New Scientist

Orcas have been filmed ramming sunfish at high speed, causing them to explode into fragments. This behavior, observed in the Gulf of California, may aid juvenile orcas in feeding or involve playful interaction. Researchers suggest the technique helps access the sunfish's gelatinous body mass.

Research highlights the connection between gut microbiome and mental health, suggesting treatments like psychobiotics could address psychological disorders. The gut-brain circuit, involving the vagus nerve and microbial metabolites, is a focal point for future therapies.

Open-source software is widely used in computing devices and enables collaborative development, but its accessibility allows misuse, such as in Ukraine's military applications. While open-source AI models in China offer free access, they lack regulatory guardrails found in US models, complicating oversight. The article highlights both the innovation and security risks of open-source approaches.

Isabel J. Kim's debut sci-fi thriller features a concept called Sublimation, where a person can split into two when crossing an international border. Science-fiction columnist Emily H. Wilson recommends the novel as 'tip-top stuff.'

A new book titled 'In Defense of Sunlight' argues that sunlight offers health benefits when used in moderation, despite Europe's current heatwave prompting people to seek shade. Author David Robson highlights the potential of sunlight to address serious health issues.

Twisted Doodles discusses children's flexible ears. The article focuses on the topic of flexible ears in children.

The article discusses Tom Gauld's work or commentary on artificial cells. No further details are provided in the given content.

A study by Erik Sturkell and colleagues at the University of Gothenburg analyzed 141 films (1919–2023) featuring 202 geologist characters, revealing a 31.6–35.7% death rate, with 69 deaths including 30 murders. Examples include creative deaths in 'The Money Jungle' (1967) and 'work-related' fatalities like volcanic bombs or quicksand.

The article raises two questions: whether fewer big ice cubes or many small ones are optimal for cocktails, and what the smallest sleep-needing creature reveals about the purpose of sleep.

Readers challenge a previous explanation about fly behavior, arguing that wasps and flies exhibit different escape strategies when hitting windows. They suggest a more structured plan for escape than previously proposed.

The article discusses how fish recognize members of their own species, with a focus on archerfish behavior as an example. An expert reader examines this complex topic in a follow-up piece.

The article discusses whether fresh air heats up faster than stale air, with readers debating definitions of 'stale air' and its thermal properties, particularly heat capacity.

IVF embryos may develop better in lower oxygen environments, potentially reducing risks like low birth weight. Research suggests adjusting oxygen levels during IVF could improve outcomes for conceived embryos.

Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, editor of the World Happiness Report, highlights lessons from the world's happiest countries, where people report high levels of contentment. The analysis focuses on factors contributing to national happiness and joyful living.

A handheld breathalyser called Nutrion, developed by Alivion AG, detects acetone in exhaled breath to determine if the body is burning fat. It uses a smartphone app to guide breathing techniques and filters to improve accuracy, with tests showing it aligns with laboratory breath-acetone and blood-ketone measurements.

China has introduced legislation to regulate AI relationships, aiming to protect people from harmful effects of digital companions. It is the first country to implement such measures.

Columnist Annalee Newitz explores an ancient Silk Road city and finds that the key drivers of technological advancement are people, not just inventions or devices. The article suggests that ancient technologies provide a framework for modern innovations, emphasizing collaboration and human effort.

Earth's geothermal heat could power humanity many times over, but utilization has been limited to a few locations. A new method may allow tapping into this clean energy source almost anywhere.

Mathematicians have been unable to resolve the ABC conjecture for over a decade, and recent efforts to address the controversy are not making progress.

The article discusses how complex systems, from living beings to fundamental particles, require both structure and unpredictability to exist on the edge of chaos. Columnist Thomas Lewton examines whether this pattern across the cosmos could form a 'theory of everything.'