United KingdomOwnership & classification
Founded: 1869
Ownership
Nature is a British scientific journal first published in 1869, whose news section (Nature News) is part of the Nature Portfolio. It is published by Springer Nature, the German-British academic publisher formed by the 2015 merger of Springer Science+Business Media and Holtzbrinck's Nature/Macmillan science businesses. Springer Nature is majority-owned (roughly 53%/50.6%) by the family-owned Holtzbrinck Publishing Group of Stuttgart, with the remainder historically held by private-equity investor BC Partners.
Funding
Funded commercially through journal subscriptions, institutional library licences, open-access article-processing charges and advertising, as part of Springer Nature's academic-publishing business. It receives no state or party funding.
Affiliation & stance
Nature is a peer-reviewed science publication; its news coverage focuses on research and science policy and is editorially independent of its corporate owner. Because it is privately and commercially owned by the Holtzbrinck family's publishing group with no party or state control, it is INDEPENDENT (the site's INDEPENDENT label is accurate; any CENTER_LEFT lean reflects only science-policy topics such as climate, not party allegiance).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 37
88/100
Factual
89/100
Objective
239
Articles
239
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
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Recent coverage
In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.
The article reports that researchers from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences organization (ESNZ) have identified conditions consistent with the El Niño climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. They warn that impacts on New Zealand’s weather are likely to intensify over the coming months. The ESNZ joined other organizations in Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in confirming the development of El Niño, which is expected to reach strong intensity between July and September. The effects are projected to peak during the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning late 2023 into early 2024. According to lead researcher Chris Brandolini, this El Niño event is at least comparable in strength to five of the strongest recorded El Niños in modern history. The article outlines regional rainfall expectations, noting potential below-average precipitation in some areas and above-normal levels in others. It also mentions possible temperature fluctuations and increased wind variability later in the year. Additionally, it notes two lower-probability risks: sudden stratospheric warming and the occurrence of a tropical cyclone outside the typical season, both historically linked to El Niño. Brandolini connects the
Ultra-faint galaxy discovered near Andromeda may be 12.5 billion years old
Astronomers have discovered a new ultra-faint dwarf galaxy named And XXXVI near the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), which is the Milky Way's nearest major galactic neighbor. The study, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, suggests that And XXXVI is one of the faintest known satellites of Andromeda and could be nearly 12.5 billion years old. Ultra-faint dwarf galaxies are believed to be remnants from the early universe and are dominated by dark matter, making them crucial for understanding galaxy formation and testing dark matter theories. Researchers note that while over 40 dwarf galaxies are known to orbit Andromeda, only about 15 are classified as ultra-faint, implying there may be many more yet to be discovered. Further observations using space telescopes like the Hubble are needed to confirm details such as the galaxy's precise distance, age, and chemical composition.
Third UK heatwave increasingly likely as 30C temperatures forecast
An upcoming heatwave in the UK is being predicted, with temperatures potentially reaching 30°C in parts of the southeast by the weekend. The Met Office reports that June 2026 was the warmest June on record for England and the second warmest for the UK overall. A high-pressure system from the Azores is moving toward the Iberian Peninsula, contributing to rising temperatures. While the UK typically declares a heatwave when temperatures meet specific regional thresholds—such as three consecutive days of 28°C in London and the southeast—the current conditions suggest the heatwave might begin earlier than usual. The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health alerts for several regions, cautioning about risks to vulnerable individuals. Although the air is expected to be less humid compared to previous heatwaves, the potential for discomfort remains. Northern areas are unlikely to experience heatwave-level temperatures soon due to the influence of Atlantic air and possible rainfall.
China boosts prestigious grants for young scientists — will it ease competition?
China's National Natural Science Foundation (NSFC) plans to increase its prestigious Young Scientists Fund by 50%, providing additional grants to early-career researchers. This follows growing concerns about intense competition for research positions and funding among young scientists. The NSFC aims to fund an extra 12,000 projects, totaling approximately 3.6 billion yuan, through the C-category program, which is seen as a critical pathway into the research system. While some researchers welcome the expansion, others argue it may not significantly alleviate the pressure due to continued high competition. The success rate for securing these grants has declined over time, despite increased funding.
Trump has big AI and quantum ambitions: this scientist’s job is to make them reality
Darío Gil, the science chief at the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), oversees programs focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum science, despite the Trump administration's broader efforts to reduce federal spending on science. In response to an executive order on quantum innovation, the DoE aims to build the world's first 'fault-tolerant' quantum computer by 2028. Additionally, the DoE is working on the $600 million Genesis mission, which seeks to develop an integrated AI platform to connect scientific instruments, supercomputers, and datasets across the nation's 17 national laboratories. The initiative has attracted significant interest, with over 5,000 applications for initial funding calls. Gil emphasizes that while there is skepticism among scientists, the high level of engagement suggests strong interest in the potential of these technologies.
