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.
Modern advances in technology have enabled researchers to share ideas faster than ever before. However, the increasing emergence of websites that offer quick and easy sharing of data has become a growing concern for players in the academic publishing industry who see these developments as a threat to their lucrative business model.
A fundamental issue that humans have pondered for thousands of years is how and when life on Earth first began. In September, a research team led by Dr. Tsuyoshi Komiya of the University of Tokyo published important findings that have helped to clarify how long life has existed on Earth.
