There is something about this
article that just doesn't seem right to me. Scientists
are shocked that "squished or stretch spheres pack more tightly than squashed
or stretched versions of spheres snuggle together more tightly than randomly
packed spheres do." First of all, is this really a shocker? It seems intuitive
to me. But then again, that last sentence sounds egotistical to me too?

Next, scientists aren't sure why m&m shapes pack more tightly than orbs. Here
is my guess. Perhaps it is because the shape of the m&m more closely mimics
the space that is created between packed m&m's. Add to that the squished shape
allows for the candies to tip on their sides and fit snugly together, whereas
orbs do not allow for any variation. Of course, I am no scientist and I am
completely making this up as I go along. So, feel free to ignore me or explain
to me why I am wrong.