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CARE ABOUT YOUR BODY?
PROTECT YOUR GUMS.

Friday, April 14, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we’re flossing again after this scary gum news, examining a fatal fungus, learning how plants ‘talk’ ... and flipping over National Dolphin Day.

A person flosses

PHOTOGRAPH BY REBECCA HALE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

The connection is well known between gum disease and all kinds of mouth pain—from the sensitivity of cavities to the pounding hurt that requires a root canal.

But how about rheumatoid arthritis? A new study suggests a strong link between gum diseases and arthritic pain, which occurs most commonly in the hands, wrists, and knees. So how best can you alleviate both conditions?

Read the full story.

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STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

A doctor holds a petri dish with yeast

PHOTOGRAPH BY NICOLAS ARMER, PICTURE ALLIANCE/GETTY IMAGES

A deadly fungus has swept through hospitals. What do we know? (Above, a scientist holds a petri dish showing the fungus)

Eat these foods to keep your brain strong and healthy

What exactly is composting? And how do you actually do it? Here's all you need to know.

How your eyes may be a window into early Alzheimer’s detection

Magnesium is touted as a sleep aid—but its benefit is debatable. Here's what we know.

Elephants are learning to live with us. Can we do the same with them?

Related: Nat Geo’s best elephant images over the century

This ancient Dutch goddess was nearly lost to time—and rising seas

Why did Odysseus wander so long?

The forgotten (but very adorable) history of cats in the navy

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Dolphins

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN J. SKERRY, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Picture this: The sun is shining, a slight salty breeze blows by. Then, a favorite beach sighting: dolphins breach the ocean's surface, jump and play in the waves (above, dusky dolphins in Argentina). On National Dolphin Day, let's celebrate these intelligent, beautiful mammals of the sea.

Dive deeper:
Inside the murky world of dolphin therapy
How ‘dolphin safe’ is canned tuna, really?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Paula Kahumbu with elephants

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHARLIE HAMILTON JAMES

The woman behind the movie: Nat Geo Explorer Paula Kahumbu has been following different elephant families around the world for years—and her “secret” findings are about to take the global stage.

“The work we’re doing in Kenya can feel isolated, like we’re in this tiny corner of the world struggling on our own,” she says. “I hope that it reignites interest in nature and reminds us that it’s one world. We’re all in it together.”

Related: The elephant next door

See “Secrets of the Elephants,” narrated by Natalie Portman, premiering on National Geographic on April 21—and streaming on Hulu and Disney+ beginning April 22. Watch the trailer.

LAST GLIMPSE

Trees in Belgium

PHOTOGRAPH BY SYLVAIN LEFEVRE, GETTY IMAGES

Did you know plants can talk? Like, actually talk. Some trees communicate through fungi underground (pictured above, a celebratory display of this feature). And others, from tomatoes to cacti, emit ultrasonic popping sounds that can be heard by insects like moths, and even mammals like bats and mice, Nat Geo reports.

Today’s soundtrack: The Secret Life of Plants, Stevie Wonder

Happy Friday! This newsletter has been curated and edited by Jen Tse, Hannah Farrow, and David Beard. What's on your travel bucket list? Email [email protected] to let us know. Thanks for reading!

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