July's roundup of overlooked science stories includes cyborg cockroaches in diving suits, evidence of skilled archer princesses in ancient Egypt, confirmation of a companion star to Betelgeuse, and the resolution of a centuries-old mystery surrounding a Medici duke's death.
Thousands of youth-led "Cockroach Janta Party" protesters marched to India's Parliament, demanding the education minister's resignation over exam leaks and protesting high youth unemployment. Police used tear gas and batons, leading to clashes in New Delhi.
Cockroaches can survive for about a week after decapitation due to their unique biology, including a distributed nervous system and breathing through spiracles. They ultimately die from dehydration, not the injury itself. Their resilience inspires robotics research.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile has started a 10-year survey of the universe. Scientists developed diving suits for cyborg cockroaches for search and rescue. NASA awarded contracts for 2028 Moon Base payload deliveries.
Abelardo de la Espriella, a lawyer known for defending controversial figures and using pejorative language, has been elected president of Colombia. His victory signals a sharp swing to the right and has raised concerns among activists about the future of democracy and human rights in the country.
Australian wildlife officers seize over 100,000 illegal cockroaches (Madagascar hissing and dubia) worth $142,000 from a breeder in NSW, emphasizing strict biosecurity laws against invasive species.
Australian authorities seize over 100,000 exotic cockroaches (dubia and Madagascar hissing) in Bathurst, NSW, valued at A$200,000, citing environmental risks and illegal trade; cockroaches to be euthanized.
Australian authorities seize over 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches (Madagascar hissing and dubia) valued at $200,000 AUD from a breeder in Bathurst, NSW, citing biosecurity risks and urging pet owners to use legal alternatives for reptile feed.
Former urban explorer Steve Duncan, 48, described the dangers and cockroach infestations in NYC's sewer system. Recent sewer entries in Brooklyn and Queens have sparked investigations, with officials warning of illegality and danger. Duncan suggests explorers likely researched optimal times, but highlights risks like infection and fumes.
Former urban explorer Steve Duncan explains recent mysterious entries into NYC's sewer system, suggesting they were likely explorers, not criminals. He highlights the dangers and allure of these underground spaces.
Cockroaches, long despised, are now a cultural phenomenon, hailed for their incredible survival skills. They have endured mass extinctions, radiation, and human efforts to eradicate them, showcasing unparalleled adaptability and resilience.
A satirical online party, Cockroach Janta (CJP), uses the insect as a symbol of endurance for frustrated Indian youth. Gaining millions of followers rapidly, it mocks corruption and joblessness, sparked by a chief justice's remarks comparing unemployed youth to cockroaches.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant clarified his remarks comparing some unemployed youth to 'cockroaches,' stating his comments were misquoted and targeted individuals using fake degrees in professions. He expressed pride in India's youth, calling them pillars of a developed nation, and emphasized his respect for them. The clarification followed controversy over his observations during a court hearing.
