Open Letter
Methods of Innovation
Innovation is the cornerstone of moving forward, of making the old new, of creating a brighter
future. At BioTechniques we are constantly striving to innovate—searching for ways to help our
readers find and digest the latest in methods and technology information from an ever-expanding
universe of scientific knowledge. It is a goal that we have worked towards since the creation of the
journal nearly 30 years ago, and one that we fully intend to embrace in 2011.
Obtaining the latest scientific articles and methods news is key for busy scientists working at the
bench. The number of sources of this information is continuing to expand rapidly, draining the ability
to keep up. Recognizing this problem, in 2010 BioTechniques initiated a new series of technologyfocused email newsletters. Our newsletters are delivered directly to the email boxes of readers on
a weekly basis with the goal of providing a truly unique “technology roundup” where scientists can
quickly read about and learn the latest in topics such as PCR, antibodies, cell culture, RNAi and
microscopy through a collection of recent news stories, links to the latest peer-reviewed research
articles from the pages of BioTechniques and discussions of some of the most vexing questions (along
with illuminating answers) facing researchers at the bench. In 2011, we will further expand these
newsletters by introducing new topics and feature sections to enhance the reach and educational
impact of this innovative approach to information distribution. Also in 2010, we expanded and enhanced
our Protocol Guide, changing the look and adding more detail to the protocols. In 2011, we intend
to further push the boundaries of our annual Protocol Guide by offering greater online capabilities to
complement the new print look of the Guide.
Last year also saw a major emphasis centered around changes to our print journal—an effort
geared at providing readers an improved editorial experience focused on the content they need most
to advance their research efforts at the lab bench. After 25 years of having three article formats, a
shortened Report format was introduced in January 2010 that has allowed us to publish a greater
number of research articles during the year and provide readers the detail they need in a more concise
format. Also in 2010, we expanded our range of review articles and focus sections, giving authors
the opportunity to dig deeper into cutting-edge areas of technology and methods development, such
as in epigenetics, systems biology, and tools to understand the RNA World. While these innovations
might appear simple or commonplace on the surface, they have resulted in an enhanced reading
experience for scientists subscribing to BioTechniques, providing a better perspective and deeper
levels of analysis on the latest technologies influencing how science is accomplished today. At the
same time, readers continue to obtain the critical methods they have come to rely on us delivering
on a monthly basis.
So what do we have planned for print in 2011? Four dedicated focus sections that will dive into
topics ranging from stem cells to DNA sequencing, a series of new special news features that
will explore the latest trends in different scientific communities, an expanded slate of technologyfocused newsletter content giving all our readers something to look forward to on a weekly basis, a
newly launched section exploring the tools enabling research in the emerging field of translational
medicine, a new lineup of review article content authored by leaders in different fields, and a bold
series of digital innovations aimed at giving readers new avenues to come together and find, as well
as comment on and rank, the specific content that they need the most.
In the pages that follow, you will find detailed descriptions of these new sections and features, along
with information on other innovative efforts, both in print and online, that we will be undertaking in 2011.
In the end, underneath all of our innovation, the basic goal remains the same as always—providing
rapid and easy distribution of high-quality content to the entire BioTechniques community.
Nathan Blow
Editor-in-Chief, BioTechniques