Goldenberg et al. show that we tend to overestimate the average intensity of a sequence of emotional expressions and that this is caused by increased memory for stronger expressions.

Berger et al. investigate green defaults under varying prices. Using field data from a flight compensation platform, they show that green defaults are effective. Their effectiveness, however, vanishes when costs become too high.

Using a mathematical model of viral spread and Twitter data, Bak-Coleman and coauthors show how a combination of interventions, such as fact-checking, nudging and account suspension, can help combat the spread of misinformation.

Van Bree et al. present the Brain Time Toolbox which warps electrophysiology data in line with the brain’s dynamics. This procedure overcomes the issue that the clock time format of brain data is out of synchrony with a dynamic brain that uses its own regime of time.

Pahor et al. find evidence across three experiments that the extent to which people improve in matrix reasoning as a result of N-back training is associated with their degree of improvement on working memory tasks similar to the training task.

Niarchou et al. identify 69 genomic loci associated with people’s synchronization to a musical beat. The genetic architecture of beat synchronization was enriched for genes involved in early brain development and lifelong brain function.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has wreaked death and destruction in the country, with impacts that reverberate worldwide. This Focus highlights the voices of Ukrainian scientists — at home and abroad — and provides insights into the many effects of the war.

Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine showcases substantial challenges, especially to international humanitarian and criminal law and human rights. It also calls for an urgent revisiting of the role of the United Nations Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security, and of the security architecture in Europe and worldwide.

Russian disinformation exploits social problems in foreign states to undermine people’s trust and breed conspiracy theories. Tackling it is difficult but feasible.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought into stark relief the role that fossil fuels can play in conflict. Leading Ukrainian climate scientist Svitlana Krakovska talks of the terrors of the war in Ukraine and how divesting from fossil fuels will bring humanity onto a safer path towards a sustainable future.

Korrine Sky, a British Zimbabwean student who fled Ukraine after the Russian invasion, writes about the racism and discrimination against people of colour fleeing Ukraine.