Top Posts from the Research Communities in 2024: A Year in Review

As we kick off 2025, it’s the perfect time to look back on an incredible year for the Research Communities. From thought-provoking discoveries in our ‘Behind the Paper’ blog posts, to innovative ideas from authors in the ‘News and Opinion’ channel, 2024 saw over 2500 blog posts published, 66,000+ registered members and over 6 million visitors to the Research Communities.
To celebrate, we’ve brought together a shortlist of some of the most viewed blog posts, highlighting entries from the Health & Clinical Research and Life Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, Mathematics, Physical & Applied Sciences research areas.
Top 5 in Health & Clinical Research and Life Sciences
The Health & Clinical Research and Life Sciences Communities continue to thrive as some of our most popular Communities for sharing discoveries and connecting researchers worldwide. These spaces address pressing challenges in medicine, biology, and life sciences, offering key insights into human health and the natural world. 2024 brought compelling studies, from breakthroughs in brain development to advancements in microbiome science and climate stability.
FGF8 as Director of the Fronto-Temporal Cortical Patterning Orchestra
@Camilla Bosone
Published in Nature Methods, The Knoblich and Krenn labs at IMBA and University of Milan Bicocca have developed elongated cortical assembloids to study how FGF8 shapes spatial patterning in human cortical organoids. This innovative system mimics natural brain development, revealing how FGFR3 gene mutations disrupt cortical patterning and contribute to malformations. Their findings offer valuable insights into brain development and neurological disorders. This blog post has amassed over 50,000 views, making it the second most viewed blog post on the Communities! Read the full post here.
Development of a Short HIV Stigma Scale
@Lars E. Eriksson
Despite progress in HIV treatment and achieving UNAIDS goals, stigma remains a challenge for people living with HIV in Sweden. Researchers adapted Earnshaw and Chaudoir's framework to develop a reliable 12-item HIV Stigma Scale. The findings, published in Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, highlight persistent stigma, particularly around self-image and disclosure, emphasizing the need for continued stigma-reduction efforts. Learn more about the HIV stigma scale.
People with Lobster - Claw Syndrome in the Village of Ulutaue
@Sulaeman Sulaeman
Oligodactyly, a condition where a person has fewer than five fingers or toes, was studied in 15 individuals from Ulutaue, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, focusing on their perceptions and communication about the condition. Views ranged from the condition being perceived a curse or a divine gift. Participants of the study, especially women and younger individuals, expressed facing stigma, discrimination, and psychological distress. Read more on how the findings could help foster more positive self-concepts.
Why Do Healthy Rangelands Matter for a Changing Climate?
@Matthew J Germino
This study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, examines how replacing native perennial shrublands with invasive annual grasslands affects soil carbon storage - a critical factor for climate stability. By analysing soil up to one meter deep across the western U.S., researchers found a 42-49% decrease in carbon storage in areas dominated by invasive grasses. These findings underscore the importance of native ecosystems in preserving carbon stores and combating climate change. Discover more about the rangelands.
How Do We Help Our Gut Microenvironment?
@Nicola Prochazkova
The PRIMA study used SmartPills to investigate how gut transit time and pH influence the microbiome in 61 healthy volunteers. Published in Nature Microbiology, it found that transit time and pH are highly personal, shaping microbial diversity and metabolism. Higher fibre intake reduced harmful toxins, while coffee and methane affected transit speed, emphasising the importance of personalized nutrition and daily microbial changes. Read the full post here.
Curated and written by
@Alice Taylor, Community Manager for the Health & Clinical Research and Life Sciences Research Communities
Top 5 in Humanities and Social Sciences
From Behavioural Sciences & Psychology Community to the Social Sciences and Economics Communities, these five posts highlight innovative research from areas of psychology, HIV infections, environmental sustainability, behavioural economics, urban planning, criminology, and more.
Small Doses, Big Impact
@Austin Mallard, @Richard Zeifman, @Broc Pagni and @Daniel Roberts
Austin Mallard's Behind the Paper post in Behavioural Sciences & Psychology Community expands on the research paper published in Scientific Reports, showing how combining low-dose MDMA with psilocybin or LSD may help protect against challenging experiences and enhance positive emotions in psychedelic therapy. Read the post here.
From "Ignorans" to "Sciens"
@William Darrow
In observance of World AIDS Day 2024, Dr. William Darrow shared a post about his research published in AIDS and Behaviour, which revisits Dr. Anthony Fauci's memoir On Call and other recent works discussing AIDS. These publications reflect on the journey from ignorance to understanding, highlighting the human struggles and scientific advances in confronting the AIDS epidemic. Discover more here.
Sustainable Choices in Online Grocery Shopping
@Thijs van Rensand @Oyinlola Oyebode
A new field trial published in ISRCTN registry, and featured in the Earth & Environment, Public Health, and Economics Communities, explores how eco-labels and price discounts in online grocery shopping can encourage sustainable, healthier food choices, offering insights for policies that support both public health and environmental goals. Read more about the SALIENT Sustained programme.
A Walk in the Park? Not for Everyone
@Hogyeum Evan Joo
In his study published in Nature Cities, Hogyeum Evan Joo highlights racial and ethnic disparities in access to high-quality urban parks across the U.S. using innovative data on park amenities and urban demographics to address inequities and promote inclusive urban green spaces. Discover more about the approach and key findings here.
