OK, ominous front-cover art this month. We know. But read the article. It’s apt. Can proteomics companies stay afloat? You’ll have to give them credit for trying. We give them credit for their forthrightness. There’s something about crisis mode that lets people drop the pretense. The seven proteomics CEOs who consented when asked to spend some time on the phone telling us how they’re faring in this miserable climate were disarmingly honest. How refreshing.