Editorials in 2012

Animations of biological processes are superb tools for science outreach and communication and can be useful in research too. But we need better ways to tell which parts of an animation are based on data.

Supplementary information has its place in science publishing, but deploying it effectively requires effort from journals and scientists.

Methodological advances in genomics will benefit research and personalized medicine most if genes are accessible to all.

To secure Europe's leadership in research and innovation, the European Union should prioritize its investment in researcher-originated projects.

Peer review is an essential part of scientific discourse, and referees deserve formal recognition for the service they provide.

With the aid of informatics, microscopy is in the midst of a crucial evolution into a more quantitative and powerful technique.

A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying functional magnetic resonance imaging signals is crucial for maximizing the return on human fMRI research.

A new repository for raw data from proteomics mass spectrometry experiments is available and needs community participation.

New technologies are often inherently more complex than the technologies they supplant. Users must be aware of the impact this has on data interpretation.

Early adopters of new methods have a crucial role in validating them and defining their limits. They deserve more formal recognition of this role.

Direct comparisons of tool or method performance under standardized experimental conditions yield highly valuable information for both method users and developers.