Uncovering Hidden Science: October's Coolest Discoveries

October brought some fascinating science news that might have slipped under the radar. Let's dive into a few standout stories. Ever wondered how to max out your score in Boggle? Dan Vanderkam, a software engineer, cracked the code. He figured out the best board setup for the highest score ever—3, 625 points! His method was clever. He grouped similar boards together and used a smart technique to rule out low-scoring options. It's not just about luck; it's about strategy. Vanderkam's work shows how even classic games can inspire serious research. Ever been to Karnak Temple in Egypt? It's a massive complex near Luxor. Scientists recently studied sediment cores and ancient pottery to learn more about its history. They found that the temple's location was shaped by the Nile River's floods. Over time, the floods created higher ground, making it the perfect spot for building. The temple grew as the river changed its course. This discovery connects to ancient Egyptian myths about creation and the god Ra-Amun. It's like history and mythology colliding. Mars is full of mysteries, and one of them is the gullies on its dunes. Scientists had two theories about how they formed. One thought liquid water from Mars' past created them. The other believed CO2 ice was the culprit. A recent experiment supported the second idea. Researchers dropped CO2 ice blocks down sandy slopes and watched them carve out gullies. It's like a mini sandworm burrowing through the dunes. This discovery helps us understand Mars' current conditions better. Snakes are fascinating creatures, and their striking speed is mind-blowing. Researchers at Monash University captured high-speed footage of 36 different snake species biting into prey. They found that vipers are the fastest, striking in just 22 microseconds. Other snakes, like the rough-scaled death adder, are slower but just as effective. The study also revealed different biting techniques. Some snakes reinsert their fangs for better venom delivery. It's a wild look into the world of snakes. Lastly, let's talk about spaghetti. It's not just a delicious pasta; it's also a subject of scientific research. Scientists compared regular and gluten-free spaghetti to understand their differences. They found that regular pasta has a stronger structure thanks to gluten. Adding salt to the cooking water makes it even stronger. Gluten-free pasta, on the other hand, is more prone to breaking. This research could lead to better gluten-free alternatives that taste and feel more like the real deal.