Using propensity score matching, Kim et al. find evidence of higher short- and long-term risk of adverse neuropsychiatric outcomes in Korean and Japanese cohorts of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 than in the general population.

In this randomized controlled trial, Gennetian et al. evaluated the impacts of cash transfers on family investments. Families with low income were randomized to receive monthly unconditional cash starting at childbirth. Households spent more money and time on child-specific goods and learning activities.

Korponay et al. show that estimates of functional brain connectivity artifactually inflate over the course of resting-state and task-based fMRI scans.

To study cognition, researchers have traditionally used laboratory-based experiments, but games offer a valuable alternative: they are intuitive and enjoyable. In this Perspective, Schulz et al. discuss the advantages and drawbacks of games and give recommendations for researchers.

Models of decision-making assume we predict forward from an action to its potential outcomes. In six studies, Sharp and Eldar show that humans also predict backward from a desired outcome to its preceding actions, particularly in divergent environments.

Koren and Bukari use geolocated data on zoonotic diseases in Africa (1997–2019) to examine their impact on conflict. They find that zoonotic diseases are linked to a decrease in state-initiated civil wars but an increase in social conflicts involving identity militias.

The authors develop a neural network, RTNet, that generates stochastic decisions and human-like response time distributions. RTNet reproduces foundational features of human responses and predicts human behaviour on novel images better than current alternatives.

Berger et al. use detailed credit data from the USA to examine the trade-off between government welfare support and consumer reliance on high-cost credit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lifestyle improvements can achieve greater benefits in preventing early-onset cardiovascular disease in young adults at high genetic risk (as determined by polygenic risk score) than in other genetic risk groups.

Although poverty and mental illness are strongly correlated, it is unclear whether they are causally linked. Using UK Biobank and Psychiatric Genomic Consortium data, Marchi et al. provide evidence of a causal relationship between poverty and some mental illnesses.

As AI tools quickly become more capable, multimodal and pervasive in daily life, it is important to actively collaborate with them in ways that promote — rather than inhibit — human skill development.

Rania Awaad explains how her faith has shaped her research career, and the Islamic principles that guide her mentorship of junior scholars.

Unsupportive university policies force parents to make choices about how to feed their baby. Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi, an expert in employment law and advocate for parental rights in the UK, tells us why this needs to change.

This year, 49% of the world will go to the polls. Political support for science-informed policy is not a given. Maria Caffrey, a whistleblower who defended scientific integrity under the Trump administration, offers advice on media engagement during this time.

Science communication often assumes a ‘deficit’ in knowledge on behalf of the recipient, but this deficit-based approach is inequitable and ineffective. We must train all STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) students in inclusive science communication, which uses collaboration with diverse people to address misinformation and solve socioscientific issues.

Guoyu Wang leads and serves on Chinese ethics committees. She explains how research ethics have developed in China, and why ethics review promotes responsible innovation.