Celebrating Nature's covers: past, present and future

China is changing its doctoral training rules so that PhD students in clinical medicine can earn their degrees without writing a traditional research thesis, according to Nature. The shift, with more degree programmes expected to follow, reflects a move to separate clinical training from research training and could reshape how China educates doctors and clinician-scientists. It matters because China trains a large share of the world's medical researchers, and any change to degree requirements can affect research output and the skills of future physicians.

An explainer examines how the largest cryptocurrency heist in history was carried out, focusing on the attack methods and security failures involved. The incident matters because it underscores the risks facing crypto platforms and could intensify scrutiny and regulation of the industry.

A vibrating mattress has been reported to help clear a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease from the brain, according to New Scientist. The finding could point to a non-invasive, sleep-based way to reduce Alzheimer’s-related protein buildup, but it needs further study.

Nature argues that universities must ensure visiting PhD students receive safety alerts and emergency information. Visiting researchers can fall through communication gaps because they are not fully integrated into local systems. Closing these gaps matters for protecting international and temporary doctoral students during crises.

Nature argues that universities must assess student learning both with and without AI assistance as generative AI spreads through education. Better measurement is needed to preserve trust in qualifications and understand AI’s effects on learning.