

  • Lung cancer

    Lung cancer is the mortality king of malignancy, killing 1.6 million people yearly, with a five-year survival rate under 20%. With such grim statistics in mind, researchers are examining the causes of lung cancer with the aim of creating better treatments or even preventing it. Produced with support from Boehringer Ingelheim and Cancer Research UK

    Nature (11 September 2014)

  • Assessing science

    The issue of how to evaluate the fruits of academic research confronts scientists and policymakers all over the world. Each country has its own set of circumstances depending on its research infrastructure and wealth as well as its economic, environmental and developmental objectives. Australia and New Zealand might be neighbours, but their programmes of research assessment are very different. Focusing on the tools and methods used to measure the quality and impact of science in Australia and New Zealand should inform similar debates throughout the scientific world.

    Nature (24 July 2014)

  • Epilepsy

    Epilepsy is a common neurological condition that affects 50 million people worldwide. For many patients, medication helps reduce seizure frequency; for drug-resistant epilepsy, treatments include diet therapy and neurosurgery. Although discussed and feared for millennia, progress towards understanding epilepsy has been slow — even with help from modern genetic and neurological analysis. Stigmatization of people with epilepsy continues in certain parts of the world and though lack of funding limits epilepsy research, new ways to treat and manage seizures are on the horizon. Produced with support of an independent medical education grant from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

    Nature (10 July 2014)

  • Stroke

    Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide, yet it can often be prevented. Each year, some 17 million people worldwide will have a stroke and almost 6 million of them will die. Research seeks to guide rehabilitation, to help maintain brain function after a stroke, and to develop treatments to repair the physical damage caused by the condition. Produced with support from Lundbeck.

    Nature (26 June 2014)

  • Cancer

    Cancer kills millions of people across the globe every year. But the development of targeted medicines, novel drug delivery technologies and clinical research data offer a glimpse towards a cancer-free future. This Outlook – a joint publication by Nature and Scientific American – examines the scientific advances that are needed to propel us into a world where this ancient scourge loses its lethality. Produced with support from Celgene Corporation.

    Nature (29 May 2014)

  • Antibiotics

    Antibiotic-resistant infections are increasing worldwide. For instance, nearly half a million people get infected with drug-resistant tuberculosis every year, one-third of whom die. Part of the problem arises from casual overuse of life-saving medicines, rendering them worthless. As this Outlook reveals, it will take agricultural and healthcare reforms to defeat the encroaching bacterial epidemic. Produced with support from Roche.

    Nature (01 May 2014)

  • Obesity

    Given how common – and how dangerous – obesity is, it's amazing how little is known about the science underlying this condition. Why do some people seem predisposed to weight gain? And how does appetite actually work? Devising an effective strategy to combat the obesity epidemic will require the integration of insights from neuroscience, genetics and the behavioural sciences. Produced with support from Nestlé Research Center.

    Nature (17 April 2014)

  • Schizophrenia

    About one in every one hundred people must endure the psychosis, disorientation, and social withdrawal that define schizophrenia. While there is still no effective treatment in development, scientists are learning more about the genetic and biochemical basis of this severe disorder. It is hoped that this new knowledge will one day result in new treatments that will let people living with schizophrenia lead more normal lives. Produced with support from Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development and Commercialization, Inc.

    Nature (03 April 2014)

  • Vaccines

    Vaccination is a triumph of preventative healthcare. But the project to erect immunological shields against deadly pathogens is far from complete — some of the most lethal diseases still lack effective vaccines. Moreover, major inequities exist in the global distribution of vaccines. Despite substantial advances in vaccine production and development, global efforts to eradicate disease through inoculation still face scientific, technological and economic hurdles. Produced with support from the New Venture Fund, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and GAVI Alliance, with additional support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

    Nature (06 March 2014)

2013

  • Cancer immunotherapy

    A groundswell of research on the immune system is yielding a deeper understanding of how cancer progresses and offering new ways to stop it. As a result of these efforts, a range of cancer therapies are under development that work by turning our own immune cells against tumours. Produced with support of a medical education grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb and with support of a grant from Dendreon Corp., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and Merck & Co., Inc.

    Nature (19 December 2013)

  • The spine

    Every year about a quarter of a million people suffer a spinal-cord injury. The consequences of such an injury can be devastating, with lifelong paralysis and economic burdens. Advances in healthcare — from stem-cell therapy and neuro-regenerative drugs to high-tech exoskeletons — can reduce pain and restore mobility. Produced with support from Mesoblast.

