Editorials in 2010

Earnest revisions based on editorial and referee feedback improve published papers.

In this special issue, Nature Chemical Biology takes a look at the past, present and future of chemical biology.

Optimal use of the extensive data sets being generated in the post-genomic era will require clear standards and a commitment to open communication.

The search for mechanisms and meaning within structurally and functionally diverse systems requires different expectations and approaches.

Chemical biology contributions will become increasingly important as we enter the second decade of the postgenomic era.

The expanding biotechnology landscape offers new intersections with traditional strengths in chemical biology.

Progress in understanding the functions of individual lipids has lagged behind that for other bioactive molecules, but recent technologies that enable the monitoring of individual lipids provide hope.

In reviewing five years of progress in chemical biology, we consider the scientific and organizational challenges ahead for the field.

What can be done to reduce the burden on scientific referees while ensuring the continuity and quality of peer review?

Scientific referees accept a critical role in the peer review process. What do we expect of Nature Chemical Biology reviewers?

Increased transparency and consistency in reporting well-validated chemical probes will further enhance the impact of this exciting and rapidly advancing area of chemical biology.

Scientists need to devote more attention to the citation lists of scientific papers—the connectivity and usefulness of the scientific literature depend upon it.

Nature Chemical Biology has a new look, with more online features to facilitate the communication of chemical biology discoveries.