Winding roads could make you a better navigator

00:47 Your ability to find your way may depend on where you grew upResearchers have long been trying to understand why some humans are better at navigating than others. This week, researchers show that where someone grew up plays an important role in their ability to find their way; the more winding and disorganised the layouts of your childhood were, the better navigator you’ll be later in life.Research article: Coutrot et al.08:57 Research HighlightsHow boas can squeeze without suffocating themselves, and why being far from humans helps trees live a long life.Research Highlight: How boa constrictors squeeze and breathe at the same timeResearch Highlight: Where are Earth’s oldest trees? Far from prying eyes11:39 How coastal storminess is changingCoastal flooding causes billions of dollars in damage each year. Rising sea levels are known to be a key driver, but the importance of another factor, storm surges, is less clear. Typically after accounting for increasing sea level, they’re not thought to make much of an impact. However new research suggests that this may not be the case.Research article: Calafat et al.16:10 Briefing ChatWe discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time, a brain implant allows a person who is completely paralysed to communicate, and penguin-like bone density suggests Spinosaurus may have hunted underwater.Science: In a first, brain implant lets man with complete paralysis spell out thoughts: ‘I love my cool son.’National Geographic: Spinosaurus had penguin-like bones, a sign of hunting underwaterVideo: A swimming dinosaur: The tail of SpinosaurusSubscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.