In the 1980s, the world witnessed significant environmental events and changes in attitudes toward nature. In 1980, CERCLA legislation was passed in the US, which aims to address hazardous waste sites. In 1982, the ozone hole was discovered in Antarctica, leading to global concerns about ozone depletion. In 1984, the Bhopal gas disaster occurred, which highlighted industrial hazards and their environmental impacts. In 1985, the Live Aid concert raised awareness and funds for hunger relief in Africa, highlighting the underlying connections between global environmental and humanitarian problems. In 1987, the Brundtland Report introduced the concept of sustainable development, reinvigorating the environmental debate. In the same year, the Montreal Agreement was signed, the purpose of which was to eliminate ozone depleting substances. At the end of the decade, with increasing awareness of climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988. Overall, the 1980s proved to be an important time for environmental concerns to receive due recognition on the global stage, setting the stage for future environmental actions and policy initiatives.
Period In the 1980s, Nature, under the leadership of John Maddox, embarked on a transformational journey, consolidating its modern form and witnessing new discoveries in various scientific fields. Maddox, returning to the helm after a seven-year leave, imbued the magazine with journalistic enthusiasm and a love of print. Despite initial resistance from some areas, Maddox’s return was welcomed by some areas accustomed to Dai Davies’ more organized culture. In 1980, when Maddox took over as editor for the second time, the scientific landscape was full of advances. This decade marked a significant period of time as a historical moment in genetics, such as DNA fingerprinting, and the elucidation of the genetic bases of evolution. In 1985, the technology of DNA fingerprinting was introduced, and its practical use came quickly, as in a high profile criminal case in Leicestershire, UK, where it not only convicted the criminal but also acquitted the wrongly accused. In addition, important advances were made in genetics, which advanced our understanding of gene function in development. These scientific excellences demonstrate Nature’s commitment to performing groundbreaking research across a range of disciplines.
Maddox’s return marked the beginning of a period of introspection and adaptation for Nature. In a residential Macmillan News article, “Naturally”, Maddox candidly reflected on the changes his disappearance had brought about. He explained that what he observed as Nature moved toward organization and competition was an overview of the changing dynamics of scientific publishing. Some may have considered Dye Davies’s tenure as too academic, but Maddox’s journalistic enthusiasm injected new energy into the magazine. Despite the changes, Maddox acknowledged the unique features filed by Ridiculousness, such as the screw locks, providing a glimpse of the magazine’s durability amid the changes. Maddox’s withdrawal marked not only a change in editorial style, but also an indication of Nature’s adaptability to navigating the complexities of scientific ideology and publishing.
Amid these editorial changes, Nature adopted technological innovations, leading it to enter the world of electronic publishing in 1980. The magazine ventured into electronic broadcasting when a news story was introduced on the UK Post Office’s Prestel system, which allowed articles to be displayed on television sets connected over phone lines. This first step reflects Nature’s commitment to embrace upcoming technologies. The integration of electronic publishing platforms initiated a new era of distribution, making possible the rapid distribution of scientific knowledge outside the limitations of traditional printed media. Embracing the digital age, Nature placed itself on the wheels of scientific communication, adjusting itself to the needs of society to maximize the number of its readers.
In the field of physics, the 1980s brought important steps forward in understanding the universe and the fundamental forces that shape it. In 1983 and 1984, major journals elucidated the large-scale structure of the universe and the formation of galaxies, providing unprecedented insight into the basic fabric of the universe. Furthermore, the observation of a supernova in 1987 provided a unique opportunity to probe the properties of fundamental particles, setting limits on the mass of the electron neutrino. These discoveries highlight the interdisciplinary nature of scientific exploration, allowing researchers from different disciplines to collaborate to uncover the mysteries of the universe. Nature played an orange role in disseminating these defining discoveries, encouraging interaction and collaboration among scientists globally. While the journal navigated the complex terrain of scientific discovery, it remained steadfast in maintaining the highest standards and intellectual rigor of its studies, shaping the scientific debate of the 1980s and beyond.
In the early 1980s, Nature worked on an important project with its first successful sister magazine, Bio/Technology (now known as Nature Biotechnology). This marked the beginning of an important moment in the field of scientific publishing, especially since in the 1970s a companion journal was established which was not successful. The introduction of Bio/technology ushered in a new era for the Nature brand, setting the stage for a series of magazines under its flag. The move promises to expand Nature’s reach and provide an expert platform for scientific discussion. Nature cemented its prominence by including a magazine devoted exclusively to the emerging field of biotechnology.
In 1983, John Maddux, the renowned Nature editor at the time, made an important trip to Japan to focus on a particular printing of Japan. The visit not only showcased Japan’s contributions to the global scientific scene, but also reflected the spirit of promoting international collaboration and representation in the pages of Nature. The mid to late 1980s saw Nature’s increasing presence in the Asian region, such as the appointment of Alun Anderson as Nature’s first correspondent. Anderson’s later role as editor-in-chief of the leading science magazine New Scientist highlights the importance of Nature’s first steps into international journalism and its lasting impact on science communication.
The discovery of the ozone hole in the Earth’s atmosphere over Antarctica was a significant scientific revelation that has far-reaching authority. In 1974, Mario Molina and F. Building on the seminal research published by Sherwood Rowland that identified chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as ozone depleting agents, subsequent developments in the mid-1980s further clarified the urgency of the issue. In May 1985, Joe Forman and colleagues at the British Antarctic Survey suddenly reported relatively low springtime ozone levels over Antarctica, which were attributed to the effects of CFCs. However, as his proposed chemical mechanics were later found to be incorrect, his discoveries increasingly began to inspire research efforts. In 1986, his observations of space data powered his observations, which led to a series of scientific journals by distinguished scientists such as Suzanne Solomon, Paul Crutzen, Michael McElroy, and their colleagues. These publications elucidate the deep chemical processes underlying ozone depletion, revealing the environmental consequences of human activity on a global scale.
