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STEP AWAY FROM THOSE CHIPS

Friday, May 10, 2024

In today’s newsletter, we examine a classic guidance on picking up dropped food—and get a big surprise. Plus, the mysterious disappearance of a thriving ancient society, not so red-hot chili peppers, e-bikes ... and we pay our respects to remarkable teachers.

Ruffled potato chips falling, photographed against a black background.

PHOTOGRAPH BY XVISION, GETTY IMAGES

You want to eat those chips you dropped on the floor. Is it OK to do it if you grab them quickly?

Science says that’s the wrong question. Instead ask: Is the food dry (like the chips, above), or wet, like watermelon or cantaloupe? Another question: Is the floor carpeted?

Here’s what science says about when you should and when you shouldn’t.

IS IT SAFE TO EAT?

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

A view of a lighthouse and port at sunset

CAVAN IMAGES/AGE FOTOSTOCK

A thriving society vanished into thin air. Historians are finally piecing together the clues.(Pictured above, a western lighthouse from that world.)

E-bikes are good for the environment—but what about your health?

What are trigger points? Can you relieve them?

It’s fun and splashy, but here are the little-known roots of this weekend’s Eurovision competition

Ouch! The truth about bunions

Drawn, hollow: What is ‘Ozempic face’?

Archaeologists make macabre discovery under Hitler’s Wolf’s Lair

‘Severe’ solar storm could trigger Northern Lights tonight as far south as Alabama. Here’s an in-depth look at the sun’s role in making this happen? Related: What NOAA says

This 150-year old Arctic mystery remains unsolved

The best wrinkle-free travel clothes for 2024

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Three red chili peppers on a green background

PHOTOGRAPH BY IAN LAKER, GETTY IMAGES

Do peppers no longer make your tongue tingle? It may be more than just your tastebuds. From the sriracha shortage of 2022 to the viral internet series “Hot Ones,” peppers have been under more scrutiny in the past few years. Now, a bigger question arises—are store-bought peppers actually becoming less spicy? If so, why?

HAPPY TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!

Young meerkats follow their mother

PHOTOGRAPH BY THOMAS P. PESCHAK, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Teachers are vital … to all species. While human teachers are an important part of our society, animal “teachers” are far and few. Only a handful of non-human species have adults responsible for showing their young how to survive in the world. Here are a few remarkable ones.

Related: Teaching girls in a land whose rulers don’t want them to learn
Also: Showing students the importance of nature and wildlife in India

Today’s soundtrack: Hold ‘em (Theme from Abbott Elementary), Makem

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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