Outlook in 2017

Research ranging in scale from cells to populations is rapidly closing in on what goes awry in the body in 'non-familial' ALS, and what environmental factors might contribute.

Machine learning might identify patients earlier, predict their outcomes better, and assign them more efficiently to appropriate clinical trials.

For years, researchers missed the most common genetic cause of ALS. Now they're on an accelerated track to treat it.

The increasing acidity of our seas is a threat to marine life that for many species may be impossible to overcome.

Carbon capture and storage will be crucial for mitigating climate change and rebuilding the world's energy infrastructure.

In the scientific community, the big question is not whether action on climate change is required, but what form it should take — and the part that scientists should play. Three Nobel laureates and three early-career researchers gave their thoughts to Nature on the current state of climate action worldwide and the place of science in society.

Is running for office the next step for researchers in the fight against climate inaction?

Regulators have been calling for equal representation of men and women in health research for nearly 25 years. So why are women still underrepresented?

Heart disease is a different for women. Researchers must investigate, educate, advocate and legislate to decrease the risks, says Nanette Wenger.

Research on women's sexual desire and satisfaction lags behind that on men's, but scientists and drug companies are trying to close the gap.

Girls are entering puberty at ever younger ages. What are the causes, and should we be worried?

Understanding the nuances of women's various roles in African societies can make or break health research.

Surveys of the microbes that live in the vagina have revealed unexpected variability. More research might reveal links between these microbes, infection and birth complications.

Sex chromosomes in every cell of the body exert widespread and sometimes unexpected effects.

An improved understanding of bone loss can help women reduce their risk of fractures as they age.

There is only one industrialized country where the rate of maternal deaths has risen over the past 30 years. US researchers are trying to find out what went wrong.

The ability to give donated blood to patients has saved countless lives. But the routine nature of such transfusions is being rethought.