Patient being tested for Ebola virus at Glasgow hospital
A patient is currently undergoing tests for the Ebola virus at a Glasgow hospital, according to the Press Association. The individual was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital early Tuesday, and tests are ongoing to determine if they have contracted the disease. Public Health Scotland stated there are no confirmed Ebola cases in Scotland and emphasized collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency to monitor travel risks from affected regions. While the risk of infection from travelers is described as low, established protocols exist for assessing and testing individuals from Ebola-affected areas. This potential case would mark the first confirmed instance in the UK since the DRC outbreak was designated a global health emergency. The UK has allocated £21 million to support efforts against Ebola in the DRC.
How extreme weather impacts white stork survival in Bulgaria
A 15-year study published in the Biodiversity Data Journal reveals that extreme weather events, such as sudden spring frosts, wildfires, storms, hailstorms, and snowfall, are increasingly threatening the survival of white storks in Bulgaria. Researchers analyzed data from 158 cases of injured storks treated at the Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Center (WRBC) operated by the Green Balkans NGO between 2010 and 2025. The study found that 49% of the affected storks were successfully rehabilitated and released, while 51% died, with two remaining permanently disabled. Juvenile storks were especially vulnerable, particularly during wildfires, which destroyed nests and trapped young birds. Survival rates were much lower for fire-related incidents (33%) compared to those caused by storms and cold weather (74%). The research highlights geographic patterns, linking wildfires to the warmer Upper Thracian Plain and cold-related incidents to the Danubian Plain. These findings align with global warming trends, including earlier migration due to warmer winters and increased summer heatwaves leading to more frequent wildfires.
Electrodeposited self-assembled molecules for perovskite photovoltaics
This article reports on a scientific study published in Nature, detailing the development of electrodeposited self-assembled molecules for use in perovskite photovoltaics. The research was conducted by a team of scientists affiliated with institutions in China, including the Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices at South China University of Technology. The study highlights advancements in creating more efficient solar cells through molecular assembly techniques. The paper was published on July 2, 2026, after undergoing peer review, with the publication date noted as part of the journal's timeline.
Can you actually do a nine-to-five PhD? <i>Nature</i> readers weigh in
This article discusses the challenges of maintaining a 'nine-to-five' schedule while pursuing a PhD, based on responses from over 6,000 doctoral students and graduates surveyed by Nature. While 20% reported spending up to 40 hours weekly on their PhDs, 78% worked more than that, with some exceeding 80 hours per week. Contributors shared personal experiences highlighting the difficulty of balancing PhD work with other responsibilities, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll of constant academic pressure. Some noted that the nature of research—especially experimental work—makes strict time boundaries impractical, while others highlighted the role of supervisors in determining the perceived effort and support received.
Daily briefing: ‘Cyborg’ cockroaches breathe underwater with printed suit
Researchers have developed 'cyborg' cockroaches equipped with 3D-printed diving suits that allow them to breathe underwater and explore submerged environments for up to three hours. The cockroaches, whose movements are controlled via electrodes attached to their brains and sensory organs, have tubes connected to their spiracles that deliver oxygen from a chemical generator. This technology could be useful for search-and-rescue operations in hazardous or inaccessible areas. Additionally, scientists have created synthetic cells called SpudCells that mimic certain biological functions, though they are not fully alive. Separately, a study found that fake cancer research papers generated by paper mills receive significantly more citations than legitimate studies, creating a cycle of citation inflation within the field.
Author Correction: Synthesis of enantioenriched atropisomers by biocatalytic deracemization
This article is an author correction published in Nature regarding a previously published study on the synthesis of enantioenriched atropisomers using biocatalytic deracemization. The correction adds a citation to a related study by Berreur et al. (2025), which described a similar biaryl deracemization process involving a two-enzyme sequence. The updated reference has been included in the third paragraph of the main text in both the HTML and PDF versions of the article. The research was conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Michigan and Merck & Co., Inc., with Alison R. H. Narayan designated as the corresponding author. The article is available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Incoming US science academy chief vows to ‘double down’ on research
Neil Shubin, a paleontologist from the University of Chicago, has begun his five-year term as president of the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Known for discovering the 'missing link' fossil Tiktaalik roseae, Shubin aims to strengthen the NAS's connection with the public and address challenges posed by political pressures and funding cuts during the Trump administration. He emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and science communication. Shubin highlights the need for the NAS to adapt through new media and outreach efforts to maintain its role as a scientific advisor to the nation.
Togetherness: How co-operation built the world
The article promotes a new book titled 'Togetherness: Symbiosis and the Hidden Story of Life's Greatest Collaborations' by science journalist Rowan Hooper. The book explores the theme of cooperation between organisms in nature, arguing that such collaborations have been historically undervalued in favor of competitive narratives. The article highlights the significance of these cooperative relationships in shaping the natural world and emphasizes their underappreciated role in ecological systems. It serves as a promotional piece for the book, featuring a podcast interview with the author and providing subscription information for the Nature Podcast.
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