Daily briefing: The first new cat species described by science in a century

Nature, Published online: 21 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-03008-zLeopardus tilcayo is smaller than a housecat and covered in leopard-like spots. Plus, the brain might spawn from two types of precursor cell and how to maintain…

Nature, Published online: 21 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-03008-z

Leopardus tilcayo is smaller than a housecat and covered in leopard-like spots. Plus, the brain might spawn from two types of precursor cell and how to maintain the foundations of human flourishing in a climate crisis.

AI co-scientists are revolutionizing how research is done

Nature, Published online: 21 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02931-5Artificial-intelligence systems can generate hypotheses, design experiments and analyse data — but humans still need to decide what makes sense.

Nature, Published online: 21 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02931-5

Artificial-intelligence systems can generate hypotheses, design experiments and analyse data — but humans still need to decide what makes sense.

Six principles for supporting academic freedom in universities

Nature, Published online: 21 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02932-4Many academics are concerned about threats to independent enquiry in higher education. Here’s how it can be protected while taking legitimate concerns into acco…

Nature, Published online: 21 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02932-4

Many academics are concerned about threats to independent enquiry in higher education. Here’s how it can be protected while taking legitimate concerns into account.

Losing your way of life to climate change matters — and we need a way to measure it

Nature, Published online: 21 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02928-0Climate losses extend beyond property and income. Policymakers need ways to assess what people value, experience and ultimately stand to lose.

Nature, Published online: 21 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02928-0

Climate losses extend beyond property and income. Policymakers need ways to assess what people value, experience and ultimately stand to lose.