July's scientific highlights are as diverse as they are fascinating. Scientists have equipped cockroaches with tiny diving suits, allowing them to navigate flooded areas like true aquatic explorers. Meanwhile, a reanalysis of the remains of an Incan boy revealed he met his end via blunt force trauma rather than freezing to death, challenging historical assumptions.

Historians have also confirmed that a Medici duke likely died from malaria, not poisoning, settling centuries-old debates. The star Betelgeuse has been found to be circled by a companion star, potentially rewriting our understanding of stellar companionship. And ancient Egyptian princesses may have been surprisingly skilled archers, according to recent findings.

The evidence points toward the boy known as Cerro El Plomo, who died at a remote sacrificial site during a pilgrimage. Archaeologists found no signs of freezing or cold-related injuries but did discover trauma consistent with blunt force delivered by a star-shaped mace. His journey was long and arduous, evidenced by foot damage, and he had feasted before his final rite.