News archive
AI writing tools promise faster manuscripts for researchers
17 August 2021
Andy Tay
Automation brings plagiarism risks, and software still needs human input for analysis and narrative.
How to write an abstract that stands out
10 August 2021
Andy Tay
A well-written abstract helps to attract readership.
How to respond to difficult or negative peer-reviewer feedback
18 May 2021
Natalie Parletta
A systematic approach to critiques and queries can help keep emotions at bay.
Review articles cause “dramatic loss” in citations for original research
11 May 2021
Clare Watson
But there are some influential exceptions.
3 ways to make your scientific images accurate, informative and accessible
8 February 2021
Andy Tay
It’s all in the detail, from colour choice to how methods are documented, and everything in between.
AI tools measure rigour of COVID-19 preprints
12 January 2021
Dalmeet Singh Chawla
Automated reviews are picking up gaps in papers prior to peer review.
Three tips to adapt grants and papers for non-native English readers
23 November 2020
Michael Erard
Writing guides often advise “Don’t write anything that you wouldn’t say.” Michael Erard, who trains researchers to write grants and academic papers, disagrees.
Finished your PhD? Six questions to ask yourself about what’s next
13 October 2020
Natalie Parletta
There is no single path to success, so here's a plan to help you choose.
Science is getting harder to read
10 September 2020
Dalmeet Singh Chawla
From obscure acronyms to unnecessary jargon, research papers are increasingly impenetrable – even for scientists.
This scientist read a paper every day for 899 days. Here’s what she learned
8 September 2020
Natalie Parletta
Olivia Rissland says reading a different paper every day has made her a better scientist.
COVID-19 research update: How many pandemic papers have been published?
28 August 2020
Nature Index
A briefing on developments in coronavirus research publishing.
Five strategies for writing in turbulent times
4 August 2020
Chris Smith
How to manage distraction and maintain focus, while also acknowledging that sometimes the best thing to do is stop.
The gift of paper authorship
31 July 2020
Dalmeet Singh Chawla
Researchers seek clearer rules on crediting co-authors.
Work hack: How to organize your research literature – and make it sharable
17 July 2020
Bec Crew
A must-have strategy for fieldwork.
Work hack: Why Mark Carrigan loves Ulysses
7 July 2020
Bec Crew
A sociologist describes his favourite place for scribbled notes, student assessment, and long-form writing.
Calibri vs Garamond: Can font choice make or break a research paper?
19 June 2020
Helen Robertson
What your preference says about you.
10 tips for submitting a successful preprint
26 May 2020
Jon Brock
How to stand out in the fast-growing throng.
Three online tools aimed at improving preprints
19 May 2020
Gemma Conroy
New platforms review and curate manuscripts.
The decline of women's research production during the coronavirus pandemic
19 May 2020
Philippe Vincent-Lamarre et al.
Preprints analysis suggests a disproportionate impact on early career researchers.
Shut-in scientists are spending more time on research papers
9 April 2020
Nic Fleming
Suspension of face-to-face activities in the coronavirus pandemic sends researchers back to their manuscripts.
How to demonstrate the value of your research
20 March 2020
Carsten Lund Pedersen
A tool to help you master the four Cs: citations, communication, coverage, and collaboration.
8 big differences between the US and UK PhD experience
11 March 2020
Helen Robertson
And one important similarity.
Researchers reveal the emotional and professional cost of drawn-out peer review
10 March 2020
Andy Tay
It can have a noticeable affect on a person's career.
This simple tool can help you manage multiple research projects
23 January 2020
Carsten Lund Pedersen
How to master the art of prioritization.
Three ways to collaborate on writing
10 January 2020
Jeffrey M. Perkel
Document-sharing tools for scientists.
Pairing with an influential co-author gives young researchers a career-long boost
7 January 2020
Bec Crew
A potential rankings hack for less prestigious universities.
Scooped in science? Relax, credit will come your way
2 December 2019
Ewen Callaway
A study of protein databases shows that discoverers who are second to publish still end up getting a substantial portion of the recognition.
The untold cost of formatting manuscripts
4 October 2019
Jon Brock
Just how deep is this time and money sinkhole?
These 10 institutions published the most papers in Nature and Science in 2018
3 September 2019
Gemma Conroy, Bec Crew
From CRISPR to CLARITY, here are some of the most high-profile studies.
Q&A Linda Beaumont: Journals should take action against toxic peer reviews
30 August 2019
Gemma Conroy
Keep it constructive.
The hidden cost of having a eureka moment, but not being able to put it in your own words
29 August 2019
Sneha Kulkarni
Publishing in an “international” journal now refers to an English-language journal.
This simple tool shows you how to choose your mentors
28 August 2019
Carsten Lund Pedersen
"Gurus breed gurus."
5 features of a highly cited article
23 August 2019
Mohamed Elgendi
The difference between highly cited and lowly cited papers.
Never on a Sunday! Is there a best day for submitting an article for publication?
8 August 2019
James Hartley
It could mean the difference between rejection and acceptance.
Studies suggest 5 ways to increase citation counts
7 August 2019
Bec Crew
There’s no one way to 'game the system'.
Scientists reveal the creative side-projects that keep them sane
26 July 2019
Bec Crew
It’s hard to think about lab problems when you’re dangling upside-down by your ankles.
Writing over the holidays? Here's how to do it
25 July 2019
Chris Smith
Writing over the holidays can be effective, but should be approached thoughtfully.
What matters most on the road to scientific success?
24 July 2019
Viviane Callier
The skills and strategies — as well as the invisible structural factors — that contribute to scientific productivity.
Q&A Niamh Brennan: 100 rules for publishing in top journals
18 July 2019
Gemma Conroy
A checklist for success.
Q&A Wendy Belcher: How to write a journal article in 12 weeks
11 July 2019
Bec Crew
What they don’t teach at your institution.
Predatory journals find their prey
7 September 2017
Brian Owens
Bogus journals and their victims are widespread, study finds.
Turning science into social outcomes
29 August 2017
Richard Jefferson
Incomplete descriptions in publications wasting healthcare research
10 March 2017
Tammy Hoffmann
COMMENT: Researchers, explain yourselves
'Millions' wasted in research approvals process
18 January 2017
Adrian Barnett
Applying for ethics approval cost Adrian Barnett's research group $348,000 in staff time, and delayed the research by six months.
