Largest study of its kind explores the ‘Matthew effect’ in research.

Stellar structures and the dark matter (DM) halo of galaxies are dynamically intertwined. However, the impact of stellar spiral arms on the DM halo morphology remains little explored. Marcel Bernet and colleagues address this deficiency by investigating the imprint of stellar spirals on the DM halo of a Milky Way-like galaxy, revealing the presence of dark spiral arms. Using an N-body model of an isolated

‘Know thy star, know thy planet’: precise and accurate estimates of stellar parameters and behaviour are necessary to reliably characterize their orbiting exoplanets. However, these data are usually gathered by many different surveys and facilities, creating an inconsistent archive. Patrick de Laverny and colleagues present a homogenous catalogue of the properties of 2,573 exoplanetary host stars and

Taking their name from their extremely red and compact emission, little red dots (LRDs) do not yet have a physical explanation that is consistent across their full spectral energy distribution (SED): whilst some spectral features indicate the presence of dusty active galactic nuclei (AGN), others are more naturally interpreted as stellar light. Observations and modelling are also often hampered by

A robust detection of life on another world would be a landmark event. A common approach towards life detection focuses on observing key chemical species in atmospheres that are uniquely associated with life. However, an alternative method involves identifying chemical disequilibrium: atmospheric chemistry that has been perturbed from thermodynamic equilibrium by some biological process. Amber Young

Against a background of threats to science and personal identity, this month we highlight a score of Black astronomers trying to pursue their ambitions without fear, and Black In Astro, an organization supporting predominantly early-career Black people working in the space sciences.

Magnetially controlled device can combine or split microlitre-sized droplets.

Data could help to reveal the warning signs of potentially dangerous eruptions caused by liquid groundwater abruptly turning into gas.

Andrew Robinson reviews five of the best science picks.

Studies of the regenerative powers of worms, zebrafish and lizards suggest ways to improve recovery in people.

Half a century after its cinematic release, Jaws is still shaping how we view — and protect — the ocean’s top predators.

An immigration crackdown makes the United States less attractive. These locations could steal its crown and make conferences more globally inclusive.

Astronomer Bernie Fanaroff helped to design South Africa’s plan to become a radioastronomy powerhouse — and it started with training the next generation.

A new campaign by the non-profit group Mothers in Science highlights the challenges and experiences that fathers face, providing actionable steps to becoming a better parent and ally.

Virologist Amadou Sall is the driving force behind a world-class manufacturing hub in Senegal.

Bogong moths use the stars to find their way during an epic migration across Australia. Plus, the ‘Dragon Man’ fossil belonged to a Denisovan and how our brains might control ageing.

Although language models can help to accelerate systematic reviews, a fully automated system is still some way off.

Correction to: Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-03145-z Published online 3 February 2021

Correction to: Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08797-3 Published online 26 March 2025

Ancient proteins and calcified dental plaque identify heavy-browed fossil from China as a Denisovan.

Neurons deep in the brain influence how stressful experiences disrupt both sleep and memory.

Long cast as villains, some protists, such as Blastocystis, are potentially beneficial to human health.

Climate change may amplify the frequency and severity of supply-demand mismatches in future power systems with high shares of wind and solar energy1,2. Here, we use a dispatch optimization model to assess potential increases in hourly costs associated with such climate-intensified gaps under fixed, high penetrations of wind and solar generation. We further explore various strategies to enhance system

replying to: Y. Fialko & Y. Kaneko. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09117-5 (2025). In Lee et al.1, we found that creeping faults correlate with well-aligned fault networks and locked, seismogenic faults correlate with fault-network misalignment. We suggested that these observations could be caused by geometric locking that is distinct from standard fault stability criteria based on rate-and-state2

Bogong moths migrate hundreds of kilometres and back each year using the southern night sky as their compass.

Hear the biggest stories from the world of science | 18 June 2025

Ecological modelling reveals that the range of habitats humans occupied in Africa increased before our species established a lasting presence outside the continent.

Computer approach creates synthetic enzymes 100 times more efficient than those designed by AI.

The chemical building blocks from material used to make mountain bikes can be recovered using acetic acid.

Australian migratory moths use the night sky to maintain their course when they travel long distances to shelter in cool caves during the arid summer.

Reinforcement learning in the brain relies on different dopamine neurons discounting rewards at different rates.

Trauma leaves traces in the brain. A study of alterations in gene regulation in the brains of people with post-traumatic stress disorder offers insights into its biology.