Peer review is a fundamental part of the scientific process. One goal of peer review is to identify flawed or unethical research before it enters the body of literature. However, as peer reviewers are only human, it remains possible for subtle, but major, problems to be overlooked in manuscripts that are published in even the most prestigious journals.
Given the intense pressure that climate change is placing on vulnerable species, there is growing concern about the loss of biodiversity. Each year, species go extinct, and the rate of loss has been increasing. Scientists in Australia, however, have reason to celebrate as they have confirmed that a species that was once thought to be extinct is in fact still living.
Discussions of the issue of open access to research generally focus on publishers, journals, and library collections. However, in October 2017, a single piece of writing generated headlines when it was made available online with open access.
Concern regarding the long-term viability of Earth as a habitat for humans has prompted investigations into potential manned missions to the moon and Mars. While the idea of pioneering colonies of humans establishing new civilizations far from home on Earth has long remained the realm of science fiction, scientists on Earth have recently identified a potential location for such a colony on the moon.
