Editorials in 2018

A quantitative improvement in the performance of a technology in the applied physical sciences, whether it be a solar cell with higher conversion efficiency or a detector with greater sensitivity, is an important stamp on progress which can strengthen an application. However, it is often unclear how performance improvements alone can enable real-life applications; an improvement in a particular performance metric doesn’t necessarily bring realization of that technology any closer. Conversely, new ideas that could open the door to new functionality aren’t necessarily accompanied by immediately impressive metrics. How can laboratory findings be effectively translated into technological advances that become useful in everyday life? While we support the publication of performance improvements, we also wish to encourage authors to look beyond performance metrics alone when reporting their technological improvements and think about the pathway to a practical technology.

Reviewers make an essential contribution to scientific progress; Nature Communications will now formally acknowledge their role in published articles.

From September 12th 2018, Nature Communications will be setting a higher standard of data reporting for papers under peer review. We believe that sharing raw data at an early stage with editors and reviewers is the best way to build confidence in the reproducibility of your findings. Learn here how to ensure that your paper makes the grade.

Who benefits from sharing data? The scientists of future do, as data sharing today enables new science tomorrow. Far from being mere rehashes of old datasets, evidence shows that studies based on analyses of previously published data can achieve just as much impact as original projects.

The Sc2.0 project has set out to synthesise the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome, with each chromosome redesigned along agreed principles. In this collection of papers, the researchers involved show how SCRaMbLE—Synthetic Chromosome Rearrangement and Modification by LoxP-mediated Evolution—can be used to rapidly reorganise the genome.

Today, on the 16th May, we celebrate the first International Day of Light, which UNESCO proclaimed late last year. We celebrate the central role light and light-based technologies play in our lives and consider how they can be beneficial to humanity through sustainable lighting, renewable energy and improved health care.

Epidemiology dates back to the Age of Pericles in 5th Century B.C., but its standing as a ‘true’ science in 21st century is often questioned. This is unexpected, given that epidemiology directly impacts lives and our reliance on it will only increase in a changing world.

Vaccination has successfully reduced the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, but stagnating immunization coverage and lack of effective vaccines for many endemic and newly emerging pathogens pose a threat to sustainable global health. In light of World Immunization Week 2018, which highlights the importance of high vaccination coverage, Nature Communications is taking stock of current advances and barriers in vaccine development and distribution.

We have a long-shared history with forests and the riches they provide, but their capacity to give is not endless and their future is under increasing threat. On the International Day of Forests, we consider our interactions with them, and how science may guide us towards living sustainably with these vital and iconic ecosystems.