World View in 2012

After a generation of denial, research leaders are finally treating scientific fraud with the seriousness it deserves, says Colin Macilwain.

Researchers use complex language for a specific purpose, and science writers should be clear about what those reasons are, says Trevor Quirk.

As temperatures soar, forests blaze and houses burn, the media and public may be forced to face up to the reality of a changing climate, says Max A. Moritz.

Nature reporter Quirin Schiermeier explains how one of his stories saw him face a High Court challenge — and win.

Biomedical scientists risk forgetting what they’re working for if they don’t connect with the people who are affected by their research, says Tal Nuriel.

An open approach is the best way to maximize the benefits of research for both scientists and the public, says Geoffrey Boulton

Security officials should not be concerned about the publication of mutant-flu research, says bio-weapons expert Tim Trevan.

Political interests, not scientists or inventors, will be the biggest influence on technologies to counter climate change, says Jason Blackstock.

Strict funding cuts mean that the country’s research system must renew its focus on quality rather than quantity, says science secretary Carmen Vela.

The commercial dream of trawling space for valuable minerals could bring enormous benefits to a wide range of sciences, argues Martin Elvis.

The concept of environmental thresholds is compelling, but it has the potential to shift political focus to the wrong areas, says Simon L. Lewis.

Creationists seize on any perceived gaps in our knowledge of evolutionary processes. But scientists can and should fight back, says Russell Garwood.

Evidence is mounting that research is riddled with systematic errors. Left unchecked, this could erode public trust, warns Daniel Sarewitz.

When reporters aren’t given the facts, they are likely to jump to the most extreme conclusions, says David Brown.

The first private-sector flight to the International Space Station will open up myriad opportunities for science, says Alan Stern.

Donald Boesch argues that the lessons learned from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill should be enshrined in legislation before they fade from memory.

Bankers must now surrender more information on their activities. Scientists should use it to build better system-wide financial models, says John Liechty.

Kevin Anderson explains why he refused to purchase a carbon offset, and why you should steer clear of them too.

Young scientists need more help to set up and run research labs, says Jessica C. Seeliger

Conventional environmental assessments are not enough — it is time for some joined-up global thinking, says Mark Stafford Smith.