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As readers of the Journal of Applied Physiology may have noticed in recent issues, the Associate Editors and I have introduced a new category of publication, "Innovative Techniques," which replaces the former "Special Communications" category. With the introduction of the Innovative Techniques category, we hope to 1) more accurately reflect the intention of this category and 2) establish clearer guidelines for the review of such papers. It is our goal to publish high-quality manuscripts in the Innovative Techniques category that describe new methods, apparatuses, or technologies useful for applied physiology. An important aspect of the papers accepted in this category is that they will provide a clear validation of the technique and a demonstration of its utility in addressing questions related to applied physiology.

Webster's Dictionary defines "innovative" from the closely related term "innovation," in which something is characterized by, tending to, or introducing a new idea, method, or device. On the basis of this definition, we intend to make the Innovative Techniques category very restrictive, with a high threshold for acceptance in which reviewers will focus on innovation, validation, and demonstrated utility. Authors will be responsible for providing convincing evidence that their technique is truly innovative, has been thoroughly validated, and has a clear utility in addressing a question in applied physiology. In raising the threshold for acceptance, we hope to attract only the most outstanding papers in this category, some of which will be further recognized by an accompanying invited editorial.

Historically, the Journal of Applied Physiology has published papers describing innovations in techniques. These publications have helped shape and facilitate modern applied physiology. Presently, the successful completion of the human genome project will require innovative approaches to translate this important information into physiological applications. One such example of an innovative technique is the "gene-chip microarray," which has already become an important tool in translational research by allowing simultaneous evaluation of changes in the expression of a number of genes. Only now is gene-chip microarray technology being used to address questions in applied physiology, and there is still room for further innovation in this elemental future direction of research.

Innovations in imaging techniques have also been important in applied physiology. We can now get real-time measurements of brain metabolism, cardiovascular function, and body composition that have proven to be invaluable in numerous areas of physiological investigation. Technical innovation is not only restricted to devices but also can be applied to environmental conditions; for example, the microgravity environment can be used as an innovative research tool.

The development of innovative techniques with physiological applications will continue to have a place of prominence in the Journal under the new Innovative Techniques banner. One day, we will be able to look back on the archive of the Innovative Techniques' articles and see the impact that they have had in facilitating research in applied physiology.

The introduction of the Innovative Techniques category continues the ongoing efforts of the Associate Editors and myself to proactively increase the impact of the Journal in the scientific community. It is important that we promote and encourage such innovations because they will undoubtedly shape the future of the Journal.