Why it matters: Humans display a monogamy rate of 66%, placing them high on the "league table" of monogamous species. This rate is higher than that of meerkats (60%) and much greater than that of primate relatives like chimpanzees (4%) and gorillas (6%). Only beavers (73%) and Californian mice (100%) surpass humans in monogamy levels, highlighting humans' significant tendency towards pair-bonding compared to most mammals.

But wait, there's more: I didn't know meerkats were so committed to their partners. Next time you want to compliment your spouse, try "You're as monogamous as a meerkat!" Let me know how that works. Probably better than "You're as monogamous as a Californian mouse!"

Why it matters: Italian cuisine has become the first gastronomic style to receive UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage recognition, following a three-year campaign by Italy's Agriculture Ministry. The decision, confirmed Wednesday by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, underscores the importance of Italian food as a core part of national identity and tradition. The designation is expected to boost Italy's economy, and officials see the new status as a valuable tool for protecting "Made in Italy" against culinary abuses and unfair exploitation, providing the Italian food industry with stronger leverage to preserve authenticity and combat the global proliferation of counterfeit Italian products.

Why it matters: I'm not sure who needs a giant Q-tip that's almost 6-feet long, but it certainly grabs your attention. The marketing push includes a fake infomercial, as well as a website that lists the $35 Quge-tip as sold out. "Our customers use Q-tips swabs in many different ways throughout their days — from beauty routines to home repairs — and many have even asked for bigger, longer, more task-specific cotton swabs," said Olga Alpeter, marketing director at Q-tips. "Quge-tips is our lighthearted take on that feedback, celebrating creativity and reminding everyone that even a classic can still surprise you."

Why it matters: An expectant mother on her way to the hospital gave birth in a robotaxi in San Francisco this week. Waymo's rider support team detected "unusual activity" in the self-driving taxi and alerted 911. Call me old-fashioned, but I'd rather give birth in the company of other humans. Even if that human is a taxi driver who is probably freaking out while driving over the speed limit.

Readers wrote in to defend pecan pie, as well as regional variations from Texas and Canada. Even I have to admit that chocolate bourbon pecan pie sound tempting... especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

"Pecan pie is my favorite Thanksgiving pie. I first had it three years ago, and I make sure that I have it every year now. You have your hill, and I have mine. And mine is covered in pecans..." -- Marc Franconeri, Bayonne, N.J.

"I think you need to rethink the pecan pie thing. I am not a big pie person, but a nice slice of warm pecan pie with vanilla ice cream over it has got to be one of the best desserts ever! Maybe you need to give it a second chance and try it this way." -- Clark Houghtling, Hickory, N.C.

"You listed a nice selection of pies, but chocolate bourbon pecan pie is my favorite, and I'm now starting to see it in our local grocery store (HEB only in South Texas.) They did a maple pecan pie that was pretty good, I'll need to try maple chocolate bourbon pecan pie." -- Raymond Rose, Corpus Christi, Texas

"Have you thought about the implications of Quebecois sugar pie? Like pecan pie without the pecans. Not prepared to die on this point but I think pie is anything cooked in a pie-pan. Chicken pot pie is a major item in our family and to get the required size for gatherings it is cooked in a roasting pan (with biscuits on top and no bottom crust)." -- Wally Swain, Bogota, Colombia

Why it matters: MIT researchers have confirmed that ancient Romans used "hot mixing" with quicklime to create durable concrete, as detailed in a study published in Nature Communications. This method, identified through samples from a newly discovered site, aligns with the techniques described by Vitruvius in his treatise "De architectura." The research highlights the self-healing properties of Roman concrete, which can react with water to fill cracks, a finding that could influence modern construction practices.

Why it matters: Emergency veterinarian Caleigh Griffin has been seeing more dogs sickened by cannabis, including one that recently got into an ashtray, since the state of Michigan decriminalized possession of marijuana products. Although marijuana toxicity isn't usually life-threatening, it does cause neurological alterations, and dogs that vomit could aspirate and develop pneumonia. Griffin says. A dog that does get into cannabis should be supervised and kept in a safe place, away from stairs and other hazards, until the effects wear off, and a veterinarian should be contacted immediately if the dog shows signs of illness.

Why it matters: Architect Frank Gehry, known for iconic buildings such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Walt Disney Concert Hall, has died at 96. Gehry's innovative designs pushed the construction industry to adopt digital methods, transitioning from drawing-based workflows to model-driven delivery. His work accelerated digital fabrication, 4D sequencing and integrated project delivery, leaving a lasting impact on construction methodologies.