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Science X Newsletter

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for week 19: After a 40-year wait, technology finally enables three-sided zipper design A customizable three-sided zipper, enabled by modern 3D printing and design software, allows rapid, reversible transitions between flexible and rigid states in objects. The Y-zipper system supports diverse applications, including tents, medical wearables, robotics, and dynamic art, with demonstrated durability over 18,000 cycles. Material choice affects strength and flexibility, and future work may expand scale and material options.   Omega-3 supplements may be linked to faster cognitive decline in seniors, study finds Omega-3 supplementation in older adults was associated with a more rapid decline in cognitive function over five years compared to non-users, independent of APOE ε4 genetic risk. Brain imaging indicated this decline was linked to reduced cerebral glucose metabolism rather than typical Alzheimer's pathology. The findings suggest potential adverse effects of omega-3 on synaptic function in aging brains.   Climate scientist finds large errors in a global climate pollution database Analysis indicates the Climate TRACE database underestimates urban vehicle CO2 emissions in U.S. cities by an average of 70% compared to the Vulcan onroad database, with some cities showing discrepancies over 90%. These findings suggest significant underreporting of fossil fuel-based CO2 emissions, raising concerns about the reliability of AI-based emissions inventories for informing climate policy.   One dose of psilocybin changes the human brain, leading to higher entropy A single high dose of psilocybin in healthy adults increased brain entropy, as measured by EEG, within an hour, and this effect predicted greater psychological insight and improved well-being up to a month later. Diffusion tensor imaging showed denser, more structurally intact neural tracts one month post-dose. These findings suggest that psilocybin-induced increases in brain entropy and insight may underlie its lasting positive effects on mental health and cognitive flexibility.   Lying down to stand stronger: 10 minutes of simple floor exercises a day could improve balance and agility A daily 10-minute routine of low-intensity exercises performed while lying on the back improved static balance and lateral agility without increasing muscle strength or explosive power. The exercises enhanced coordination between the trunk and legs, reduced body sway, and increased steadiness when standing with feet together, suggesting potential benefits for fall prevention and quality of life.   Indigenous Andeans have a digestive superpower—and it may be linked to potatoes Indigenous Andeans have the highest known number of AMY1 gene copies, which enhances starch digestion, likely due to natural selection following the domestication of potatoes 6,000–10,000 years ago. This adaptation predates European contact and is not explained by population bottlenecks. Andeans average 10 AMY1 copies, more than any other population studied, reflecting rapid genetic adaptation to a starch-rich diet.   DNA matches identify four more sailors from Franklin expedition DNA analysis matched skeletal remains from the Franklin expedition to four additional sailors, bringing the total identified to six. The identifications clarify the fate and locations of specific crew members, including resolving a long-standing mystery about Harry Peglar. No evidence of cannibalism was found in these remains, and descendant DNA was essential for confirmation.   Almost all plant-based meat alternatives contain mycotoxins, new research finds All tested plant-based meat alternatives and beverages in the UK contained at least one mycotoxin, though levels were below EU guideline limits. Mycotoxins are common in plant-derived foods due to fungal contamination of raw materials. While individual exposure is unlikely to cause harm, cumulative intake from a diet high in these products may pose health risks, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and risk assessment.   For years, reading struggles seemed obvious. This massive analysis points to a very different cause Analysis of over 50,000 correlations found that visual processing has no meaningful relationship to reading ability, and general intelligence is less influential than previously thought. Auditory processing and comprehension-knowledge are the strongest predictors of reading skills, with memory, processing speed, and reasoning providing additional support. Reading difficulties often reflect specific skill deficits rather than low overall ability.   What can singing mice say about human speech? Singing mice exhibit complex vocal turn-taking similar to human conversation, enabled not by major brain reorganization but by a targeted increase in neural connections between mouth-movement, auditory, and vocalization centers. This suggests that the evolution of speech-like behaviors may require only specific, modest changes in brain wiring rather than large-scale structural innovations.   