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Have the 2010s Been Good for Peer Review?

Have the 2010s Been Good for Peer Review?

How has peer review fared in the 2010s? We outline some key trends that have helped to define, challenge and progress the peer review system over the decade.

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.

FDA Approves an Ebola Vaccine, Long in Development, for the First Time - STAT

FDA Approves an Ebola Vaccine, Long in Development, for the First Time - STAT

The vaccine, developed by Merck, protects against Zaire ebolaviruses, the species of the virus that has been the most common cause of Ebola outbreaks.

Inferring the Causal Effect of Journals on Citations

Inferring the Causal Effect of Journals on Citations

Articles in high-impact journals are by definition more highly cited on average. But are they cited more often because the articles are somehow "better"? Or are they cited more often simply because they appeared in a high-impact journal?

A Methane Leak, Seen From Space, Proves to Be Far Larger Than Thought

A Methane Leak, Seen From Space, Proves to Be Far Larger Than Thought

The findings mark a step forward in using space technology to detect leaks of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from oil and gas sites worldwide.

ERC Awards over €600 Million to Europe's Top Researchers

ERC Awards over €600 Million to Europe's Top Researchers

How will climate change shape the Earth's surface? What are the long-term health effects of food additives? How can online tools change political advocacy and what does this mean for democracy? These are just some of the questions that researchers from around Europe have proposed to explore, and will now be able to, thanks to newly-awarded EU funding.

'Opportunity Lost' As Longest Climate Talks End

'Opportunity Lost' As Longest Climate Talks End

Exhausted delegates postponed tricky issues. The weak rules on a market based mechanism, promoted by Brazil and Australia, that would have undermined efforts to reduce emissions have been shelved and the fight can continue next year at COP26 in Glasgow.

Denmark Raises Antibiotic-Free Pigs. Why Can't the U.S.?

Denmark Raises Antibiotic-Free Pigs. Why Can't the U.S.?

American pigs are raised on a liberal diet of antibiotics, fueling the rise of resistant germs. Danish pork producers are proving there's a better way.

Knowledge Sector Takes Major Step Forward in New Approach to Recognising and Rewarding Academics

Knowledge Sector Takes Major Step Forward in New Approach to Recognising and Rewarding Academics

Academics can excel in many areas, but thus far they have primarily been assessed based on research achievements. From now on, the public knowledge institutions and research funders want to consider academics' knowledge and expertise more broadly in determining career policy and grant requirements.

Building the Foundation for Future Research Through Open Data, Code and Protocols

Building the Foundation for Future Research Through Open Data, Code and Protocols

We explore the components that can support reproducibility by making research more easily verifiable: data, code, and protocols.

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.

Serotonin and Dopamine Responsible for the Pros and Cons of MDMA

Serotonin and Dopamine Responsible for the Pros and Cons of MDMA

A study in mice suggests serotonin release underlies the drug's prosocial effects while dopamine mediates the rewarding properties that drive its potential for abuse.

China Gene-edited Baby Experiment 'may Have Created Unintended Mutations'

China Gene-edited Baby Experiment 'may Have Created Unintended Mutations'

He Jiankui's original research, published for the first time, could have failed, scientists say.

Anger As Protesters Barred from UN Climate Talks

Anger As Protesters Barred from UN Climate Talks

Around 200 environmental campaigners are barred from climate talks after Greta Thunberg speaks.