In optimal-stopping problems, people encounter options sequentially with the goal of finding the best one; once it is rejected, it is no longer available. Previous research indicates that people often do not make optimal choices in these tasks. We examined whether additional information about the task's environment enhances choices, aligning people's behaviour closer to the optimal policy. Our study implemented two additional-information conditions: (1) a transparent presentation of the underlying distribution and (2) a provision of the optimal policy. Our results indicated that while choice patterns varied weakly with additional information when providing the optimal policy, it did not significantly enhance participants' performance. This finding suggests that the challenge in following the optimal strategy is not only due to its computational complexity; even with access to the optimal policy, participants often chose suboptimal options. These results align with other studies showing people's reluctance to rely on algorithmic or AI-generated advice.

Ferns are the closest sister group to all seed plants, yet little is known about their genomes other than that they are generally colossal. Here, we report on the genomes of Azolla filiculoides and Salvinia cucullata (Salviniales) and present evidence for episodic whole-genome duplication in ferns-one at the base of 'core leptosporangiates' and one specific to Azolla. One fern-specific gene that we identified, recently shown to confer high insect resistance, seems to have been derived from bacteria through horizontal gene transfer. Azolla coexists in a unique symbiosis with N₂-fixing cyanobacteria, and we demonstrate a clear pattern of cospeciation between the two partners. Furthermore, the Azolla genome lacks genes that are common to arbuscular mycorrhizal and root nodule symbioses, and we identify several putative transporter genes specific to Azolla-cyanobacterial symbiosis. These genomic resources will help in exploring the biotechnological potential of Azolla and address fundamental questions in the evolution of plant life.