Buried electrical pathways across the US reveal new clues about Earth's interior and power grid risks A comprehensive three-dimensional map of subsurface electrical resistivity across the US reveals significant regional variation in how underground structures conduct electricity, influencing the impact of geomagnetic storms on power grids. The data show that geoelectric hazards can differ greatly even over short distances, with some areas experiencing field strengths far exceeding grid safety thresholds during major solar storms. Real-time mapping now enables more precise risk assessment for power infrastructure, while the model also provides insights into North America's geological history and resource distribution.   Human language shows deep safety bias, challenging 70-year scientific consensus Analysis of large-scale language data reveals that human language is fundamentally organized around three independent dimensions: power, danger, and structure, rather than the traditional valence, arousal, and dominance (VAD) model. Language exhibits a strong bias toward safety, reframing the positivity bias as a deeper safety bias. This finding challenges longstanding assumptions in psychology, linguistics, and AI, suggesting that meaning in language is grounded in survival-relevant distinctions. Incorporating these dimensions may improve the accuracy of language-based models and our understanding of communication.   Myanmar says giant 11,000-carat ruby found in Mogok could rank among most valuable An 11,000-carat ruby with purplish-red color and yellowish undertones was discovered in Myanmar's Mogok region. The stone is considered exceptionally large, rare, and of high quality, with superior color and clarity compared to larger rubies previously found in the area, potentially making it among the most valuable.   Ancient sea fossils indicate millipede and centipede ancestors evolved their legs while still underwater Fossils of Waukartus muscularis from the Silurian period show that myriapod ancestors possessed many uniramous (single-branched) legs while still aquatic. This indicates that the loss of branched limbs, previously thought to be a terrestrial adaptation, occurred before myriapods transitioned to land. The trait likely represents an exaptation rather than a direct adaptation to terrestrial life.   Ultrasound waves rupture COVID-19 and flu viruses without damaging cells High-frequency ultrasound waves (3–20 MHz) induce acoustic resonance in spherical, enveloped viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1, causing structural rupture and inactivation without damaging human cells. The effect is geometry-dependent and not influenced by viral mutations. This selective mechanism offers a potential antiviral strategy distinct from existing decontamination methods.   Large study finds a strong link between depression and problem cannabis use Meta-analysis of over 3 million individuals indicates a strong bidirectional association between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), with 31% of those with CUD also experiencing MDD and 10% of those with MDD having CUD. The overlap is higher in clinical settings and persists across the lifespan, though diagnostic challenges exist due to symptom overlap. Regular screening for both conditions is recommended.   Saltwater crocodiles raised in captivity don't return to breeding centers after being released into the wild Captive-reared saltwater crocodiles released into the wild did not attempt to return to their breeding centers and exhibited movement patterns similar to local wild individuals, indicating successful adaptation. In contrast, translocated wild crocodiles showed strong homing behavior, attempting to return to their original capture sites. These findings support the use of captive-reared adults in reintroduction programs but highlight challenges with translocating wild individuals.   Medieval jaw reveals Scotland's first known dental bridge made from 20-carat gold A medieval mandible from Aberdeen, Scotland, was found with a 20-carat gold dental ligature, representing the earliest known dental bridge in Scotland, dated between 1460 and 1670 CE. Analysis indicates the device was used to stabilize or replace a missing tooth, suggesting access to skilled craftsmanship and wealth. This finding provides evidence of restorative dental practices in premodern Scotland.   Streetlights trigger bizarre 'death spirals' in thousands of isopods, scientists find Artificial white light at night induces mass, synchronized circular movement in Armadillo sordidus isopods, a behavior not previously documented. The phenomenon is triggered by the geometry of streetlight illumination, which creates a photic boundary that attracts and traps isopods in self-sustaining swirls. This disruption increases predation risk and energy expenditure, highlighting ecological impacts of light pollution.   Gut bacteria reveal hidden evolutionary lineages tied to aging and disease Gut bacterial species in the human microbiome comprise multiple evolutionarily distinct lineages, each adapted to specific gut conditions and variably associated with age and diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and type 2 diabetes. These lineages can spread rapidly across populations and continents, suggesting dynamic transmission. Identifying these biologically relevant units may enhance biomarker discovery and enable more targeted microbiome-based therapies.

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