Understanding Mafia Families in Australia
@Anna Sergi
This blog, and the paper published in Trends in Organized Crime, explore the evolution of ‘ndrangheta families in Australia, highlighting four ideal family types. It examines how familial ties, cultural adaptation, and societal influences shape their recognition, reputation, and involvement in organized crime across generations. Read more in Anna’s post.
Curated and written by
@Yuanxin Zhang, @yuanxin zhang Community Manager for the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Communities
Top 5 in Mathematics, Physical & Applied Sciences
Innovation has beens the driving force behind the Mathematics, Physical, and Applied Sciences Communities in 2024. These five posts highlight how cutting-edge solutions are tackling global challenges. From sustainable energy and environmental health to food safety and medical advancements, these studies demonstrate the diverse and impactful work shaping the future of the field.
Cu(I): The Key to Boosting CO₂ Reduction to C₂+ Compounds CO₂
@Ye Wang
Following a publication in Nature Communications, this blog post authored by Ye Wang from Xiamen University highlights a breakthrough in membrane electrode assembly systems, uncovering the critical role of Cu+ in H2O activation for the efficient conversion of CO2 into multi-carbon compounds like ethylene and ethanol. Find out more about Cu(I)'s role in Ye’s post.
How China’s Clean Air Action Plans to Promote Ecosystem Productivity
@Hao Zhou and @Xu Yue
Following up on a paper published in Nature Geoscience, Hao Zhou and Xu Yue explore how China’s Clean Air Action plans help save lives by reducing pollution while boosting carbon absorption and ecosystem productivity, showcasing dual benefits for public health and carbon neutrality. Find out more about their approach here.
Fast and Reliable Test Uncovers Beef Adulteration with Donkey Meat
@Hassan Aboul-Ella
In his blog post, Hassan Aboul-Ella looks behind the paper of the research published in the Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety.The study introduces a rapid and cost-effective lateral flow assay to detect donkey meat in beef within 2 minutes, providing a valuable tool for ensuring food safety and authenticity. Find out more about this work.
Unlocking the Potential of Heat Pumps for a Flexible, Decarbonized Power Sector
@Alexander Roth
Discussing the paper published in Communications Earth & Environment, this blog post by Alexander Roth highlights how heat pumps with flexible operation and heat storage offer a sustainable path to decarbonize heating, reduce emissions, and ensure efficient energy integration. Read more about their approach here.
Histology in Your Hands: Cross-Modal Imaging Shows Living Skin in Full Colour
@Kate Montgomery
Expanding on the research published in Scientific Reports, Kate Montgomery emphasizes how cross-modal imaging provides a non-invasive, real-time approach to visualizing skin histology in full colour, enhancing the accuracy of dermatological diagnostics and treatments. Find out more in Kate’s post here.
Curated and written by
@Yijia Li, Community Manager for the Mathematics, Physical & Applied Sciences Research Communities
It’s been an amazing year and the blog posts from our authors are a testament to the knowledge, creativity, and collaboration that make the Communities truly special. As we step into 2025, we’re excited to see even more ideas, stories, and conversations take shape!
What was your favourite post of 2024? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to know!
Thank you for being part of our journey this year. Here’s to a bright, successful, and inspiring 2025.
Happy New Year!
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If you have any questions, get in touch with the team at communities@springernature.com.
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Nature Methods
This journal is a forum for the publication of novel methods and significant improvements to tried-and-tested basic research techniques in the life sciences.
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Nature Microbiology
An online-only monthly journal interested in all aspects of microorganisms, be it their evolution, physiology and cell biology; their interactions with each other, with a host or with an environment; or their societal significance.
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Nature Communications
An open access, multidisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research in all areas of the biological, health, physical, chemical and Earth sciences.
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Scientific Reports
An open access journal publishing original research from across all areas of the natural sciences, psychology, medicine and engineering.
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Health and Quality of Life Outcomes
This is an open access, peer-reviewed journal offering rapid publication and wide diffusion in the public domain of high-quality articles in the field of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL).
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Trends in Organized Crime
This journal offers a composite of analyses and syntheses from a variety of information sources to serve the interests of both practitioners and policy makers, as well as the academic community. It is both a stimulus to and a forum for more rigorous empirical research on organized crime.
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ISRCTN registry
A primary clinical trial registry recognised by WHO and ICMJE that accepts studies involving human subjects or populations with outcome measures assessing effects on human health and well-being, including studies in healthcare, social care, education, workplace safety and economic development.
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AIDS and Behavior
This journal provides an international venue for the scientific exchange of research and scholarly work on the contributing factors, prevention, consequences, social impact, and response to HIV/AIDS.
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Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety
The JCF publishes peer-reviewed original Research Articles and Opinions that are of direct importance to Food and Feed Safety. This includes Food Packaging, Consumer Products as well as Plant Protection Products, Food Microbiology, Veterinary Drugs, Animal Welfare and Genetic Engineering.
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Nature Geoscience
A monthly multi-disciplinary journal aimed at bringing together top-quality research across the entire spectrum of the Earth Sciences along with relevant work in related areas.
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Communications Earth & Environment
An open access journal from Nature Portfolio that publishes high-quality research, reviews and commentary in the Earth, environmental and planetary sciences.
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Nature Cities
This journal aims to deepen and integrate basic and applied understanding of the character and dynamics of cities, including their roles, impacts and influences — past, present and future.
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