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Good morning, it's Saturday, Nov. 7. Shape-shifting octopuses could inspire better search-and-rescue robots. First time reading? Join millions of insatiably curious readers. Sign up here.
Also in today's Digest: Stephen Miller is the White House's new chief of staff (Quick Hits), neighbors upgrade a schoolgirl's bus stop (Humankind), fake Black Friday deals (Etc.), and much more.
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One Big Headline
The Octopus Shuffle
In a study published this week, researchers have mapped how octopuses contort to fit through small spaces. The findings could inform the design of more versatile search-and-rescue robots.
Rather than simply squeezing through tight gaps, octopuses follow a coordinated three- to four-step process, adjusting their movements based on the opening's size. They first extend one arm to explore the other side, then push several more arms through. Using those arms for leverage, they pull the rest of their arms and mantle to the other side. If an opening is narrower than the distance between their eyes, they make the final passage in two distinct movements (watch here). Their ability to contort stems from a body built around muscles rather than bones. Their major blood vessels can also maintain circulation locally, even when other body parts are constricted.
Today's search-and-rescue robots are typically long and narrow, resembling snakes (see example). Researchers say an octopus-inspired robot could potentially carry more sensors, tools, and communication devices with its flexible arms.
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Quick Hits
President Donald Trump names Stephen Miller new chief of staff.
Miller, a longtime domestic policy adviser to the president, will replace Susan Wiles on Monday. Wiles was Trump's longest-serving chief of staff and is the highest-ranking White House official to leave in the wake of the midterm elections. She was also the first woman to hold the position. Miller, who currently serves as deputy chief of staff, was a key architect behind Trump's immigration policies. (More)
Separately, two more high-profile Justice Department officials resigned yesterday. One was the head of the department's national security division and the other oversaw an inquiry into former Obama administration officials. (More)
October jobs report exceeds expectations.
The US economy added 165,000 nonfarm jobs last month, better than the Dow Jones estimate of 59,000, according to the latest federal report. The unemployment rate also declined from 4.2% in September to 4.1%. Meanwhile, average hourly earnings rose 0.4%, the largest month-over-month gain since January. Analysts say the relatively healthy report could give the Federal Reserve more flexibility to raise interest rates at its next meeting in December. (More)
Kenyan cult leader sentenced to 200 years in prison for mass murder.
Pastor Paul Mackenzie was convicted of murdering 190 children and one adult after he ordered his followers to starve themselves to death to meet Jesus. Some estimates suggest the actual death toll exceeded 429; police operations exposed hundreds of shallow graves, and several victims are still unidentified. Mackenzie also faces terrorism, child abuse, and torture charges in two other courts. (More)
Meghan Markle's estranged father arrested in child sex abuse material case.
Thomas Markle Sr. was arrested in Florida on charges related to possession of child sex abuse material. News of the investigation became public last month, prompting Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, to release a statement saying she has been aware of the allegations since 2018 and subsequently decided to cut contact with her father. (More)
Pope Leo begins 12-day South America tour, weeks after lung surgery.
The 71-year-old pope will visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in the longest and furthest trip of his papacy. The Vatican said he has completely recovered from his operation and no special precautions are being taken, as he takes 12 flights and two helicopter rides to celebrate nine Masses and deliver 36 speeches. He lived in Peru for two decades as a missionary before assuming the papacy. (More)
Robot builds structure in space without astronauts for first time.
The robot was launched into low Earth orbit in March, along with parts needed to construct a perimeter truss—a structural framework that can hold large antennae, telescopes, and solar arrays. Researchers on Earth then sent the robot building commands to assemble the structure. The technology could eventually overcome cargo size limitations, enabling much larger structures to be built directly in space. (More, w/video)
Humankind
Houston school district opens public automotive shop, giving aspiring mechanics hands-on experience in well-paying careers. (More)
Arizona rescue squad saves unhoused man stranded in a tree for nearly 12 hours after fast-moving water overtakes the riverbed where he was staying. (More via YouTube)
Florida teachers install a park bench for a young girl whose bus stop is at the end of their driveway, next to a busy street. (More, w/photo)
Couple gets married in a Georgia hospital room after their daughter arrives on their scheduled wedding day. (More, w/photo)
Florida teens use inflatable paddleboard to rescue a mother, her son, and three dogs from rising floodwaters after seeing her desperate social media plea for help. (More, w/photo)
In partnership with Quince
The Under-$50 Gifts That Don’t Act Like It
The hardest gift to pull off is the under-$50 one that doesn’t look like you capped it at $50. Quince’s holiday shop is full of them—real materials, zero stocking-stuffer energy.
A few that caught our eye: a fluted marble wine chiller, Australian shearling scuff slippers, and a brushed cashmere beanie—plus an eau de parfum discovery set for the impossible-to-buy-for.
And yes, everything is under $50. Scroll the gift edit and knock out your list before the rush.
Humankind(ness)
Today, we're sharing a story from reader Norma M. in Springboro, Ohio.
"I was completely astounded by what the last three trick-or-treaters to our house did. After I gave them the candy, I asked if there were other kids coming, and they said yes. Talking more to myself than them, I mentioned hoping there were only three, as I had only three pieces of candy left. In a very cheerful manner, they said, 'Trick-or-treat,' reached into their bags, pulled out some candy, and handed it to me!"
Humankind(ness) is a reader-built corner of joy. So, what act(s) of kindness did you experience this week? Tell us here. And if this story made you smile—share our email (copy URL here).
Etcetera
Norway tops list of best countries for retirement.
You may be related to royalty if you have one of these 18 surnames.
Tesla is bidding farewell to the Cybertruck.
This year's most popular baby names in every state.
How Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons are made. (w/video)
Influencers are trying to get Gen Z to drink more milk.
What to do when hobbies start feeling like chores. (w/audio)
Internet can't get over what Bob Dylan wore to meet the pope.
More than a third of last year's Black Friday deals weren't real.
Can you solve the Billy Bonka riddle? (w/video)
Europe's best sunny December and January destinations.
People are accidentally swiping right on AI-generated dating profiles.
Alligator walks into a North Carolina bagel shop. (w/video)
Most Clicked This Week: Why is everyone suddenly talking about stockpiling supplies?
Historybook: Nobel Prize-winning physicist and chemist Marie Curie born (1867); Jeannette Rankin becomes first woman elected to US Congress (1916); Evangelist Billy Graham born (1918); Former first lady Anna Eleanor Roosevelt dies (1962); Earvin "Magic" Johnson announces HIV-positive diagnosis (1991).
"Talent is never enough. With few exceptions, the best players are the hardest workers."
— Earvin "Magic" Johnson
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