The worst El Niño in recorded history is brewing — here’s how governments must prepare

Nature, Published online: 22 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02939-xFrom southern Africa to the Amazon, the risks are mounting and the window for action is rapidly closing.

Nature, Published online: 22 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02939-x

From southern Africa to the Amazon, the risks are mounting and the window for action is rapidly closing.

China punishes prominent academics exposed by research sleuth

Nature, Published online: 21 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02890-xSeveral scientists investigated for research-integrity violations by video-blogger ‘Student Geng’ have now faced disciplinary measures. The penalties are part o…

Nature, Published online: 21 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02890-x

Several scientists investigated for research-integrity violations by video-blogger ‘Student Geng’ have now faced disciplinary measures. The penalties are part of a misconduct crackdown on 31 research teams.

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.