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WHAT IS YOUR ‘REAL’ AGE?

Saturday, December 23, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we probe the gulf between your ‘real’ and chronological age, examine the weight-loss potential of a plant ... and find out how a conifer became the Christmas tree. Plus, off-duty Santas, vanished cities.

IMAGE BY JING-DONG JACKIE HAN, PEKING UNIVERSITY

You know your chronological age, but what about your biological age? A new technique can pinpoint how old you really are. It is influenced by everything from our environment to diet and exercise habits, reflecting the health of our cells and organs.

That age can differ from the age on your driver’s license by many years.

The secret is in your face.

READ THE FULL STORY

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

Is this plant (above) really ‘nature's Ozempic’?

How magnesium affects your sleep and anxiety

How Christmas has evolved over the years

What is jet leg—and how to avoid it

The planetary crash that created the moon

The hunt for the real, historical Jesus

How did the parents of Jesus become a couple?

These 5 cities vanished without a trace. We’re finally learning their stories.

WHAT IN THE WORLD?

A crowd of Santa lookalikes raise their hands near a body of water

PHOTOGRAPH BY DINA LITOVSKY, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Too. Many. Santas! No, it’s not the North Pole. And yes, even Santa needs some time away from the elves. Ergo, the annual summertime “World’s Largest Santa Convention” (above). It comes complete with dinner, dancing, a show, and a massive “Santa jingle.”

Where is it?
A. Pennsylvania
B. Nevada
C. Missouri
D. Florida

CLICK FOR THE ANSWER

LAST GLIMPSE

In December 1848, an illustration showed Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their children admiring a Christmas tree. Many variations of the image began to circulate, popularizing the festive trend.

PHOTOGRAPH BY HULTON ARCHIVE, GETTY IMAGES

Why are there Christmas trees? The answer is surprisingly complex. Competing claims arise across Europe, but we can date the use of Christmas trees back to the 15th and 16th centuries (above, a 1848 illustration of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their children admiring a Christmas tree.)

From pagan ceremonies to Scandinavian tree plundering, Christmas tree traditions of all kinds have played a role in inspiring modern holiday practices.

O CHRISTMAS TREE!

Related: Why Yule log became a Christmas favorite
Also: The strangely sordid story of Germany’s Christmas markets

Today’s soundtrack: Father Christmas, The Kinks

This newsletter has been curated and edited by David Beard, Nancy San Martín, Nishita Naga, and Jen Tse. Thanks for reading! Know someone who might want our newsletter in their inbox? Here’s the signup.

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