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A FIRST: TREATING HIS OWN WOUND

Friday, May 3, 2024

In today’s newsletter, we learn of an injured orangutan using medicinal plants to heal, examine the martial origins of Cinco de Mayo, take a close look at potential fossils in our floor tiles … and question what ‘fairy rings’ really are. Plus, meet a woman who helped save us from the Nazis?

An adult male orangutan, the wound below its right eye healed and no longer visible

PHOTOGRAPH BY SAFRUDDIN

Wounded, how did this orangutan (pictured above), deep in the Indonesian rainforest, know how to search for a specific medicinal plant—and then to apply it a certain way to help him heal?

Researchers say the case of Rakus the Orangutan represents the first time that an animal has been observed doing this. Was it luck? Or did he learn (human-like?) that this plant was helpful?

CAN SMARTS SAVE THEM?

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

An ancient jawbone embedded in travertine tile.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY KIDIPADELI75

An ancient human jawbone (pictured above) ... in a floor tile? The finding is exciting researchers across the globe.

What’s the source of your headaches? It could be your neck.

How long does long COVID actually last?

The real Amazons of Greek mythology were fierce warrior women

When does old age begin? How do we know?

5 ways orcas are surprising scientists

Cinco de Mayo: How a Mexican holiday became a party in the USA

What is topical steroid withdrawal? If you have eczema, here’s what you should know.

The best products for arthritic hands

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

William F. Friedman and Elizabeth S. Friedman in their library study.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE GEORGE C. MARSHALL FOUNDATION, LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA

What else did she do? Little known today, Elizebeth Friedman (pictured above, on the right) was key to breaking Nazi codes and smashing spy rings in World War II. That would be enough for anyone’s resume, but she did much more. Which of these accomplishments can be laid at her feet?

A. She broke codes used by rumrunners during Prohibition
B. She testified against some of the biggest gangsters, including Al Capone
C. She decoded secret correspondence of Sir Francis Bacon during the Shakespeare era
D. All of the above

CLICK HERE FOR THE ANSWER

WHAT IN THE WORLD?

Detail of Amanita mascara in the woods

PHOTOGRAPH BY AGORASTOS PAPATSANIS

What exactly are ‘fairy rings’? The cryptic circles of mushrooms (pictured above) have been the inspiration for settings of fairytales for centuries. But how do they even come to be? Contrary to popular belief, ‘fairy rings’ are not the doing of fairies, or any supernatural creature for that matter.

FUNGI OR FAIRIES?

Related: The dreamlike fungi that thrives in nature’s dank corners
Also: Why ‘funga’ is just as important as flora and fauna

Today’s soundtrack: Raspberry Jam, Allah Las

Stay safe this weekend! This newsletter has been curated and edited by Nancy San Martín, Nishita Naga, and David Beard. Know someone who might want our newsletter? Here’s the signup.

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