Why Snake Embryos Coil Right | Science News

Why do snake embryos curl into tight right-handed spirals before hatching? Scientists discovered it’s not random—it’s physics in action. As their bodies grow faster than their guts, the gut acts like a fixed tether, forcing the embryo to twist around it, much like a strap that’s too long. Using CT scans on over 900 embryos, researchers found this coiling is driven purely by growth differences, not genetics or behavior. The spiral pattern, seen in snail shells and human intestines, emerges naturally from physical constraints—and it all began with a curious observation during a pandemic lockdown. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0fdd7c1eb2a3e550