    Nature (14 November 2013)

  • Medical imaging

    Since the first X-rays were taken more than a century ago, the ability to see inside the body has been central to the advance of medicine. Progress in precision medical imaging is gathering pace, leading to new insights in biology, with the potential for more accurate diagnoses and improved treatments. Produced with support from Navidea Biopharmaceuticals.

    Nature (24 October 2013)

  • Chemistry masterclass

    From green chemistry to rare earth metal catalysts, the Nature Outlook: Chemistry Masterclass uses the 2013 Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting as a basis to explore some of the most pressing issues in chemistry, presenting the perspectives of Nobel laureates as well as the young researchers aiming to emulate their success. Produced with support from Mars, Incorporated.

    Nature (17 October 2013)

  • Tuberculosis

    Drug resistance and the HIV pandemic have thwarted efforts to rid the world of humanity's biggest killer Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We need new types of safe drug, a practical point-of-care diagnostic and ultimately an effective vaccine if we are ever to eliminate tuberculosis. But first we need a better understanding of the underlying biology. Produced with support from Janssen Research and Development LLC.

    Nature (10 October 2013)

  • Agriculture and drought

    Climate change means the coming decades are likely to bring more frequent episodes of severe drought, with potentially devastating impact on the world's ability to feed a growing population. We therefore need a sustainable agricultural system that makes the most efficient use of water and reduces expensive and environmentally challenging inputs such as fertilizer and pesticides. Produced with support from the United States Department of Agriculture and Monsanto Company.

    Nature (26 September 2013)

  • Leukaemia

    While survival rates for some types of leukaemia have improved dramatically, this family of blood cancers remains a potentially fatal disease. Research in epigenetics, immunotherapy, and cell transplants offers hope. And leukaemia is proving a testing ground for the theory of cancer stem cells — leading to knowledge that could advance cancer research overall. Produced with support from Novartis Oncology, Baxter International and Onconova Therapeutics.

    Nature (27 June 2013)

  • Sleep

    Researchers are defining the various functions of sleep, from how we learn to the regulation of metabolism and immunity. Insufficient sleep, a growing problem in modern society, can knock our biological clocks out of kilter, sometimes leading to chronic disease and neurodegeneration. New ways to treat troubled sleeping are being developed, and better sleep practice can help people with mood disorders. Produced with support from ResMed.

    Nature (23 May 2013)

  • Gold

    Prized since antiquity for its beauty and stability, gold is becoming a darling of the nanotechnology age. Gold nanoparticles can help pinpoint a tumour — and then carry drugs to it. It also holds promise for making extremely efficient solar cells, among other photonic applications. Nature Outlook: Gold reports on what's driving the twenty-first-century gold rush. Produced with support from the World Gold Council.

    Nature (14 March 2013)

  • Heart health

    Heart disease causes almost one in three deaths worldwide. While improved diet and lifestyle changes play huge roles in combating the disease, discoveries about the biochemical and cellular mechanisms involved are bringing forth new treatments - from better drugs to surgical procedures. Produced with support from Bayer.

    Nature (31 January 2013)

2012

  • Psoriasis

    After decades of modest advances, psoriasis research has caught fire. The drug pipeline is full of novel agents. Research into the role of the immune system in this skin disease is bearing fruit. Genetic studies hint at the condition's starting point. And now psoriasis is a proof-of-principle disease for other chronic inflammatory conditions. Produced with support from the Celgene Corporation.

    Nature (20 December 2012)

  • Ageing

    Humans are the longest lived primates, with life expectancy in some developed nations surpassing 80 years. Of course, that doesn't stop us wanting more time. Research into the mechanisms of ageing is yielding insights, many of them diet-related, into how we might not only live longer but also stay healthier as we do. Produced with support from the Nestlé Research Center.

    Nature (06 December 2012)

  • Physical scientists take on cancer

    Despite a huge worldwide cancer research effort, the rates of surviving many forms of the disease have barely changed. Now, intensified collaborations between oncologists and physical scientists are bringing fresh perspectives to that effort. Interdisciplinary teams are starting to bear fruit in the form of mathematical and computer models, nanomedicine and high-tech diagnostics. Produced with support from the Office of Physical Sciences-Oncology/Center for Strategic Scientific Initiatives/National Cancer Institute.

    Nature (22 November 2012)

  • Autism

    As recently as the mid-1990s, autism was thought to be a rare disorder that led to severe mental disability. But since then its reported incidence has ballooned, and it is thought to encompass conditions that vary widely in character and severity. Still, its causes, treatments and even definition remain to be pieced together. Produced with support from the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation, the Simons Foundation, Roche, Autism Speaks and The Autism Science Foundation.

