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CENTURIES LATER, WE UNCOVER THIS QUEEN’S LEGACY

Monday, March 11, 2024

In today’s newsletter, we learn about a male successor who could not squelch the greatness of a female pharaoh, examine the potentially detrimental effects of too much caffeine … and trace the blood-curdling origins of vampires, zombies, and werewolves. Plus, how can you spot a doctored photo?

A bust of Hatshepsut shows her as a lion-headed sphinx with a false beard

PHOTOGRAPH BY KENNETH GARRETT

You know the story. Trailblazing woman leader, male successor minimizing her achievements to put his own stamp on the place.

For a while, it looked like that new pharaoh wiped from history the great Hatshepsut (depicted above). It has only been in the last century, when Egypt has explored and restored one of her mighty temples, that we’re seeing the marvels from her 21-year rule.

THE PHARAOH’S SECRETS

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

Coffee splashing out of a clear mug

PHOTOGRAPH BY REBECCA HALE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

You can actually consume too much coffee (above). Here’s what happens.

Is this photo doctored? How can you tell if a photo is real?

Could this explosive discovery mean a breakthrough in energy?

How everything we know about the ancient Maya is being upended. Related: What caused the fall of this civilization?

Where do your headaches actually begin? (Hint: it’s not in your brain.)

How do fireflies get their glow? (Free article)

Quiz: Which birds dominate bird feeders—and why? (Free article)

What can Marcus Aurelius and his ‘Meditations’ teach us about stoicism?

Why being organized can actually improve mental health

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

An illustration of Earth approximately 3.7 billion years ago, when microbial life was beginning to form near hydrothermal vents in the primeval oceans

ILLUSTRATION BY GREGOIRE CIRADE, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

The age old question … what sparked life on Earth? Scientists around the world have searched for the answer. From lightning storms to deep sea vents (illustrated above), the beginning of life on our planet has been attributed to a number of events. Here are three theories that seek to answer the question.

BRINGING LIFE TO EARTH

WHAT IN THE WORLD?

Bran Castle in Romania

PHOTOGRAPH BY KANUMAN/ SHUTTERSTOCK

Where do vampires and werewolves come from? For centuries, humans have lived among tales of creatures of all kinds from vampires and zombies, to werewolves and more. We typically find good explanations for our nightmares—or do we? (Pictured above, Bran Castle in Romania’s Transylvania region.)

THE BLOODY TRUTH

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Three flamingos kept in captivity at a resort in the Bavaria region. The animals are released inside the hotel and can move freely around the facilities, especially around the pool area, where they receive food from tourists and are the subject of selfies.

PHOTOGRAPH BY FERNANDO FACIOLE

Setting flamingos free: Captive flamingos (pictured above) from several resorts in this Caribbean country are being returned to the wild. Which country is it?

A. Aruba
B. Cuba
C. Dominican Republic
D. Jamaica

CLICK HERE FOR THE ANSWER

Today’s soundtrack: Paradise, Norah Jones

Today’s newsletter was curated and edited by Nancy San Martín, Nishita Naga, and David Beard. Let us know if you have any suggestions for us.

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