Specials

Welcome to Nature's specials, where we shine a spotlight on news events from the sequencing of the chimp genome to the relaunch of the space shuttle. Explore each topic in depth through news, features and interactive graphics.

Most recent

• Darwin 200

  Darwin was arguably the most influential scientist of modern times. No single researcher has since matched his collective impact on the natural and social sciences; on politics, religions, and philosophy; on art and cultural relations, and in ways that the man himself would never have imagined.

  18 November 2009

• Neuroscience

  Researchers are using every technique available to gain new insights into neuroscience and, in particular, the human brain. A Nature news special showcases and analyses some of these advances.

  15 October 2009

• Human Genetics 2009

  Everything in human genetics is growing, from the number of human genomes to the number of genetic tests on sale. Nature sorts through the information overload for some biological sense.

  08 October 2009

We recommend

Here's a sampling of our previous specials. See the chronological and alphabetical listings below for the full archive.

• Eastern Europe

  Nature explores how research has changed for eastern European scientists since the Berlin Wall came down 20 years ago.

  01 October 2009

• Swine Flu

  The World Health Organization declared the first flu pandemic in 41 years on 11 June. As details of the global impact of the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus — and efforts to combat the threat — unfold over the coming months, Nature News provides breaking news and authoritative analysis of the science and the politics behind the headlines.

  28 June 2009

• The Road to Copenhagen

  As the world prepares to descend on Copenhagen to wrangle over the details of a new climate deal in December, Nature is covering every aspect of the science and politics of climate change.

  17 June 2009

• Recession Watch

  As the world faces its biggest financial crisis in decades, Nature keeps you updated on what it all means for science. Will your research funding be cut? How secure is your company or research institution? And can the meltdown actually create opportunities for science?

  03 April 2009