Research Communities is where research meets real-world experience, sparks curiosity, and opens new conversations. This April and May, blog posts from the Behavioural Sciences & Psychology, and Arts & Humanities Communities explored everything from how chimpanzees learn to how children grieve online. Whether you're a researcher in related areas or simply curious about the human stories behind science, this round-up compiles fresh perspectives on human behaviour, societal challenges, and interdisciplinary insight. 

A peek into chimpanzees' "schoolyards" 

@Oscar Nodé-Langlois 

Oscar Nodé-Langlois highlights in a blog post that wild chimpanzees from the Taï forest develop complex tool-use skills, such as nut-cracking, through prolonged social learning – a finding published in Communications Biology. By tracking 35 chimpanzees aged 0 to 10 years, researchers found juveniles observe not only mothers but also tolerant older experts across a 10-year developmental window. This apprenticeship-like system, driven by social tolerance and access to diverse role models, mirrors human childhood learning. These elements may have played a crucial role in human evolution. Dive into the full blog post here.  

“Honest liars” in Congress 

@Stephan Lewandowsky 

Did you know politicians can be “honest” while spreading misinformation? This Behind the Paper blog post based on a study recently published in Nature Human Behaviour dives into a paradox: despite making over 30,000 false claims, 75% of Republican voters considered Trump “honest.” Researchers analyzed 8 million Congressional speeches since 1879 and found politicians increasingly swap evidence for phrases like “I feel” or “I believe”. Politicians' reliance on instinct over evidence sparks a chain reaction: stalled legislation, deeper political divides, and a measurable rise in societal inequity. Explore the full blog post written by Stephan Lewandowsky.   

What do envy and jealousy have to do with mass murder？ 

@Keith Minihane 

This Behind the Paper post explores the emotional and psychological roots of mass violence through the final writings – “legacy tokens” – left by offenders. Based on a recent study published in Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, the blog post introduces two distinct profiles: “envy”-type offenders, often younger and status-deprived, who seek recognition and fame; and “jealousy”-type offenders, typically older and socially collapsing, who express regret and seek control. Their legacy tokens, from godlike manifestos to apologies, show their inner world – seeking for meaning, belonging, and attention. Read the full blog here written by Keith Minihane. 

Supporting kids in loss 

@Amy Joint 

This Q&A highlights Project SKIL, a new study on online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for grief in children, recently published in the ISRCTN registry. Professor Sarah Egan explains how the programme supports children aged 6–12 dealing with bereavement or other forms of loss such as divorce through engaging, self-guided modules designed with input from young people themselves. Read the full Q&A here to explore a valuable contribution to SDG3 on mental health and well-being. This blog aligns with Mental Health awareness week (12–18th May 2025). Find celebration of this week and blogs on this topic, and more relevant blogs in SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing page on the Communities.  

Volcano Voices: Co-Creating Memory Through Art at Fuego 

@Ailsa Katharine Naismith 

In this arts-based study published in the Journal of Applied Volcanology, researcher-artist Ailsa Katharine Naismith co-created a zine with Guatemalan communities affected by the Fuego volcano. In this blog, Ailsa introduced how illustration can sensitively express untold disaster experiences through interviews and participatory workshops. The project highlights both the power and complexity of combining creative methods with participatory research. Read the full blog.  

When do babies start walking? 

@Angelica Ronald 

This blog post takes you behind the paper recently published in Nature Human Behaviour, exploring how genetics influence when infants begin to walk. The study reveals that genes active in brain regions controlling motor function are linked to the timing of walking and show a genetic correlation with ADHD risk. Interestingly, a genetic tendency toward later walking associates with a lower risk of ADHD, which in turn relates to better educational outcomes. Drawing on data from over 70,000 infants spanning nearly 80 years, this research uncovers complex genetic connections between early motor milestones and later development. Read the full blog to find a message for parents and what’s next for science. 

We’d love to hear what inspired you — leave a comment, like your favourite posts, and share them with others who may be interested. You could also take the survey below to share your thoughts! 

These blog posts offer just a glimpse into the thought-provoking research being shared across Research Communities. Explore more pieces, there’s always more to discover and discuss. 

Further reading: 

• Quarterly Highlights from the Humanities and Social Sciences Communities 

• April highlights from the Medicine and Life Sciences Research Communities   

• May highlights from the Medicine and Life Sciences Research Communities  

• May highlights from the Mathematics, Physical & Applied Sciences Communities 

If you have any questions, get in touch with the team at communities@springernature.com