Science in 2026: what to expect this year
Nature, Published online: 01 January 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-04114-0 More refined AI models, advancements in human gene editing and the continuing impact
Put pressure on publishers to follow best practice — external regulation is the answer
Hospitals, airlines and drug manufacturers are subject to oversight by external regulators, to ensure that consumers receive safe and high-quality
The Nature Podcast highlights of 2025
You have full access to this article via your institution. Download the Nature Podcast 24 December 2025 In this episode:
Seeding opportunities for Black atmospheric scientists
Vernon Morris (outlined) with alumni from the atmospheric sciences PhD programme he established at Howard University in Washington DC.Credit: Vernon
peer reviews created using AI can avoid detection
The difficulty of detecting AI-tool use in peer review is proving problematic.Credit: BrianAJackson/iStock via Getty It’s almost impossible to know
researchers are crossing a threshold in the fight for funding
The Hungarian-born physicist Leo Szilard was the inspiration behind the idea of the Szilard point, a term used in cost–benefit
How fasting boosts breast cancer therapy
Brufsky, A. M. & Dickler, M. N. Oncologist 23, 528–539 (2018). Article PubMed Google Scholar Schagerholm Stanev, C. et al.
China leads research in 90% of crucial technologies — a dramatic shift this century
China produces the largest share of high-quality research for 66 technologies.Credit: Liu Guoxing/VCG via Getty China is leading research in
What will be the first AI-designed drug? These disease-fighting antibodies are top contenders
An illustration of antibodies (pink) binding to a flu virus (brown).Credit: Juan Gaertner/Science Photo Library Biologists achieved a landmark in
AI is saving time and money in research — but at what cost?
More than 60% of researchers surveyed about AI say they use it for work.Credit: MD Abu Sufian Jewel/NurPhoto via Getty