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 Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 111
79/100
Factual
80/100
Objective
270
Articles
270
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
US and German scientists win Nobel medicine prize for work on light and brain
The Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to US and German scientists for their research on how light affects biological processes, particularly focusing on the brain. Their work has significantly advanced understanding of circadian rhythms and photoreception, which has implications for treating various medical conditions. The research involves identifying specialized cells in the eye that detect light and relay signals to parts of the brain responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. This discovery has opened new avenues for addressing disorders related to disrupted biological clocks, such as jet lag and shift work disorder. The award highlights the importance of interdisciplinary scientific collaboration between researchers from different countries.
Trump chooses top spy boss to run new AI taskforce
US President Donald Trump has announced that his national intelligence director will head a newly established artificial intelligence taskforce. This decision comes amid increasing concerns about the development and implications of AI technology. The taskforce's role is expected to focus on overseeing and managing the risks associated with AI advancements. Trump emphasized the importance of addressing these growing anxieties through strategic leadership within the intelligence community. The move highlights the administration's prioritization of national security issues related to emerging technologies.
The top cancer success stories of the past 50 years, by the numbers
The article discusses significant advancements in cancer treatment over the past 50 years, highlighting notable improvements in outcomes for certain types of cancer in the United States. It notes that while progress has been made, there are still disparities in treatment effectiveness across different cancer types. The piece emphasizes statistical data and trends, focusing on how survival rates and treatment efficacy have evolved over time. However, it does not provide specific examples of individual patient successes or detailed case studies, instead presenting a broad overview of national trends.
AI biohazard hype must not divert attention from the real risks we face now
The article published in Nature on October 5, 2026, argues that current concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential biohazard are overshadowing more immediate and tangible risks within the life sciences sector. It references the 2001 U.S. anthrax attacks, which highlighted vulnerabilities in biological security, and suggests that while AI poses future challenges, the focus should remain on strengthening regulation and oversight of existing life-science research to prevent present-day threats. The piece calls for a balanced approach that does not allow speculative fears about AI to distract from concrete safety measures.
‘Learning about physics changed my life’: author Hernan Diaz on his new novel <i>Ply</i>
Hernan Diaz, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, discusses his new novel 'Ply' and how his experiences learning about physics, particularly during his visit to CERN, influenced his writing. The article highlights Diaz's efforts to communicate complex concepts of quantum physics through fiction, offering insights into how scientific themes can shape literary narratives. Diaz reflects on the transformative impact of engaging with physics, demonstrating how interdisciplinary approaches can enrich storytelling. This discussion provides a glimpse into the intersection of science and literature, emphasizing the role of creative expression in making scientific ideas accessible to broader audiences.
How to respond to hate speech without fuelling it further
The article discusses the rise in hateful comments online and presents research-based strategies for responding to such content without escalating hostility. Psychologist Mirta Galesic highlights the psychological mechanisms behind hate speech and offers evidence-supported approaches to counteract it effectively. The focus is on understanding how individuals can engage with hate speech in ways that reduce its impact rather than amplifying it. The discussion includes insights into cognitive biases and social dynamics that contribute to the spread of harmful rhetoric. These methods aim to foster constructive dialogue while maintaining personal boundaries.
Location, location, location: how to edit genes only in the cells you want
Researchers have developed a method to control gene-editing tools like CRISPR using external stimuli such as light and sound, allowing precise targeting of specific cells within the body. This advancement could enable more accurate genetic modifications, reducing unintended effects in other parts of the organism. The technique involves engineering CRISPR enzymes to respond to these signals, offering greater spatial and temporal control over gene editing. Such precision is crucial for therapeutic applications where targeting specific cell types is essential. This development represents a significant step forward in the field of genome editing.
Von Neumann’s party
The article titled 'Von Neumann’s party' published in Nature on October 2, 2026, presents a challenging question related to John von Neumann, a renowned mathematician and physicist known for his contributions to game theory, quantum mechanics, and computer science. The piece explores a conceptual or theoretical problem associated with von Neumann, likely referencing his work in mathematical logic or economics. While the exact nature of the 'party' is not elaborated, the article suggests it involves complex decision-making scenarios, possibly drawing parallels between von Neumann’s theories and contemporary issues in social sciences or artificial intelligence. The focus appears to be on the enduring relevance of von Neumann’s ideas in modern research and their implications for understanding human behavior and strategic thinking.
Prozac use for childhood depression skewed by single flawed medical trial
A recent study published in Nature highlights concerns about the influence of a single flawed medical trial conducted in Iran on meta-analyses regarding the use of Prozac for treating childhood depression. Researchers argue that this small study has led to an overestimation of the drug’s effectiveness in children, potentially shaping broader clinical guidelines and treatment practices. The findings suggest that reliance on limited data could skew scientific consensus and impact prescribing decisions. The article emphasizes the need for more robust, diverse research to accurately assess the efficacy and safety of antidepressants in pediatric populations.
Can we have class outside? Seven tips to breeze through outdoor lectures
The article discusses the benefits of holding outdoor lectures and presentations, suggesting that they can energize students and offer a more immersive learning experience. It cites advocates who support this approach, emphasizing the potential for enhanced engagement and a complete educational experience through an outdoor setting.
Stunning fossil shows dinosaurs’ distinctive path to flight
A newly discovered dinosaur fossil, featuring feathery limbs, has been reported in a study published in Nature. The specimen, unearthed in China, belongs to a previously unknown species and contributes to scientific understanding of how flight evolved in both dinosaurs and birds. Researchers suggest that the development of flight may have occurred independently multiple times across different lineages, challenging previous assumptions about evolutionary pathways. The findings highlight ongoing discoveries that refine our knowledge of prehistoric life and the transition between non-avian dinosaurs and modern birds.
Nature has rights — it is time the world recognized them
The article discusses the need for recognizing the rights of nature as a potential solution to ongoing environmental crises. It argues that current legal frameworks have failed to address planetary challenges effectively. The piece suggests that granting nature legal personhood might provide a new approach to environmental protection by allowing ecosystems to be treated as entities with inherent rights.
Daily briefing: Can you name every female Nobel laureate?
The article titled 'Daily briefing: Can you name every female Nobel laureate?' published by Nature on 02 October 2026 presents a quiz challenging readers to identify all female recipients of the Nobel Prize in Science. It also includes related topics such as research on how butterfly markings deceive predators and strategies for responding to hate speech without escalating conflict. The piece serves as an educational and informative segment, focusing on scientific knowledge and social issues.