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THE BEAUTY THAT WAS KILLING THEM

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

In today’s newsletter, we learn about the poisonous side of beauty, question what milk really is, test your knowledge on Ozempic ... and witness the resilience of nature.

THE PUTNAM DANA MCMILLAN FUND/BRIDGEMAN/ACI

They wanted rosy lips. They desired pale, almost alabaster skin.

Beauty was essential in the daily life of Spain in the 1600s (depicted above, a woman being prepped for glamour). But were these women poisoning themselves to be beautiful? Science has an answer.

POISONOUS BEAUTY?

Related: What’s the idea of beauty today?
Also: Our most beautiful wildlife photos of the year

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

A glass of cold milk against a yellow background.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SPOHLER, LAIF/REDUX

Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?

Achoo! Allergy season is starting earlier—and lasting longer. Why?

Can aspirin fight a form of cancer?

Freemasons plus: These 5 secret societies changed the world—from behind closed doors

Cannabis is much stronger now. What does that mean?

Gambling is everywhere now. Has that become a problem?

Talking to yourself? What your inner monologue reveals about you.

‘Forgotten’ Nazi camp on British soil revealed by archaeologists

WHAT IN THE WORLD?

A person using one hand to inject their abdomen using a blue Ozempic multi-dose syringe.

PHOTOGRAPH BY RICARDO RUBIO, EUROPA PRESS/GETTY IMAGES

What can’t Ozempic do? New studies show success in other uses for Ozempic (pictured above) and other new drugs that burst onto the scene for losing weight. Which treatment HAVEN’T these drugs been shown to help?

A. Ending addiction
B. Kidney disease
C. Heart disease
D. Sexual dysfunction

CLICK FOR THE ANSWER

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

A yellow-spotted river turtle with a butterfly perched on its shell

PHOTOGRAPH BY THOMAS PESCHAK

Nature’s resilience: What happens when humans don’t interfere with the natural course of life in the wilderness?

In at least one national park in the heart of the Amazon, biodiversity not only made a comeback, it’s thriving. (Pictured above, a butterfly sits perched on the shell of an endangered yellow-spotted river turtle.) “It’s a place where all your senses explode,” says biologist, conservationist and environmental photographer Lucas Bustamante.

How did this pristine site come to be?

Today’s soundtrack: Pay Your Way in Pain, St. Vincent

Today’s newsletter was curated and edited by David Beard, Nancy San Martín, and Nishita Naga. Were you forwarded this email or know someone who might want our newsletter? Here’s the signup. See you tomorrow!

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