The final countdown...

The final countdown to the launch of the RSC's two new interdisciplinary journals, Molecular BioSystems and Soft Matter, has begun! Readers can now sample the first articles online for free.

Molecular BioSystems focusses on the interface between chemistry and the -omic sciences and systems biology; the first print issue will be available in May 2005. The first full paper, from Seth Orlow of the NYU School of Medicine, US, looks at the use of a chemical genetic screen to identify compounds that could be of use in designing drugs to increase skin pigmentation. Forthcoming articles include methods, communications and highlights, on topics ranging from new bio-analytical techniques, to the role of genomics in the development of cancer drugs.

Meanwhile Soft Matter will focus on the science underpinning the properties and applications of soft matter. The first print issue will be published in June 2005. Articles include papers and reviews on themes ranging from specialised techniques for producing nanostructured materials, to gels for use in medical applications.

Both journals will publish Opinions - articles to introduce a new or controversial subject, with a view to encouraging debate for publication in subsequent issues of the journal. The first Opinion in Soft Matter is from Richard Weiss, professor at Georgetown University, Washington, US. It discusses soft matter and the use of rheoreversible gels in art conservation.

Published as Advance Articles these research papers provide an excellent taster of what's to come.

• To see for yourself and to register for regular email alerts, visit: Molecular BioSystems and Soft Matter

Cocktails for ChemComm

200 people gathered at a reception in the San Diego Marriot Hotel on 13th March to celebrate ChemComm's 40 successful years of publication. Coinciding with the 229th ACS National Meeting, the reception was hosted by Dr David Giachardi, RSC Chief Executive. Among the guests were representatives from the ACS, RSC President Dr Simon Campbell and international figures from the world of chemical sciences.

As the current ChemComm publicity campaign highlights, the journal publishes a vibrant cocktail of research. To celebrate this, guests enjoyed cocktails specially named in honour of ChemComm.

"Weekly issues, coupled with expanded three-page communications and the new improved format, are excellent news for our authors and readers," commented Sarah Thomas, editor of ChemComm. Roeland Nolte, chair of the editorial board added "I am proud to be associated with such a prestigious journal. ChemComm truly is the perfect mix."

A series of Anniversary Articles covering high-profile subjects within the chemical sciences have been commissioned and will be published throughout the year.

• To read the first of these articles, or to find out more about ChemComm, visit: Chemical Communications

And finally......

Staff from the RSC's publishing and membership divisions have just returned from an extensive two-week tour of China.

The trip, organised to develop links with key academics and institutions, saw RSC staff travel to 25 universities throughout China. Investment in Chinese research and the growth in its scientific output over recent years, have been immense. Last year alone, US$265 million was injected into funding basic research projects.

To aid communication, a list of the benefits of publishing in RSC journals, translated into Chinese and Japanese, is now available on the RSC website. Translations into other languages will be appearing soon.