In a year when the human genome sequence was published, when biological weapons were deployed and when a primate was cloned, how do you pick the scientific highlights and lowlights? You let the scientists do it for you.
Earlier this month, the editors of the leading American journal Science, like those of other more mudane publications, got together to list their choices for achievements of the year. They have lofty ideals: The top 10 are chosen for their profound implications for society and the advancement of science.
So in first place, the top scientific advance of 2001 is . . . nanoscale computer circuits.