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The president-elect seems to have failed to inspire scientists during his campaign. Although support for research will probably grow, some policies and appointments are likely to signal trouble ahead.
Rebuttals of a controversial book that alleges malpractice by distinguished anthropologists have so far confused rather than clarified the situation. An independent inquiry is urgently needed.
Although much of Russia struggles to survive, other former Soviet countries are building new research systems with varying success. A critical need is to avoid western domination of their programmes.
The Nobel laureate's prizewinning work was accomplished in the Soviet era, but his example and initiative can help Russia rebuild its science and technology. Philanthropists should take note.
A report from a European ethics committee gives a valuable summary of the issues surrounding stem-cell research. Debates over therapeutic cloning should not distract attention from central ethical concerns and alternative stem-cell techniques.
Whatever their previous scepticism, scientists should embrace the opportunity to see whether the International Space Station can address important research questions. NASA's decisions on its microgravity research are a step in the right direction.
Britain's inquiry into the BSE crisis has revealed significant weaknesses in the way the government used scientific advice and established research priorities on a topic of urgent social concern. These require more detailed public scrutiny.
The US Congress should stop pushing researchers to invent a medical definition for Gulf War syndrome, the collection of maladies associated with veterans of the 1991 conflict in the Persian Gulf.
The use of animals in laboratory research needs championing more than ever. Those defending it need to reflect discussions within the research community and engage positively with issues of public concern.
The European Commission is embarking on plans for its next Framework programme of research and development. Linking it to a broader strategy is advisable, provided political goodwill is preserved.
The industry based on genetic modification of plants has suffered new setbacks. Europe's public is at the least sceptical, but still potentially accepting, of GM crops, provided progress in technology, regulation and communication is maintained.
