News: Nature is the foremost international weekly scientific journal in the world and is the flagship journal for Nature Portfolio. It publishes the finest peer-reviewed research in all fields of science and technology on the basis of its originality, importance, interdisciplinary interest, timeliness, accessibility, elegance and surprising conclusions. Nature publishes landmark papers, award winning news, leading comment and expert opinion on important, topical scientific news and events that enable readers to share the latest discoveries in science and evolve the discussion amongst the global scientific community.
UK universities are on the brink — what is their greatest source of stress?
Nature, Published online: 14 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02608-z
Nature asked eight leaders in higher education what they thought about the state of UK institutions. Here’s how they answered.Posted on 14 September 2026 | 2:00 am
Donor-funded science is rising in Brazil ― upending a long tradition
Nature, Published online: 14 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02829-2
Philanthropists are stepping up support for research in a country where scientists have relied on the government alone for funding.Posted on 14 September 2026 | 2:00 am
The roots of astrology, the mysterious nature of time and more: Books in brief
Nature, Published online: 14 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02908-4
Andrew Robinson reviews five of the best science picks.Posted on 14 September 2026 | 2:00 am
The pet trade puts reptiles and amphibians at risk: close legal gaps now
Nature, Published online: 14 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02852-3
Patchy legislation means that animals are routinely taken from their natural habitats and sold in other countries. Fresh national and international measures could help to stop this exploitation.Posted on 14 September 2026 | 2:00 am
How is climate change affecting conifers and their ability to sequester carbon?
Nature, Published online: 14 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02847-0
Fresh evidence reveals that the interplay of several factors could affect the ability of these trees to grow.Posted on 14 September 2026 | 2:00 am
‘Multifunctional’ brain implant translates speech and gestures in real time
Nature, Published online: 14 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02895-6
A neural device uses artificial intelligence to read brain activity for intended words and gestures simultaneously.Posted on 14 September 2026 | 2:00 am
Nature, Published online: 14 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02851-4
After an eventful life in the limelight, the discovery of a manipulated specimen preceded the biologist’s death. Questions about his findings remain.Posted on 14 September 2026 | 2:00 am
Drug firms’ secret data supercharge AI protein models
Nature, Published online: 14 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02882-x
An AI system trained on more than 20,000 protein structures from pharmaceutical companies outperforms AlphaFold-like models that use only public data.Posted on 14 September 2026 | 2:00 am
Encoded and non-genetic protein variants expand human functional proteome
Nature, Published online: 14 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-11124-z
Encoded and non-genetic protein variants expand human functional proteomePosted on 14 September 2026 | 2:00 am
The super El Niño is already wreaking havoc: here’s what’s in store
Nature, Published online: 13 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02826-5
The extreme weather of this year’s mega El Niño could look different from past events.Posted on 13 September 2026 | 2:00 am
People trust scientists seen to be ‘on their side’, UK study finds
Nature, Published online: 11 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02883-w
Politics and personal values influence people’s confidence in scientists, according to a report.Posted on 11 September 2026 | 2:00 am
Successful early-career scientists rely on network of mentors
Nature, Published online: 11 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02827-4
Large networks are particularly beneficial to researchers in under-represented groups.Posted on 11 September 2026 | 2:00 am
Daily briefing: Skeleton teeth show evidence of the earliest known habitual drug use
Nature, Published online: 11 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02901-x
Traces of the psychoactive compound arecoline suggest that two people regularly sucked on psychoactive betel nuts. Plus, what motivates people to take action on climate change and the promise of nasal vaccines.Posted on 11 September 2026 | 2:00 am
El Niño goes viral — and scientists learn what makes people care about the climate
Nature, Published online: 11 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02763-3
Evoking emotions is more likely to prompt people to engage with climate efforts than are data alone.Posted on 11 September 2026 | 2:00 am
NSF moves to overhaul funding approach in line with White House priorities
Nature, Published online: 11 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02892-9
The major funder of basic science has not said how its new initiatives will be funded — but staff worry streamlined approach will further squeeze cash for core sciences.Posted on 11 September 2026 | 2:00 am