Research roundup: 6 cool science stories we almost missed

Every month, our team curates a selection of intriguing scientific stories that might have gone unnoticed. This July, we bring you six fascinating tales that have recently come to light.

Firstly, researchers have equipped cyborg cockroaches with a miniature diving suit, enabling them to explore flooded terrains with unprecedented ease. This innovative technology could prove invaluable in search-and-rescue missions.

Secondly, new evidence suggests that the Medici duke, a prominent figure in 16th-century Europe, passed away from malaria rather than poisoning. This revelation overturns previous assumptions about his demise.

Thirdly, scientists have gathered the most compelling evidence yet that Betelgeuse, a star visible to the naked eye in the constellation of Orion, is orbited by a companion star. This discovery may shed light on the star's life cycle and behavior.

Fourthly, recent analysis of an Incan sacrificial victim has concluded that a young boy died from blunt force trauma, not freezing to death as previously thought. This finding challenges long-held beliefs about Incan human sacrifice rituals.

Lastly, new research indicates that some ancient Egyptian princesses were accomplished archers. This intriguing find adds a new dimension to our understanding of gender roles and weaponry in ancient Egypt.