Cell-type-specific eQTLs underlie the genetic architecture of complex traits

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10577-6Single-cell RNA-sequencing shows that cell-type-specific expression quantitative trait loci drive much of complex trait heritability, highlighting cell-type-specif…

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10577-6

Single-cell RNA-sequencing shows that cell-type-specific expression quantitative trait loci drive much of complex trait heritability, highlighting cell-type-specific gene regulation as key to linking genetic variants with traits.

Ultrafast and reference-free sequence discovery in single-cell data

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10975-wMalva enables ultrafast, reference-free searching of raw single-cell sequences across millions of cells, transforming static transcriptomic atlases into dynamic re…

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10975-w

Malva enables ultrafast, reference-free searching of raw single-cell sequences across millions of cells, transforming static transcriptomic atlases into dynamic resources for understanding the functions of sequences.

Amphibious stem-insect sheds light on colonization of land

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10961-2Restudy of a challenging fossil using cross-polarized light imaging and phylogenetic reconstruction identifies Chosha praecursor, a probable early-diverging insect…

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10961-2

Restudy of a challenging fossil using cross-polarized light imaging and phylogenetic reconstruction identifies Chosha praecursor, a probable early-diverging insect, helping to bridge the longstanding ‘hexapod gap’ in the fossil record.

Plasma-jet movie is astronomy’s summer blockbuster

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02522-4Just 116 images exist of the active galaxy 3C 345 — but an AI-driven algorithm has created a highly detailed video of the plasma jets blasted from its centre.

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02522-4

Just 116 images exist of the active galaxy 3C 345 — but an AI-driven algorithm has created a highly detailed video of the plasma jets blasted from its centre.

A practical recycling strategy for making thiophosphate molecules with enzymes

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02482-9An enzymatic platform for constructing the thiophosphate molecular motif without relying on large amounts of expensive reagents has been developed. The method lays…

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02482-9

An enzymatic platform for constructing the thiophosphate molecular motif without relying on large amounts of expensive reagents has been developed. The method lays the foundation for developing enzymatic cascades to synthesize thiophosphate-containing motifs in drug development.

Savannah grass growth in dry conditions is boosted by increased CO<sub>2</sub> levels

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02480-xAnalysis of 70 experiments and 32 years of field observations shows that increasing the amount of carbon dioxide enhances the growth of the C4 group of grasses whe…

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02480-x

Analysis of 70 experiments and 32 years of field observations shows that increasing the amount of carbon dioxide enhances the growth of the C4 group of grasses when water is limited. These findings challenge the assumption that C4 grasses respond weakly to changes in carbon dioxide level, and reveal an overlooked driver of change across the world’s savannahs.

Can nuclear reactors hit the road?

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02510-8Fission facilities that fit in a truck could provide portable power where it’s needed — but some people question whether it’s worth the cost, safety compromises an…

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02510-8

Fission facilities that fit in a truck could provide portable power where it’s needed — but some people question whether it’s worth the cost, safety compromises and the risk of sending the raw materials for bombs into communities.

Does the shingles vaccine cut heart disease risk? Mounting evidence suggests a link

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02663-6Large study finds that people who received the ‘recombinant’ vaccine for the viral condition had a lower risk of cardiovascular problems.

Nature, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02663-6

Large study finds that people who received the ‘recombinant’ vaccine for the viral condition had a lower risk of cardiovascular problems.