    Nature (01 November 2012)

  • Physics masterclass

    From subatomic particles to cosmic-scale phenomena, Nature Outlook Physics Masterclass uses the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting 2012 to launch an examination of some of the biggest breakthroughs in physics — including conversations between physics laureates and the young researchers who hope to emulate them. Produced with support from Mars, Incorporated.

    Nature (11 October 2012)

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) robs tens of millions of people of the ability to easily draw in the air they need to live a normal life. Although this incurable, progressive condition is difficult to diagnose, a bevy of new treatment options — including drug combinations, artificial lungs and dietary supplements — could give COPD patients a breath of fresh air. Produced with support from Novartis Pharma AG.

    Nature (27 September 2012)

  • Human papillomavirus

    It is tempting to characterize the human papillomavirus (HPV) story as a triumph of science. It might have taken 30 years from identification of HPV as the cause of cervical cancer to the first vaccine reaching the market, but there is still much to understand about HPV biology and an urgent need to improve on existing vaccines and diagnostic tests. The story of HPV is still being written. Produced with support from VACTIA - The Center for Vaccine Research and Immunology, The Finnish Medical Association and PreHdict.

    Nature (30 August 2012)

  • Taste

    Taste is central to our being, but this vital sense is only now becoming clear at the biological level. Scientists have identified the receptors that respond to the five basic stimuli of sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami (savoury), and are now exploring how the brain interprets them. Nature Outlook Taste reports the latest findings from the front lines of flavour. Produced with support from Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

    Nature (21 June 2012)

  • Breast cancer

    Each year, 1.3 million women — and some 13,000 men — are diagnosed with breast cancer. The past few decades have seen huge advances in treatment, but about one-quarter of those diagnosed will die from the disease. Complicating matters, breast cancers are remarkably diverse, and tumour cells seem to hide in 'cured' individuals. The difficult challenges are only just starting. Produced with support from Saisei Mirai.

    Nature (31 May 2012)

  • Diabetes

    About 350 million people — 5 % of the world's population — are afflicted by either type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder, or type 2 diabetes, largely linked to lifestyle. Nature Outlook: Diabetes examines the latest research into the causes, therapy, prevention and impact of these devastating diseases. Produced with support from Eli Lilly and Company.

    Nature (17 May 2012)

  • Malaria

    The war against the malaria parasite has raged for millennia, and still claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Resistance is a growing issue — for both the parasite to current therapy, and the mosquito to pesticides. Past attempts to eradicate malaria have failed. What will it take to finally subdue this deadly disease? Produced with support from Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), Sigma-Tau and Vestergaard Frandsen New York.

    Nature (26 April 2012)

  • Multiple sclerosis

    Successfully treating multiple sclerosis (MS) will require drugs that can reverse nerve damage and repair the myelin sheaths that coat them. Yet until now the best medicines have only managed to slow disease progression. This Outlook covers the latest research into how MS starts, and explores new ways to diagnose and treat it.

    Nature (12 April 2012)

  • Graphene

    Owing to its extraordinary electronic and optical properties, this super-strong form of carbon could radically advance technologies ranging from transistors to touch screens to solar cells to bionic implants. But first, materials scientists must figure out how to make large, pristine sheets of graphene economically. Produced with support from POSCO, LG Electronics and Graphene Square, Inc.

    Nature (15 March 2012)

  • Lenses on biology

    Immersed in the details of the latest laboratory advances, it's easy to lose track of the enormous impact biological sciences are having on our world. In this special edition of Nature Outlook, five top scientists explain how research in their specialties — cancer, climate change, stem cells, oceanography and synthetic biology — has changed our lives.

    Nature (01 March 2012)

2011

  • Traditional Asian medicine

    Using scientific techniques to investigate the claims of traditional medicine as practised in countries such as China and Japan can help sort effective treatments from unfounded superstitions – and perhaps give modern medicine a few insights into holistic approaches borne from thousands of years of herbal remedies. Produced with support from Saishunkan Pharmaceutical Co., ltd. and the Kitasato University Oriental Medicine Research Center

    Nature (22 December 2011)

  • Multiple myeloma

    Despite a rash of new drugs and advances in stem-cell therapy, this rare, bloodborne cancer is still an almost certain death sentence. Although a cure remains a long way off, studies of multiple myeloma are yielding insights into bone biology, the role of the tumour microenvironment and the origins of a whole range of different cancers. Produced with support from Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    Nature (15 December 2011)

  • Influenza

    Our centuries-old battle against influenza occasionally erupts into mass death – the 1918 pandemic alone killed at least 50 million people. What makes this virus such a tough foe is its ability to mutate so that vaccines and drugs quickly become obsolete. Can new research offer hope for defeating this pathogen for good? Produced with support from Sanofi Pasteur, Crucell and Baxter.

