Why AI systems are most useful as designers of new scientific tools

Nature, Published online: 17 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02529-xHistory shows that breakthroughs are often sparked by innovative instruments, and AI’s ability to help design them might be its most important scientific contribut…

Nature, Published online: 17 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02529-x

History shows that breakthroughs are often sparked by innovative instruments, and AI’s ability to help design them might be its most important scientific contribution.

Too hot to sleep? How heatwaves at night affect our health

Nature, Published online: 17 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02532-2As climate change ramps up, scientists must urgently understand how night-time heat makes it harder for our bodies to rest and recover.

Nature, Published online: 17 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02532-2

As climate change ramps up, scientists must urgently understand how night-time heat makes it harder for our bodies to rest and recover.

How the story of life and our planet unfolded — together

Nature, Published online: 17 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02530-4Earth’s four-billion-year-long conversation with its resident life forms has shaped our world, and holds lessons for our future.

Nature, Published online: 17 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02530-4

Earth’s four-billion-year-long conversation with its resident life forms has shaped our world, and holds lessons for our future.

Universities must stop protecting bullies — or more people will leave science

Nature, Published online: 17 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02526-0Letting powerful academics off the hook and punishing the people they bullied sends the message that abuse is acceptable in academia.

Nature, Published online: 17 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02526-0

Letting powerful academics off the hook and punishing the people they bullied sends the message that abuse is acceptable in academia.