When asked to name a favorite geometric shape, most individuals tend to gravitate toward familiar forms like triangles, circles, or perhaps trapezoids. However, hidden within the realm of mathematics lies a treasure trove of intriguing structures that push the boundaries of conventional thinking. In an engaging cover story, writer Rachel Crowell invites mathematicians to share their most cherished shapes. Their responses are not just lively; they shed light on the historical connection between mathematics and natural philosophy. This quest to comprehend the world around us often involves a journey into the abstract, as seen in several essays. One mathematician expresses a unique fondness for the loop, describing it as a circle stripped of all geometric complexities, resulting in a free-form, one-dimensional object. Other remarkable shapes include a hyperbolic pair of pantsa hollow figure featuring a waist and two anklesand a permutahedron, which serves as a dynamic intersection between geometry, algebra, and combinatorics.

In another captivating narrative, journalist Willem Marx immerses himself in the controversial world of deep-sea mining in the South Pacific, particularly off the coast of Papua New Guinea (PNG). As Marx boards a privately-owned vessel, he candidly admits uncertainty about why he was permitted to witness such a bold undertaking. His investigation unfolds as he traces a series of leads both on land and at sea, aiming to unravel the extent of PNG regulators' awareness regarding this mining operation and to identify the overseas billionaires financing it. Additionally, he probes the local community's reactions and examines the potential impact of mining on fragile deep-sea ecosystems. The revelations he uncovers suggest we may be on the brink of a transformative era in deep-sea mining.

A cosmic enigma unravels as science writer Robin George Andrews takes on the role of detective, delving into the curious case of dark cometsspace objects displaying strange behaviors. My fascination with these celestial phenomena began with the discovery of 'Oumuamua, the first known interstellar visitor, whose origins remain shrouded in mystery. Recently, astronomers have identified a cohort of dark comets that exhibit some of the same peculiarities as 'Oumuamua; notably, these comets accelerate around the sun without any discernible mechanism. Andrews categorizes these comet-like entities into two groups: the 'innies,' found within the inner solar system, and the 'outies,' which dwell in the outer reaches. A proposed explanation for their unusual behaviors might resonate with fans of the show Severance: innies are thought to be remnants of their former selves.

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Historically, scientists have viewed male African elephants as relatively solitary beings with straightforward social dynamics in contrast to their female counterparts in this matriarchal species. However, recent research is challenging this perception. Behavioral ecologist Caitlin OConnell reveals that these bachelor elephants are far from lone wolves; instead, they forge close-knit social networks where they provide support to one another, even banding together to fend off bullies.

In a surprising twist, the world is also confronting a minuscule menace. A tiny parasite known as tropilaelaps is wreaking havoc on honeybee populations across Asia and Europe, posing a significant threat to the agricultural crops that rely on these essential pollinators. Journalist Hannah Nordhaus highlights the urgent need for beekeepers and scientists to contain this invasive foe before it reaches the Americas. The ramifications could be dire, leading to shortages and soaring prices for produce, beef, and dairy products, as honeybees play a crucial role in pollinating not only fruits and vegetables but also cattle feed.

The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated the importance of understanding microscopic life forms. With bird flu cases on the rise and norovirus making headlines, senior features editor Jen Schwartz explores the potential of a non-toxic disinfectant, hypochlorous acid, to combat these pathogens. Notably, this weak acid is found to be 100 times more effective than bleach at lower concentrations. It has shown promise as an eye cleaner capable of eliminating bacteria and is currently being studied for use as a nasal rinse to treat infections. Additionally, hypochlorous acid can effectively disinfect indoor surfaces when applied as a fog or spray. However, due to its inherent instability, widespread market adoption has been sluggishuntil now, as companies are beginning to introduce it in various formulations, sometimes even marketed as beauty products infused with additional ingredients. The message remains clear: stay safe and stay informed during these uncertain times.