Virus deploys a ‘loose cannon’ enzyme to overpower bacterial defences

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02537-xViruses that infect bacteria must either evade or counter the defence systems of their host. The viral kinase enzyme T7K has been found to phosphorylate nearly all…

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02537-x

Viruses that infect bacteria must either evade or counter the defence systems of their host. The viral kinase enzyme T7K has been found to phosphorylate nearly all bacterial proteins, but its specificity for DNA-binding proteins enables it to disable defence systems that target nucleic acids.

The Antarctic ice sheet has gained mass — but probably not for long

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02376-wSince 2020, snowfall has largely counterbalanced the melting of the Antarctic ice sheet. The atmospheric effect that causes this has been identified — and it’s tem…

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02376-w

Since 2020, snowfall has largely counterbalanced the melting of the Antarctic ice sheet. The atmospheric effect that causes this has been identified — and it’s temporary.