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 94
79/100
Factual
80/100
Objective
243
Articles
243
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
Investors’ sneak peak: can this AI tool spot the science that will lead to patents?
An AI tool called the Translation Readiness Index (TRI) has been developed to predict which scientific papers are more likely to lead to patents. The tool analyzes the language used in paper titles and abstracts, comparing them to previously patented research. Developed by researchers at the data analytics firm League of Scholars, TRI was trained on over 20,000 scientific papers, including those linked to patents. While the tool does not evaluate the actual experimental data or results, it showed promise in identifying papers with commercial potential by analyzing specific terminology like 'prototype' and 'device'. Researchers tested TRI by examining 100 top-ranked papers from the University of Western Australia and found they were more likely to have industry connections or prior patent history. Although the tool is not recommended as the sole basis for investment decisions, it could serve as a supplementary resource for identifying potentially valuable research.
Near-total lunar eclipse is coming up with the Americas in prime position
An upcoming near-total lunar eclipse will be visible across much of the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, with nearly 96% of the moon's surface entering Earth's shadow. Unlike the recent total solar eclipse that passed through Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, this lunar event will offer a longer viewing window, lasting over five hours. The eclipse coincides with increased interest in lunar exploration, including NASA's Artemis missions and the presence of astronauts on the International Space Station. While the event will not result in a 'blood moon' due to its partial nature, it will provide a rare opportunity for millions to witness the moon passing through Earth's shadow.
How does Moderna’s new melanoma vaccine work – and could it treat other cancers?
Moderna, in collaboration with Merck & Co, has developed a personalized mRNA vaccine called intismeran for treating high-risk melanoma. This vaccine, tailored to each patient based on their tumor's genetic profile, is administered alongside the immunotherapy drug Keytruda. Early results indicate the treatment extends the period during which patients remain cancer-free, though long-term survival data is still pending. The therapy involves analyzing tumor DNA to identify neoantigens, which are then used to train the immune system to target cancer cells. Trials involving over 1,000 patients showed promising outcomes, with the vaccine encoding up to 34 neoantigens. Researchers suggest this approach could be applicable to other cancers like lung, bladder, and kidney cancer, with ongoing trials in various stages.
‘If I don’t cheat, I’m going to be behind’: What it’s like to be at uni in 2026
An article discusses the growing reliance of university students on artificial intelligence tools for academic work, raising concerns among educators and recent graduates about the impact on students' skills and employability. A 2026 survey by the Higher Education Policy Institute found that 95% of students used AI in their studies, with many admitting to using it during exams. One anonymous student expressed worries that over-reliance on AI has diminished their understanding of core subjects like mathematics and could hinder their job prospects. Educators note that AI is being integrated into teaching methods, though some students argue that responsible use is difficult due to widespread misuse. The student acknowledges using AI in exams, highlighting the dilemma between academic integrity and competitive advantage.
Earth-shaking thunder probes underground geology
Researchers have discovered that 'thunderquakes', ground vibrations caused by thunderclaps, can be used to study geological structures in areas with low seismic activity. By measuring the varying speeds of these acoustic events, scientists aim to gain insights into subsurface geology without relying on traditional seismic methods. The study highlights potential applications for geological mapping and hazard assessment, particularly in regions where conventional seismic data is limited. While the research focuses on natural phenomena, it opens new avenues for understanding Earth's crust and improving early warning systems for geological hazards.
Briefing Chat: New narcolepsy drug could unlock host of novel brain therapies
The article discusses a newly FDA-approved drug for narcolepsy that researchers believe could lead to broader applications in treating various neurological conditions. It highlights potential advancements in brain therapy and mentions breakthroughs in growing human brain organoids that have survived for over five years in laboratory settings. The piece features a podcast episode from August 21, 2026, where Nature staff explore these developments. Related articles cover topics such as psychedelic effects on brain activity, safety concerns with AI in healthcare, and genetic screening for infant health. The focus is on scientific progress rather than political or social issues.
