Editor's Summary
25 September 2008
Choosing a future: Why science matters
This week's US election special begins with a look at what's at stake in this campaign and beyond for science. We ask how the candidates have developed their stances on science over time, who is advising them, and where they might take the country. The parties' stances on science and technology matters are summarized, and we ponder the prospects of key science agencies such as NASA, EPA and NIH, under a McCain or Obama administration. David Goldston adds a personal viewpoint from Washington D.C. See also the introductory editorial, advice to a potential president on what books to read and the expanded on-line elections special on http://www.nature.com/uselection. Listen also to the series of election podcasts, on http://www.nature.com/nature/podcast.
Editorial: America's fresh start
The next US president will lead the country back onto the world stage in many arenas, including science.
doi:10.1038/455431a
News Feature: US Elections: The home stretch
The leading US presidential candidates are not trying to woo voters with science issues. But the senator who wins will help shape the world's most influential research agenda. Alexandra Witze looks at how John McCain and Barack Obama have developed their thoughts on science and technology, and where each of them might take the country if elected.
Alexandra Witze
doi:10.1038/455442a
News Feature: US election: Questioning the candidates
Barack Obama accepted Nature's invitation to answer 18 science-related questions in writing; John McCain's campaign declined. Obama's answers to many of the questions are printed here; answers to additional questions (on topics including biosecurity, the nuclear weapons laboratories and US participation in international projects) can be found at http://www.nature.com/uselection Wherever possible, Nature has noted what McCain has said at other times on these topics.
Alexandra Witze
doi:10.1038/455446a
News Feature: US election: Agencies of change
A new president could bring radical shifts to America's major research entities. Nature profiles some of the agencies in need of a makeover.
Jeff Tollefson
doi:10.1038/455451a
Column: Party of One: US election special: Not the best advice
Concerns about the next president's science adviser miss the real issues, says David Goldston..
David Goldston
doi:10.1038/455453a
Books and Arts: Which science book should the next US president read?
Steven Shapin, Jerry Coyne, Rita Colwell, Martin Nowak, Jerry Ravetz & Kevin Padian
doi:10.1038/455464b
