Daily briefing: Read the text inside a charred, rolled-up scroll

Nature, Published online: 23 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-03025-yLead detection reveals the ink on burnt sheets of papyrus. Plus, the first radio signals from an exoplanet and how to stay smart in the age of AI.

Nature, Published online: 23 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-03025-y

Lead detection reveals the ink on burnt sheets of papyrus. Plus, the first radio signals from an exoplanet and how to stay smart in the age of AI.

How to stay smart in the age of AI: the science of critical thinking

Nature, Published online: 23 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02930-6There is growing concern that AI can blunt memory and reasoning. But science shows ways to keep the brain sharp.

Nature, Published online: 23 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02930-6

There is growing concern that AI can blunt memory and reasoning. But science shows ways to keep the brain sharp.

In praise of human teachers: universities must resist outsourcing everything to AI

Nature, Published online: 23 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02949-9An AI revolution is sweeping through education. But teachers who can convey the excitement of thinking and learning are irreplaceable.

Nature, Published online: 23 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02949-9

An AI revolution is sweeping through education. But teachers who can convey the excitement of thinking and learning are irreplaceable.

This super-cold microscope could spur a quantum revolution

Nature, Published online: 22 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02942-2The instrument, which operates near absolute zero for hours, will soon ship to a few labs. Researchers are thrilled.

Nature, Published online: 22 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02942-2

The instrument, which operates near absolute zero for hours, will soon ship to a few labs. Researchers are thrilled.