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Science, an editorially independent, multidisciplinary, weekly peer-reviewed journal, ranks as the world’s most prestigious scientific journal. Science has the highest paid circulation of any weekly interdisciplinary scientific journal in the world, and is read even more widely by people in libraries, schools, and research institutions. The journal was established by Thomas Edison in 1880 and has been the official journal of AAAS since 1900.

In 2000, Donald Kennedy assumed the role of editor-in-chief of Science after Floyd Bloom, chairman of the Department of Neuropharmacology at the Scripps Research Institute, announced that he would not serve a second term. Kennedy, president emeritus of Stanford University and a former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, brings to the position a broad understanding of current science issues and experience in government and education.

RESEARCH AND NEWS

In 2000, Science delivered the most important research developments in a variety of scientific fields, including a landmark paper on the Drosophila genome, evidence of an ancient Martian “land of lakes,” advances such as a cloned piglet and a genetically modified monkey, and new information on the first ancestors out of Africa.

In other reports, adult neural stem cells from mice were shown on 2 June to differentiate into a variety of cell types. When the stem cells were grown with embryonic cells and injected into early-stage chick and mouse embryos, they gave rise to muscle, liver, heart, and intestine cells, suggesting a new approach for developing replacement tissues for the body. Later, on 24 November, Science’s nanotechnology issue featured the discovery of “dancing” tin crystals, a natural form of chemical locomotion, plus a host of other small-scale wonders. Yet another paper explained, on 28 April, how successful gene therapy freed two babies with SCID X1 (severe combined immunodeficiency) from sterile, “bubble-like” environments

An army of international researchers sequenced the genome of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, providing an unparalleled treasure trove of genetic information in the 24 March issue, and setting the stage for publication of the human genome. Also in 2000, researchers on 8 December examined Mars Orbiter Camera data, concluding that layered geologic outcrops on the Red Planet may be composed of sedimentary rock deposited by water.

Science news features in 2000 included a special section on AIDS in Africa. The investigative report, by veteran AIDS journalist Jon Cohen and photographer Malcolm Linton, documented the agonizing human toll of the disease in sub-Saharan countries. Other news highlights included exclusive interviews with Chinese President Jiang Zemin and U.S. President Bill Clinton.

SCIENCE ON THE WEB

Signal Transduction Knowledge Environment

This electronic publication, launched in 1999, takes advantage of new information technologies to deliver to scholars essential information and to enhance their ability to integrate that information into useful knowledge and testable theory. Updated weekly, STKE offers original perspectives on signal transduction from more than 50 top scientists, as well as synopses of cutting-edge journal articles. More than 12,750 research articles culled from 45 publications from 18 different publishers are available through the site’s Virtual Journal, with approximately 250 added each week. In 2000, Science developed new features to enhance the usefulness of STKE, including white pages, jobs, and moderated forums. More than 30,000 individuals have registered to use the site, which averages 5,000 visitors each week.


Science of Aging Knowledge Environment

This new Web site, SAGE, which will launch in 2001, is the second in a series of efforts to use the capabilities of the World Wide Web to assemble information from fast-moving and disparate fields. The site will serve researchers and clinicians by organizing large amounts of information across a variety of fields. The site will highlight the work of the best scientists around the world who deal with aging issues. George Martin, of the University of Washington, will serve as editor-in-chief.

Science's Next Wave

In 2000, this weekly online magazine for people interested in careers in science expanded its service worldwide. The first full year of the home page in Germany proved successful, and plans were made to create a Singapore Web portal. In addition to building on its five-year archive of practical information for career seakers, the site also expanded its services, offering a new Postdoc Network section, which allows postdocs who are scattered across the country to receive help and guidance. And the GrantDoctor, a biweekly advice column for grant-related questions, continued to be popular. Science’s Next Wave revenue continues to grow, fueled by strong institutional renewals and the addition of several corporate sponsors.

Science’s Next Wave's sister site, GrantsNet, a database of funding opportunities in the biomedical sciences, underwent a radical redesign that added powerful new features and a new database focused on undergraduate research opportunities.

 

 

NEW FEATURES
Pathways of Discovery
Published in 2000, this series offered essays portraying the pathways of discovery in exciting areas of investigation ranging from quantum physics to cosmology and from genomics to atmospheric sciences. Distinguished scientists reviewed what they saw as the major past accomplishments along the intellectual pathway they travel, and imagine what direction that pathway would take. The series was so popular, it will be compiled into a book.

Editors’ Choice
This new series consists of brief, generally intellectually accessible synopses written by Science’s editors and highlighting articles published in other journals. The column is intended to alert readers to other interesting items spotted by Science’s editors while monitoring their literature.

 


Copyright © 2001 American Association for the Advancement of Science