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Why Snakes Probably Aren't Spreading the New China Virus

Why Snakes Probably Aren't Spreading the New China Virus

One genetic analysis suggests reptilian reservoir - but researchers doubt that the coronavirus could have originated in animals other than birds or mammals.

New China Virus: Five Questions Scientists Are Asking

New China Virus: Five Questions Scientists Are Asking

Researchers are racing to find out more about the epidemiology and genetic sequence of the coronavirus spreading in Asia and beyond.

China is Closing Gap with United States on Research Spending

China is Closing Gap with United States on Research Spending

The United States is no longer the 'uncontested leader' in science globally, the National Science Foundation says.

Academics Must Balance Privacy and Honesty to Become Great Role Models

Academics Must Balance Privacy and Honesty to Become Great Role Models

Diversity initiatives applaud role models but academics who are carers can have trouble relinquishing family privacy to share their experiences.

How the Fight over a Hawaii Mega-telescope Could Change Astronomy

How the Fight over a Hawaii Mega-telescope Could Change Astronomy

Thirty Meter Telescope controversy is forcing scientists to grapple with how their research affects Indigenous peoples.

Check for Publication Integrity Before Misconduct

Check for Publication Integrity Before Misconduct

A tool that focuses on papers - not researcher behaviour - can help readers, editors and institutions assess which publications to trust.

Government Call for Science 'weirdos' Prompts Caution from Researchers

Government Call for Science 'weirdos' Prompts Caution from Researchers

The UK prime minister's adviser Dominic Cummings wants scientific approaches to inform government - but researchers worry his view is simplistic.

New Year's Resolution: One Meeting-free Week a Quarter

New Year's Resolution: One Meeting-free Week a Quarter

Protect time for deep thinking - it is crucial for productivity in a world of constant interaction, urges Heidi Rehm.

Head of Ancient-DNA Lab Sacked for ‘serious Misconduct’

Head of Ancient-DNA Lab Sacked for ‘serious Misconduct’

Alan Cooper was dismissed as the leader of a prestigious genomics centre, following an investigation.

What Institutions Can Do to Improve Science Communication

What Institutions Can Do to Improve Science Communication

Many scientific organizations struggle with teaching and incentivizing science-communication practices. Here's what they can do differently, says communication researcher Jessica Eise.

When It Comes to Good Practice in Science, We Need to Think Global but Act Local

When It Comes to Good Practice in Science, We Need to Think Global but Act Local

International codes of conduct are important, but grass-roots efforts are the key to embedding research integrity.

Predatory Journals: No Definition, No Defence

Predatory Journals: No Definition, No Defence

Leading scholars and publishers from ten countries have agreed a definition of predatory publishing that can protect scholarship. It took 12 hours of discussion, 18 questions and 3 rounds to reach.

What the United Kingdom's 'Brexit Election' Means for Science

What the United Kingdom's 'Brexit Election' Means for Science

Promises to raise research spending and take action on climate change overshadowed by scientists' fears about leaving the European Union.

Early-Career Setback and Future Career Impact

Early-Career Setback and Future Career Impact

Little is known about the long-term effects of early-career setback. Here, the authors compare junior scientists who were awarded a NIH grant to those with similar track records, who were not, and find that individuals with the early setback systematically performed better in the longer term.

A DNA-of-things Storage Architecture to Create Materials with Embedded Memory

A DNA-of-things Storage Architecture to Create Materials with Embedded Memory

A DNA-based method for embedding data in materials enables the conversion of everyday objects into data storage devices.