Why we’ll begin naming heat waves; how Viking’s Disease began; stopping mosquitos

RJ Hamster

1 year ago

Friday, June 16, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we track down the roots of Viking’s Disease, find hope to prevent more heat deaths, seek to protect ‘mosquito magnets’ … and venture here to celebrate World Sea Turtle Day.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTHIEU PALEY

What can save lives from more frequent and severe heat waves? One idea, tried in Europe, is to name them like hurricanes or cyclones.

Heat deaths are much more numerous than other weather events combined, but often don’t the coverage or storms. And people don’t realize how ”working through it’ could kill them. (Above, a Hindu pilgrim fainting in 104-degree heat.)

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

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STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

This ‘lost world’ reveals a new chapter in the evolution of life (Above, an illustration of the possible evolution of eukaryotes in the ocean over a billion years ago)

Are you a mosquito magnet? New study may help.

Where will the world’s next great ocean be?

He was the first pharaoh found intact in his tomb—but he wasn’t alone

Neanderthals brought a disease to the Vikings—and to us

Looking for extraterrestrial life in the solar system? This might be the place.

Ancient Romans lost these gemstones—down a bathhouse drain

Who took half of the surrender flag that ended the U.S. Civil War?

You may be overlooking this nutritional powerhouse. You shouldn’t.

Interested in an electric car? Here’s what you should know before you buy.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHARLIE HAMILTON JAMES

Fin, noggin, duuuude: When sea turtles come to mind, adjectives like cute and friendly accompany. Think: Squirt from Finding Nemo. Above, baby turtles begin their journey from a bucket to the breakers at a biodiverse wonder and a model for conservation. Where are we?

A. Aruba
B. Baja California
C. Costa Rica
D. Trinidad

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SAKKE OVERLUND VIA THE BROOKS FAMILY

Busting the ‘1870s wall’: Newly available records and tools allowed this African American writer to piece together his family’s history and share discoveries of enslaved ancestors, of their freedom—and of one particularly startling surprise. In past, descendants hit a wall before 1870—the first U.S. Census that generally included African Americans by name. (Pictured above, a collection of the Brooks family photos.)

LAST GLIMPSE

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID DOUBILET, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Jurassic Park was right: The American crocodile (pictured above) is endangered. One way they’re fighting extinction? Virgin births. That’s right. Crocs can produce offspring without fertilization.
Related:
These endangered birds experience ‘virgin birth’

SAY WHAT??

Today’s soundtrack: Feels Like Summer, Childish Gambino
Happy Friday! This newsletter has been curated and edited by Jen Tse, Hannah Farrow, Nancy San Martín, and David Beard. What’s on your travel bucket list? Email
david.beard@natgeo.com to let us know. Thanks for reading!

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