Science, technology and society articles from across Nature Portfolio

This study presents large-scale experimental evidence that redirecting a small number of trips can improve overall traffic flow. We demonstrate that rerouting <2% of trips can measurably increase driving speeds and potentially save hundreds to thousands of tonnes of CO₂ emissions per city each year.

This Perspective describes the pathways in which users access health information via AI-based chatbots and highlights the related risks, advocating for making these interactions observable and accountable.

This study presents large-scale experimental evidence that redirecting a small number of trips can improve overall traffic flow. We demonstrate that rerouting <2% of trips can measurably increase driving speeds and potentially save hundreds to thousands of tonnes of CO₂ emissions per city each year.

When newsroom artificial intelligence (AI) engages in emotional packaging, it changes how a story feels, shaping whether people approach, trust and share it. As these systems are designed and deployed, AI and behavioural researchers should work together to test whether emotional packaging helps accurate information reach readers, and whether it deepens division.

New technologies are implemented and associated policy decisions and public attitudes are solidified before research on the impacts of such technology is available. Psychologists must contribute to discussions of generative AI for young children through science-informed opinion to ensure benefits and prevent harm.

Although large language models (LLMs) have only recently become ubiquitous, psychological distress following user-LLM interaction has already been documented in both the scientific literature and the popular media. Such distress may be related to the tendency of some LLMs to provide sycophantic responses that uncritically reinforce the views of the user. To support users’ healthy emotional regulation, flexible, emotionally aware AI systems are needed.