National Geographic | National Geographic

National Geographic

Monday, July 8, 2024

In today’s newsletter, we examine the science behind human superpowers, learn why alcohol is more powerful on flights … and meet ‘giant’ residents taking over ancient canals in Rome. Plus, scroll down for a quiz about sex and a war.

Porters carry loads back down from Base Camp to villages for storage in Gorak Shep, Nepal.

PHOTOGRAPH BY AARON HUEY, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Don’t look for humans to sprout giant claws like the X-Men's Wolverine or shoot energy beams from their eyes like Cyclops—but our bodies and brains hold the potential for many seemingly superhuman feats, scientists say.

Genetic mutations have equipped the Himalaya’s Sherpa people (pictured above) to adapt to high altitude. Other superpowers can be acquired. And scientists are studying them.

WHAT’S YOUR SUPERPOWER?

Related: ‘Hysterical strength’? Fight or flight? This is how your body reacts to extreme stress.
Also: What lifting weights does to your body—and your mind

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

Artist Holli Harmon imagines the lone woman on San Nicolas Island in the 1800s

ILLUSTRATION BY HOLLI HARMON

Who was this mystery woman (depicted above) on San Nicolas Island?

Why does your tolerance for booze decrease as you get older?

What does rose water do? Here’s a look at the science

How do seashells even get their shape? Related: Design your own shell

Sequana—who is this French river goddess you’ve never heard of ... at least until the Olympics start

Its screech sounds more like a giggle. What else don’t we know about the bald eagle?

What are the ancient origins of your zodiac sign?

These are the biggest health challenges women will face in their lifetimes

Are you making it an alcohol-free July? Your body may thank you.

How to clean a washing machine, step by step

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

A crab with its claws raised in the Coliseum

PHOTOGRAPH BY EMMANUELE BIGGI

Meet the ‘giant’ residents beneath Rome’s ancient ruins. These river crabs (pictured above) are all that remain from the time when Rome was a marshy valley—and they have taken over the city’s ancient canals. Just how ancient are these crabs?

WATCH THE TRAILER

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

An illustration of people sitting at a table.

AKG/ALBUM

Where was the Love Tower? One of our most popular stories last week involved two knights, three princesses, a love tower (depicted above), and a sex scandal that helped trigger the Hundred Years’s War. In what country did the purported hanky-panky take place?

A. Austria
B. France
C. Italy
D. Spain

CLICK FOR THE ANSWER

Today’s soundtrack: Paradise, Chris Burnett

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

Clicking on the Facebook, Instagram, and National Geographic Channel links will take you away from our National Geographic Partners site where different terms of use and privacy policy apply.

This email was sent to: [email protected]. Please do not reply to this email as this address is not monitored.

This email contains an advertisement from:
National Geographic | 1145 17th Street, N.W. | Washington, D.C. 20036

Stop all types of future commercial email from National Geographic regarding its products, services, or experiences.

Manage all email preferences with the Walt Disney Family of Companies.

© 2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC, All rights reserved.