In the January 1, 1999 issue of PNAS, we debuted our new cover design and outlined a number of goals for PNAS, including the following:
promoting the “direct submission” of papers via Track II, whereby authors may submit papers directly to the PNAS office,
highlighting exceptional papers with a commentary or a cover figure,
expanding the Editorial Board to include expertise in all areas of science, and
adding online features such as free back issues, free collections of articles, free interjournal reference links, links to other databases, and supplementary material—including movies—on the web.
As we continue to raise the journal’s content and presentation standards, we are pleased to present our new print format. This redesign, which makes PNAS easier to read, incorporates many changes suggested by readers.
The table of contents is easier to navigate and uses color to draw attention to special sections and paper classifications. A new “from the cover” section in the table of contents directs readers to articles featured by the cover “taglines” and presents the cover photograph along with its caption.
Throughout the journal, the highly readable serif text font we have used in the past is coupled with a new sans serif font, which makes items such as article titles, abstracts, headers, figure legends, and tables easier to read at a glance. Small “tab” boxes on the edge of each right-hand page alert readers to the section or classification of the paper.
We have instituted a three-column format for commentaries and perspectives. This versatile treatment gives these sections the attention they deserve. In addition, perspectives often have a two-sentence lay-language summary stating the importance of the work.
References have a new compact design, submission forms have been streamlined, and even the author index is more compact and accessible. PNAS special announcements are interspersed in the advertising sections to give new and seasoned readers more information about PNAS and its services.
From cover to cover, we have focused on making PNAS more user-friendly and lively. This same attention has been given to the PNAS web site. A fresh look and easier navigation can be found on our home page at www.pnas.org and on the PNAS Online subscription, editorial, and special services pages.
We welcome your comments and suggestions on how to continue improving PNAS.