Nature, Published online: 22 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10833-9

CRISPR–Cas systems transcriptionally tune diverse innate defences using CRISPR RNA-like guides to balance antiviral protection with fitness, and hyperactivate these defences when compromised, establishing a layered bacterial ‘immunity guard’ network.

Nature, Published online: 24 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10662-w

Optical cooling in two-dimensional semiconductor heterostructures is demonstrated through phonon-assisted interfacial charge transfer, enabling cryogen-free thermal management without stringent quantum-efficiency requirements.