There’s so much exciting science happening all the time, but it’s impossible to catch every story. Each month, we pick out some of the coolest discoveries and research that almost slip under the radar. From ancient ship repairs to animal swimming tricks, here are six intriguing stories from recent science news.

How Dolphins Achieve Their Speed and Agility

Scientists have long wondered how dolphins swim so fast and maneuver so well in the water. Researchers at the University of Osaka used powerful computer simulations to uncover the secret. They found that the key lies in the vortices, or swirling water currents, created by dolphin tail movements.

When dolphins flap their tails up and down, they push water back and produce large vortex rings. These big swirling currents generate most of the thrust needed for swimming. Smaller vortices are also produced but don’t contribute much to forward motion. The hierarchy of these vortices is crucial for efficient movement.

The team believes understanding these mechanics can help design better underwater robots in the future. By mimicking dolphin propulsion, machines could become faster and more energy-efficient in the water.

Revealing Ancient Roman Ship Repairs

In 2016, archaeologists discovered a Roman shipwreck called Ilovik–Paržine 1 in the Adriatic Sea. Since then, scientists have studied the wreck to learn about Roman shipbuilding and maintenance. Recent analysis focused on the materials used in the ship’s waterproofing layers.

Researchers examined samples of coatings made from pine resin, tar, beeswax, and other substances. They used advanced techniques to determine the chemical makeup and found evidence of repairs made at different points during the ship’s voyage. Pollen trapped in the coatings revealed where the materials came from, showing that the ship had undergone mid-journey repairs using materials from various regions around the Mediterranean.

This study provides concrete proof of how ancient ships were maintained during long voyages, using materials sourced from different areas. It also highlights the importance of non-wooden materials like coatings in archaeological research.

Why Crushing Soda Cans Reveals Interesting Physics

Everyone loves watching videos of objects being crushed, especially soda cans. Researchers at the University of Manchester took this a step further by studying what happens when a can is full versus empty. They found that an empty can collapses immediately, while a full one buckles gradually in a series of rings.

Using mathematical models and lab experiments, they explained why a full can behaves differently. The liquid inside changes how the metal responds to pressure. When compressed, the can first softens, then stiffens, and this cycle repeats, creating a pattern called homoclinic snaking. This pattern explains the formation of the rings during crushing.

The findings help us understand the physics of liquid-filled cylinders, which has applications beyond soda cans, like in engineering and materials science. It shows how liquid can influence the structural stability of objects under pressure.

These stories show how diverse and surprising scientific research can be. From understanding animal movement to uncovering ancient ship repairs and exploring everyday physics, science continues to reveal new insights into our world.

Inspired by

• https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/05/research-roundup-6-cool-science-stories-we-almost-missed-4/

Sources

• aps.org
• eurekalert.org
• doi.org
• frontiersin.org
• doi.org