21 February 2026
In this week's episode from New Scientist, we dive into some fascinating scientific discoveries that you might have missed. If you're short on time, we've summarized the key points for you, so you don't have to watch the entire video.
The Mystery of Chins Unveiled
Have you ever wondered why humans are the only primates with chins? A new analysis of head anatomy in apes suggests that our chins may be a byproduct of evolutionary changes. As our ancestors became more upright, the structure of their skulls changed, causing their faces to tuck beneath their brain cases. This shift, combined with the evolution of larger brains and dietary changes, led to a reduction in the size of front teeth and chewing muscles. Over time, this resulted in the projection of the lower jaw beyond the teeth, giving rise to the unique feature we recognize as the chin today.
Lucid Dreaming and Problem Solving
The video also explores the intriguing concept of lucid dreaming, where individuals are aware they are dreaming and can control their dreams. A recent study involving 20 lucid dreamers revealed that those who heard a specific sound while working on a complex puzzle were more likely to dream about the puzzle later. Remarkably, about 40% of those who dreamed about the puzzles managed to solve them the next day, compared to only 17% of those who did not have the puzzles in their dreams. This suggests that our dreams can play a significant role in problem-solving.
Gut Microbiome Insights from Around the World
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have gained unprecedented insights into the gut microbiome of babies globally. Historically, studies focused on infants in Western countries, leaving a gap in our understanding of how early microbes influence lifelong health in other regions. The findings indicate that around 70% of babies in African and South Asian countries carry a beneficial bacterium in their gut by the age of two months, compared to fewer than 2% of infants in the UK, US, and Sweden. This difference may be linked to dietary variations and could inform the development of tailored probiotics for premature babies, enhancing their chances of establishing healthy gut bacteria.
For more intriguing stories in science, be sure to tune in next week!
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