In today's Good News, scientists study the unusual vocalizations of heavy metal singers to learn how they can stretch their vocal tissues to the limit without causing damage. And in research on a much smaller scale, a team of malacologists discover a snail microspecies with a shell you might find in a Picasso painting.

Catherine Garcia
The Week Digital

Researchers used 4,000 MR scans from 715 pediatric brain tumor patients to train an AI model to predict the risk of cancer recurrence, achieving better accuracy than traditional methods, according to a Harvard study. Patients typically undergo follow-up testing for years after treatment, and the AI tool searched successive post-surgery scans for even the smallest changes. The AI predicted a recurrence of low- or high-grade glioma tumors within a year with 75% to 89% accuracy. Single image accuracy is about 50%.

A tiny snail species recently discovered in Southeast Asia has been named Anauchen picasso, after artist Pablo Picasso, due to its unusual whorl. The rectangularly angled spiral resembles a "Cubist interpretation of other snails with 'normal' shell shapes," researchers said in a study published by ZooKeys. These shells are less than 5 millimeters long and exhibit "extraordinary complexity," with "numerous tooth-like barriers" along the opening. The microspecies was found during an expedition led by malacologists Vukasin Gojsina of Serbia and Barna Páll-Gergely of Hungary.

The new species is sparking hope for environmental efforts

Instead of screaming on stage, nine singers from death metal bands are howling in front of University of Utah scientists who are studying the biomechanics of their vocalizations. The participants undergo testing, including MRIs and endoscopies, so researchers can examine their vocal tracts. They have already recorded some surprising results: when one singer screamed, his larynx "dramatically swung to the side," creating a "contortion" the scientists had never seen before, Science Friday said.

Exercise like walking, resistance training and yoga can significantly reduce the side effects of cancer treatment, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. These physical activities ease heart and nerve damage, brain fog and fatigue while improving sleep, mental health and quality of life. The results support including exercise in cancer treatment plans, although experts stress that patients should go at their own pace and seek guidance from doctors.

You can soothe your nervousness about flying before boarding the plane

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