Postdoctoral training in the biological sciences continues to be an important credential for academic careers. Traditionally, this training is focused on an independent research experience. In this article, we describe a postdoctoral training program designed to prepare postdoctoral scholars for the responsibilities of an academic career that…

We describe Group-Advantaged Training of Research (GATOR), a yearlong structured program at the University of Florida that guided graduate student mentors and their undergraduate mentees through the mentored research process. Using the national Survey of Undergraduate Research Experiences for an academic year, we found that outcomes for our…

Scientific synthesis has transformed ecological research and presents opportunities for advancements across the sciences; to date, however, little is known about the antecedents of success in synthesis. Building on findings from 10 years of detailed research on social interactions in synthesis groups at the National Center for Ecological Analysis…

The story of biology is far more complex and fascinating than straightforward facts or neatly labeled diagrams of structures and systems. Although exams can motivate students, the key to using these extrinsic motivators to increase student understanding lies in the way the assessments are designed and what they measure. Those involved in…

Not all biology students get to experience scientific research firsthand, but the National Genomics Research Initiative (NGRI) is working to change that. The NGRI is the first initiative to spring from Howard Hughes Medical Institute's (HHMI) new Science Education Alliance (SEA). At present, a competitive application process determines which…

The Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) impact factor has become an important standard for assessing journal quality. Here we propose that impact factors may be subject to inflation analogous to changes in monetary prices in economics. The possibility of inflation came to light as a result of the observation that papers published today tend…

Several alternatives to long-range fuel production are given. The carbon dioxide problem resulting from the burning of coal is discussed. Emphasis is given to the topic of hydrocarbon producing plants, such as those in the genus Euphorbia, and the economics of oil production from them. (SA)

The controversy concerning H.R. 4572, the Public Printing Reorganization Act, is presented; the bill is scheduled to appear before Congress this month. The belief among the scientific community and publishing industry is that it will jeopardize the distribution of publications of scientists' research. (SA)

Discusses the unique user interface of Apple's Macintosh microcomputer which is changing the way researchers interact with their data. Topic areas addressed include: desktop, mouse, and windows; preparing scientific illustrations; MacPaint; and charts and graphics. Limitations are also noted. (DH)

Discussed is the use and worth of any studies on animals in research. Topics included are human benefit, anthropomorphism, ecology, and the psychology of the use of animals in research. (DS)

Reviewed is the 544-page report, Science and Technology: A Five-Year Outlook. Written by the National Academy of Sciences and designed to provide Congress with information to use in developing policy, this report describes the recent history of science and technology and predicts active and promising research areas of the future. (CS)

Focuses on rewards in scientific research. Discusses the social structure of science and its ability to inhibit creativity as ilustrated in the work, "The Act of Creation: Creative Processes in Science." This is related to accounts of the discovery of the chemical structure of DNA. (SA)

Cites the public image problem of field biologists and systematists. Discusses systematics and natural history including species variation, ecology, management of organisms and appreciation of nature. Describes widespread fallacies which downplay the importance of field biology and suggests ways to improve its image. (CW)

The value of being able to self-critique manuscripts and to have confidence in the critique is discussed. A checklist that focuses on the structure and organization of research articles, and its interrelationship with content for critiquing articles at an early draft stage that both the author and in-house reviewers can use is provided. (KR)

While the public, including many scientists, have grave anxieties about the consequences of such technical achievements as recombinant DNA, challenges to the extent of freedom of scientific inquiry must be critically examined. However, scientific freedom cannot be used to justify blanket immunity from legitimate governmental and public oversight.…