The early 1980s saw the expansion of Nature, when the introduction of bio/technology laid the foundation for the creation of a series of specialized journals under the name of Nature. Meanwhile, Nature’s association with Japan and the emergence of important scientific discoveries, such as the ozone hole, proved the publication’s ambitious role as a form of scientific research and communication. Through its pioneering initiatives and its commitment to global collaboration, Nature shapes discussion and understanding of scientific information, reflecting its enduring impact on scientific publishing and discovery.
In 1985, the scientific community experienced a unique transformation with the invention of C60, now known as Buckminsterfullerene, a special form of carbon. This invention expanded the known forms of carbon beyond diamond and graphite, demonstrating a variety of possibilities in chemistry. The emergence of C60 was fortuitous, arising from the experiments of Harold Croteau and his colleagues, who were extracting graphite to form molecules that existed in interstellar space. Contrary to expectations, they discovered C60, which was then found in various natural sources such as dust, carbonaceous meteorites, and the mineral shungite. The structure of C60, which is spherical in shape like a football, consisting of polygons such as twenty-fifths and hexagons, is similar to the geodesic dome designed by Buckminster Fuller. This similarity gave rise to the nickname “Buckminsterfullerene”. At the same time, the family of nanotubes, including carbon nanotubes, demonstrated excellent properties, exhibiting miraculous properties such as superconductivity, revolutionizing materials science and turning it into a modern discipline. 1985 was a significant moment in the exploration of various forms of carbon.
As the 1980s progressed, the scientific journal Nature notably underwent changes, including new sections and features to respond to the changing landscape of scientific exploration and communication. During the “second Maddux era”, which marked John Maddux’s editorship, Nature introduced new sections such as “Matters Rising”. In comparison to the traditional letters section, “Matters Arising” focused on specific scientific letter-related responses that were related to particular papers rather than addressing generic scientific issues. In addition, the “New on the Market” introduction provided a forum to summarize newly available commercial research products, while “Employment” offered a first look at career opportunities in the scientific community, following Nature’s Careers section. Anticipating. These achievements helped to enhance Nature’s outstanding role as a leading scientific publication, facilitating scientific debate and enhancing collaboration between researchers across disciplines.
In 1986, Nature faced major scientific events and challenges, as the discovery of Halley’s Comet and the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster show. The publication of a brochure on the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine coincided with the reporting of preliminary findings by spacecraft studying Halley’s Comet. This paradox is sensitively tied to the dynamic nature of scientific investigation and reflects the editorial challenges faced in covering nature in a timely manner. In addition, editorial opinion-messages revisited critical issues such as blockade control, nuclear weapons, and the proposed ‘Star Wars’ defense system, building on the magazine’s reputation for engaging with larger social and geographical problems. Additionally, the natural also incorporated economic matters, positing a relationship between economic factors and scientific endeavors. The editorial emphasis on economic matters highlighted Nature’s dedication to the introduction of institutional resources and their importance in stimulating innovation, embedding scientific advances within a broader spectrum of economic circles.
During the 1980s, Nature continued to be a major forum for disseminating excellent scientific research and promoting interdisciplinary dialogue. The journal’s notion of sustainability and influence came from its adaptation to the latest trends and its dedication to facilitating scientific exchange. As evidenced by the introduction of new sections and coverage of important scientific events, Nature remains steadfast in its mission to advance scientific knowledge and address pressing global challenges. Thus, the 1980s were a period of growth and development for Prakriti, characterized by innovation, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to scientific excellence.
In 1988, Nature took important steps in expanding its international footprint and partnerships. An agreement was signed with China’s National Science and Technology Agency, which previously supported the publication of Nature in the country without its permission. This agreement opened the way for the publication of an English-language edition of Nature in China, an important milestone in the dissemination of scientific knowledge in the region. Additionally, Nature struck a deal with Yuri Kanin, then chief science commentator of the Russian Novosti press agency. In this collaboration, three Soviet scientists contributed an important article every two weeks. The agreement began with a flurry of four articles in the first week, causing some embarrassment to the publication’s leadership. Nevertheless, these partnerships were important towards strengthening Nature’s global scientific exchange and collaboration.
Remotely, The Times was approached by Nature to revive the newspaper’s daily Science Report column. This collaboration indicates new interest in science journalism among major serial media organizations. Interestingly, this partnership has its roots in circa 1878, when Norman Lockyer, then editor of Nature, first mooted the idea of providing science columns for the Times. The revival of this collaboration brings excitement to the timeline and highlights the importance of authoritative scientific reporting in medical journalism as a broader vehicle for social dialogue.
During the decade, Nature made a significant expansion effort to expand its global operations, establishing a network of offices around the world. In 1980, the opening of the New York City office, located in the iconic FlatIron Building on Fifth Avenue, marked a significant moment for the publication. As a marketing test, 50,000 free copies of Nature were distributed to plants, increasing subscriptions by 3,988 in a year. This strategic initiative strengthened Nature’s circulation in the United States and Canada, which surpassed the 10,000 mark by 1981. By 1984, the New York office had a staff of 19 members, and communications had grown to 12,300 throughout the United States. By the end of the decade, Nature had established correspondents in major cities such as Boston, San Francisco, New Delhi, Paris, and Melbourne, in addition to its existing offices in London, Washington DC, New York, and Tokyo. This global presence not only distinguished Nature’s worldwide outlook, but also propelled the publication into a leading voice in international scientific debate.