Why we must stop talking about artificial general intelligence — and instead build ‘pro-worker’ AI
This article discusses the potential risks of pursuing artificial general intelligence (AGI), arguing that the current trajectory of AI development prioritizes automation over worker augmentation. It highlights concerns that widespread AGI could lead to significant labor displacement, exacerbating inequality and threatening societal stability. The piece references studies showing that automation has contributed to rising inequality by reducing demand for routine labor, using examples like industrial robot adoption in manufacturing. The author calls for a shift toward 'pro-worker' AI that complements human labor, enhances productivity, and ensures broader economic benefits. The article emphasizes the need for policymakers and industry leaders to guide AI development away from purely automated systems and toward solutions that support workers.
Sleuth identifies dozens of studies that used the wrong antibody
A UK-based molecular biologist named Sholto David has identified over 50 studies on cell aging that mistakenly used antibodies targeting bacterial β-galactosidase instead of the mammalian version, potentially compromising experimental results. This follows previous findings where David uncovered hundreds of studies with similar antibody errors and issues with antibody validation images from Thermo Fisher Scientific. Antibodies, while essential for tracking proteins in experiments, often lead to unreliable results due to misidentification or lack of proper validation. The misuse of antibodies can affect scientific reproducibility and may impact future AI-driven research into disease treatment targets. Researchers studying cellular aging rely on these antibodies to detect senescent cells, which are associated with age-related tissue damage.
Hidden volcanoes hint at Moon’s turbulent past
A study has identified two previously unknown massive shield volcanoes on the Moon, revealing new insights into its geological history. These volcanoes were detected using data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, with one of them, the Prinz-Harbinger volcanic shield, being approximately 80 kilometers wide. The findings suggest that the Moon experienced significant volcanic activity in its past, contributing to its complex geological evolution. The research highlights the potential for further discoveries about the Moon's formation and internal processes.
Dialkyl ether synthesis through heteroatom homolytic substitution
This article discusses a new method for synthesizing dialkyl ethers using a radical-based approach involving heteroatom homolytic substitution (het-SH2). The study addresses challenges in traditional nucleophilic substitution methods, which are limited by steric hindrance and side reactions. The researchers developed a catalytic system combining titanium-based catalysts with visible-light photoredox catalysis to enable efficient synthesis of dialkyl ethers from carboxylic acid-derived esters and alcohols. This method allows for the creation of complex ether structures, including sterically demanding bioisosteres, and offers potential applications in pharmaceutical development by enabling late-stage modification of molecular scaffolds.
To shield the fetus, link a protein to these drugs
A study suggests attaching a protein called albumin to antibody-based medications could prevent these drugs from crossing the placenta, potentially making them safer for pregnant individuals. Antibody-based therapies are commonly used to treat cancers and autoimmune diseases but pose risks during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. The research highlights a possible method to modify these drugs, reducing their ability to pass through the placenta while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness. This development could lead to improved treatment options for pregnant patients requiring such medications.
Researcher, heal thyself: meet the scientists studying their own diseases
Molecular biologist Francesca Granata suffered from severe, unexplained skin pain during childhood, which was initially dismissed by doctors as psychological. After years of searching, she diagnosed herself with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic disorder that causes extreme photosensitivity and potential liver damage. Granata turned her personal struggle into a scientific mission, dedicating her career to researching EPP and advocating for patients with rare diseases. She founded Vivi Porfiria, an Italian patient-advocacy organization, and later helped establish the International Porphyria Patient Network to improve awareness and support for those affected by porphyrias. Her journey highlights how some scientists use their personal experiences with rare illnesses to drive both research and patient advocacy.
These trees are making air quality in cities worse
A study published in Science Advances reveals that certain tree species commonly planted in cities, including weeping willows and poplars, contribute significantly to ozone pollution. These trees emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particularly isoprene, which reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight to form ozone. While human activities like vehicle emissions and industrial processes generate more VOCs overall, vegetation accounts for 52% of the chemicals that ultimately form ozone. Researchers analyzed data from Beijing and other megacities, finding that isoprene-emitting trees play a major role in worsening urban air quality. The findings suggest that urban greening efforts may inadvertently worsen air pollution, especially as global temperatures rise.