Genome Biology publishes commentaries on a broad range of topics, including political, scientific, and medical issues relating to genomic, post-genomic and genome-scale analyses. Readers will be encouraged to participate in discussions and to comment on articles via the website. Most comment articles will be commissioned, so as to ensure a comprehensive and systematic coverage, but you are encouraged to send suggestions to the editors.

Comment   

(31 December 2008)

The appointment of two life scientists, including a genome biologist, to the President-elect Obama's President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology is encouraging.

Opinion   

(17 December 2008)

Bioinformatics is alive and well in 2008 concludes Lincoln Stein, despite his earlier prediction of its imminent demise.

Comment   

(1 December 2008)

A 19th-century Scottish poet has a message for our times.

Comment   

(3 November 2008)

Meta-analysis is a popular way to try to get the most out of different studies linking genes and disease. But there are cons as well as pros.

Comment   

(29 September 2008)

In the current financial crisis, the house-price 'bubble' has burst with spectacular effects. Big science projects in biology may be on their way to becoming the next scientific bubble.

Comment   

(1 September 2008)

Genomics was essential for identifying the source of the deadly anthrax strain released after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US. The same research that is needed to combat low-probability bioterror attacks is needed to combat high-probability natural infectious agents.

Opinion   

(26 August 2008)

Isolated populations can be useful for the identification of genes underlying common complex diseases.

Comment   

(29 July 2008)

A recently departed genome biologist discusses the impact factor of his life with St Peter at the Pearly Gates.