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NEW SCAN GOES BEYOND BIRTHDAY CANDLES FOR YOUR TRUE AGE

Friday, September 8, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we find out how old we really are, learn about Jesus’ purported tomb, visit America’s only offshore fish farm, question if ‘nature’s Ozempic’ actually works ... and learn the difference between stress and chronic stress (and what to do about it).

Using a 3D camera system and artificial intelligence, Jing-Dong Jackie Han, a researcher at Peking University, has developed a system that can determine a person’s physiological age. This heat map—red (higher values along the x, y, and z-axis) and blue (lower)—indicates how an average Han Chinese woman's face changes with age. Physiological age can differ from chronological age by as much as 7.5 years (average of top 5% outliers).

IMAGE BY JING-DONG JACKIE HAN, PEKING UNIVERSITY

Chronological age doesn’t tell the full story. Now a 3D camera and artificial intelligence is revealing what makeup, dark sunglasses, and plastic surgeons try to hide.

That’s your so-called biological age, reflecting the health of your cells and organs and your environment, diet, and exercise habits.

And that age (shown in the face of an aging woman above) can vary widely from the number of candles on your birthday cake.

HOW OLD ARE YOU REALLY?

Go Deeper:
—How to take care of your aging brain?
—How your senses change as you age
—Can aging be slowed—or reversed? Here’s what new research shows.

Unlock this article with Nat Geo Premium! Get access now to exclusive stories, plus a century of archives, photos, and videos. See subscription options starting at just $19/yr.

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

The American barberry plant (Berberis canadensis), is one source of the popular supplement, berberine. It can be found in mountains and Piedmont areas of North Carolina.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DEAGOSTINI, GETTY IMAGES

Some call it 'nature's Ozempic.' Are the claims too good to be true? (Above, the American barberry plant)

Unsealing of Jesus’ reputed tomb turns up new revelations Related: How old is the tomb? We found out.

Why do people live longer in these 5 places?

Are you taking the wrong medications?

This American diet could add 10 years to your life

What to do with your old copies of Nat Geo? Here's one 'novel' idea.

This summer's extreme weather is a sign of things to come

What does a melting glacier sound like? 'Gunshots.'

Did humpbacks try to save a seal from orcas? See for yourself.

Why do some say natural deodorants are better—and are the claims accurate?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Polarized light micrograph of cortisol, or hydrocortisone, the chief steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. Cortisol plays a role in both normal carbohydrate metabolism and in the body's response to physical & emotional stress.

SIDNEY MOULDS, SCIENCE SOURCE

Who isn’t stressed? What’s the difference between between stressed—and chronically stressed? For starters, these can have vastly different health ramifications. Here’s what we know—and what you can do about it. (Above, a polarized light micrograph of cortisol, which plays a role in the body's response to stress.)

DEEEEEEP BREATHS

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Queen Elizabeth II attends a government celebration in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1970.

PHOTOGRAPH BY WILBUR GARRETT, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Timeless: On this day last year, Queen Elizabeth II died. Nat Geo photographers have shared memories and exclusive photos from covering the British monarch over the decades, and we’ll have more in our newsletter tomorrow. (Above, Elizabeth in the Canadian city of Winnipeg in 1970.)

Related: Queen Elizabeth II: A lifetime of devotion and service
Why Elizabeth II was modern Britain’s most unlikely queen

HOW WE GOT THE PHOTOS

LAST GLIMPSE

Hawaiian kanpachi (Seriola rivoliana) are grown from egg to harvest at Keahole Point in Kona, Hawaii.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BLUE OCEAN MARICULTURE

The only one: The fish pens float in 240-feet deep, strong Hawaiian waters. Inside each, 100,000 kanpachi (pictured above) await to be harvested; outside, seals, sharks, and giant trevally are abundant, and healthy coral grows. This unique fish farm could feed America’s appetite for protein. But the question stands: Why does only one exist?

We asked, you responded: Thanks for a flood of notes from readers on our question about rising COVID and home tests. For the most part, respondents are stocked with a few to as many as 50 home tests as COVID infects more of us again. Laurie Gordon writes that she has used some of her modest stock “and shared some with family who did not have access.” Here’s hoping you don’t have to make tough choices.

Today’s soundtrack: Soy El Único, Yahritza y Su Esencia

Happy Friday! This newsletter has been curated and edited by Jen Tse, Hannah Farrow, Nancy San Martín, and David Beard.

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