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THE ‘SECRET’ BEHIND JACKIE KENNEDY’S ICONIC DRESS

Thursday, October 5, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we explore the connection between air pollution and inflammation, uncover a long-neglected fashion pioneer ... and learn how New Zealand saved a flightless bird from extinction.

Ann Lowe was the secret weapon of 20th century American socialites, designing debutante gowns and wedding dresses for the nation's top families—including future First Lady Jackie Kennedy. In this image, she adjusts the bodice of a gown worn by Alice Baker.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BETTMANN ARCHIVE, GETTY IMAGES

The Saturday Evening Post once called Ann Lowe (above right) “society’s best kept secret.”

Future first lady Jackie Kennedy didn’t mention her by name when asked who designed her wedding dress. Only now—42 years after Lowe’s death—is the pioneering fashion designer getting her own exhibition. What was the holdup?

OVERLOOKED NO MORE

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STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

Ana Blohm administers an electrocardiogram to Alfrida Corniel in her home in New York City. Corniel suffers from a rare disease called stiff person syndrome, which left her with muscle stiffness similar to being paralyzed. Scientists are still unraveling what causes this disorder.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ED KASHI, VII/REDUX

Celine Dion suffers from it. What is stiff person syndrome—and how common is it? (Above, a nurse administers an electrocardiogram to a woman in her home.)

Why the new COVID shot is a game-changer (and why the term ‘booster’ is obsolete)

This university educated Indira Gandhi, J.R.R. Tolkien, Bill Clinton ... and lots and lots of murderers. Why so many?

Bras are older than you think—much older

What is POTS? This strange disorder has doubled since the pandemic

Can air pollution cause inflammation? Scientists are starting to unravel the connection.

Monarch butterflies aren't endangered, reversing recent decision. Is that good news?

How New Zealand saved a flightless parrot from extinction

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Guitarist Brian May is such a fan of blending art and science that many of Queen’s concerts feature space-themed special effects—for example, to make it look as if he’s riding an asteroid among planets.

PHOTOGRAPH BY STUFISH ENTERTAINMENT ARCHITECTS

From ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ to Bennu: In his youth, he built his own telescope. Then he built his own electric guitar. The two creations would lead to a path that blends a passion for music and outer space.

Meet rock star scientist Brian May, guitarist for the band Queen—and an astrophysicist—who helped NASA land on a particularly threatening asteroid.

WE WILL ROCK YOU

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Students hang out on the Kigali campus of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan, the first and only all-girls Afghan boarding school. Under the leadership of founder Shabana Basij-Rasikh, students and staff were evacuated to Rwanda after the Taliban takeover in 2021.

PHOTOGRAPH BY YAGAZIE EMEZI

Whatever it takes: As a young child living in Kabul, Nat Geo Explorer Shabana Basij-Rasikh dressed as a boy, hid books, and took classes in secrecy, risking her life for education. She went on to found the nation’s only all-girls boarding school. Then, the Taliban drove her away—so she runs the school in exile. (Above, students hang out at the School of Leadership.)

THIS IS HER STORY

LAST GLIMPSE

Known for its lack of light pollution, Big Bend National Park, in Texas, bathes campers along the Rio Grande in moonbeams and starlight. The park is part of the world’s largest Dark Sky reserve.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRYAN SCHUTMAAT, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Outdoor adventures: From hiking Hawaii’s highest peak to snowshoeing amid Michigan’s frozen waterfalls, the United States offers a breathtaking range of natural landscapes.

And you can flip through the locations in National Geographic's new book Great Outdoors USA: 1,000 Adventures Across All 50 States. Check out where to hike, raft, climb, surf, and bike through some of the best outdoor gems including Texas’ Big Bend National Park (above) where campers along the Rio Grande can soak up moonbeams and starlight in part of the world’s largest Dark Sky reserve.

1,000 ADVENTURES

Today’s soundtrack: Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen

We hope this newsletter brightened your Thursday! It was curated and edited by David Beard, Hannah Farrow, Nancy San Martín, and Jen Tse. Know someone who might want our newsletter in their inbox? Here’s the signup. See you tomorrow!

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