    Nature (08 December 2011)

  • Allergies

    The increased prevalence of allergies and asthma, especially in the developed world, has raised the stakes in the quest for prevention and cure. New research is focusing on defects in the epithelial barrier as a cause of allergy, and how to enhance the protective role of benign bacteria living in the gut. Produced with support from Nestlé Research Center.

    Nature (24 November 2011)

  • Medical research masterclass

    Each year, the world's finest scientific minds, from Nobel laureates to aspiring young researchers, meet on the picturesque German island of Lindau to engage one another about the practice of their craft. Nature Outlook examines the areas of biomedical science that challenge and inspire these pre-eminent investigators. Produced with support from Mars, Incorporated and Porsche.

    Nature (13 October 2011)

  • Alzheimer's disease

    From dancing to drugs, research on Alzheimer's disease is moving apace. Our improved understanding of the role that amyloid-ß plays is uncovering new ways to treat and perhaps prevent the disease. Imaging the brain is improving diagnosis, and better biomarkers to track disease progression are sought. Could we soon lift the spectre of Alzheimer's disease? Produced with support from Eli Lilly and Company.

    Nature (14 July 2011)

  • Biofuels

    Biofuels have big boots to fill. After more than 150 years, we have become dependent on petroleum and its products. First generation biofuels are showing us both the potential and the pitfalls of this sustainable technology – second and subsequent generations could help us realize a fossil-fuel-free future. Produced with support from Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, BP, Ceres, São Paulo Research Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy's BioEnergy Science Center.

    Nature (23 June 2011)

  • Hepatitis C

    Infecting around 120 million people worldwide, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is more common than HIV yet it is a neglected epidemic. Diagnosis is hard, treatment is arduous, and there is no vaccine. However, for the first time in decades, new drugs are about to be launched that could substantially improve treatment and herald a new era of HCV awareness. Produced with support from Gilead Sciences, Inc., Merck and Boehringer Ingelheim.

    Nature (09 June 2011)

  • Cancer prevention

    Despite decades of research, cancer in all its guises still kills millions of people each year. The good news is that the more we understand about cancer, the more it appears to be avoidable — not just through smarter eating and healthier lifestyle choices but also with vaccines and chemopreventive drugs. However, a formidable set of scientific, institutional and cultural obstacles stands in the way. Produced with support from Janssen Global Services, LLC.

    Nature (24 March 2011)

2010

  • Nutrigenomics

    Food has a profound effect on our health. From the first milk we take, to the vast array of culinary creations that give us both pleasure and sustenance, our genes influence our diets — and vice versa. This complex interplay has shaped human evolution. Nutrigenomics will help us exploit this relationship, blurring the boundaries between food and medicine, and heralding an era of personalized nutrition. Produced with support from Nestlé Research Center.

    Nature (23 December 2010)

  • Science masterclass

    In acknowledgement of the 60th Lindau Meeting of Nobel Laureates, Nature looks at the hard work, inspiration and ultimate recognition associated with a life dedicated to scientific enquiry, and how these can be passed to the next generation. Produced with support from BMBF, VP Bank Stiftung and Mars Incorporated

    Nature (14 October 2010)

  • Parkinson's disease

    Like the condition itself, advances in understanding and treating Parkinson's disease have come slowly yet inexorably. Finally, however, we might be near the tipping point. With prevalence predicted to exceed 8 million in the next 20 years, new ways to treat Parkinson's disease are urgently needed. Produced with support from Abbott

    Nature (26 August 2010)

  • HIV/AIDS

    The miraculous drugs that keep so many HIV-positive individuals alive have blunted the urgency with which people talk about the AIDS epidemic. Even so, there is a renaissance afoot in HIV/AIDS research, with renewed focus on a cure, more powerful drugs and innovative approaches to prevention. Produced with support from ViiV Healthcare

    Nature (15 July 2010)

  • Chagas disease

    Chagas disease is one of the most neglected of the tropical diseases, yet millions of people are infected with it. There are only two available drugs to treat it, both of which are more than 40 years old and neither of which is ideal. As the global population has become more internationally mobile, Chagas disease has spread from Latin America to become a worldwide threat. This Outlook highlights some of the progress in understanding and treating Chagas disease over its 101 years of recent history and outlines the challenges still to be met. Produced with support from Eisai, DNDi, PAHO, Fiocruz, Pfizer and Merck & Co., Inc.

    Nature (24 June 2010)

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