Gene, 1 (1976) 1--2 1 © Elsevier/North-HollandBiomedicalPress, Amsterdam-- Printed in The Netherlands Editorkl WHY A NEW JOURNAL, WHY GENE ? What i s t h e main pathway of progress in science generally and bioscience in particular? Rather than a uniformadvance on a broad front, it is characterizedby rapid, somet~nes explosive development in a few innovative fields and more moderate progress or even stagnation in traditional areas. Although this periodic blooming of selected areas is the usual pattern of progress, it may be viewed with some degree of. resentment by traditional scientists, often with good reason, for the newer specialties may attract more general attention, the best students and greater financial support, at the expense of the more traditional areas. For the sake of progress, however, research in the fields where new ideas flourish should be supported and the communication and exchange of knowledge should be encouraged through specialized meetings and publications. Selected examples of explosive progress in c e ~ branches of science during this century include the atomic and theoretical physics of the early Twenties, the microbial genetics of the Fifties, the molecular biology of the Sixties, and currently the molecular genetics of viruses. The new outlook on genetics, which emerged with the development of techniques f0r the controlled dissection and reconstruction of genomes, is more than jttst a new technology; it represents a new approach to understanding biological mechanisms. For the first time genes or whole operons of higher organisms can be made accessible to study by their transposition into biologically simple and genetically defined vectors constructed from lower organisms, opening up new opportunities for innovative and productive research on the molecular control mechanisms, including areas ranging from differentiation to oncogenesis. Without doubt the field of recombinant nucleic acids represents an area of explosive progress in bioscience. A t a time when the number of scientific journals is rapidly proliferating, much to the distress of librarians as well as some scientists, adequate justification must be found for the launching of yet another journal. For the reasons specified above and because the volume of literature on the subject is already rapidly expanding, we believe the justification does exist for a new journal dedicated to the field of recombinant nucleic acids. In fact, the publisher informed me that this is the only time in their experience that the first issue of a new journal is ready on time (even ahead of schedule), and the number of submitted papers exceeded by more than twofold the capacity of the first issue. While providing the convenience of a primary source of information to the researcher in the field, this journal should also serve as a medium for the exchange and di_~ussion of new ideas. The journal G£N£ is intended to serve this purpose as the main repository for articles on the elements of physically controlled recombination processes, including chemical or enzymatic disassembly and in vitro assembly of genomes,

specialized recombination processes, and the properties of reconstructed genes and genomes. Any paper which considers these well controlled processes is eligible for publication in GENE. In addition, the rigoro-mly controlled in vivo construction and physical characterization of complex genome~, including transducing or hybrid phages and other viruses or hybrid plasmids, will be included. A list of pertinent subjects appears inside the cover page and will be di_~ussed more fully in a future Editorial. The journal will serve also as a forum for continuous discussion of methodology, potential hazards and safety measures involving gene cloning techniques. Therefore, it should function as an indicator of where "new genetics" is going. Unfortunately, through a series of misconceptions motivated by good will or ill will, but primarily by ignorance, this field has become involved in emotional and social controversy. Certain individuals and organizations have even suggested that all research in "genetic engineering" be halted. Perhaps this should not be surprising; after all, an effort was made at the time to suppress, the studies of Copernicus and Galilei, which by some of their contemporaries were also considered highly controversial from the political and ethical points of view. Why did we name the journal GEN£? Much consideration and lengthy debate went into this choice. Two classes of titles were first suggested, one including the term "Engineering" and the other the adjective "New", but these were rejected became of their misleading or unfortunate connotations. GEN£, with the descriptive subtitle appearing above the Table of Contents, was the compromise choice of the Editors as being short but both specific and inclusive as to the content. We would like to make this journal rather innovative, lively, and both formal and informal. A novel feature will be the opportunity for both the authors and readers to supplement, correct and comment on each paper in the issue published exactly 6 months and/or 12 months after its original appearance, providing the opportunity for discussion, criticism and updating of information. The Editor-in.Chief will welcome suggestions for improving the format of the journal. We sincerely hope that both the contributors and readers will make G£NE an exciting journal covering a new era of modem biology. Waclaw Szybalski