This week, researchers discovered so-called “switchbacks” in Earth’s magnetic field similar to observations of switchbacks in the sun’s magnetic field. Scientists provided more evidence that ancient Rapa Nui engineers “walked” Easter Island’s iconic statues along carefully designed roads. And satellite imagery revealed a record 20-meter-high ocean wave. We also reported on a unique method for eliciting childhood memories, the smallest chunk of dark matter ever observed, and the pernicious effects of empty praise from chatbots: