Thursday, September 19, 2024

In this Discovery roundup, we uncover the original ‘deepfakes’, find a woman who made her body eternal, see how cloud forests nurture the Amazon ... and sift through the damage from one bag of chips. Plus, a new Nat Geo quiz!

PHOTOGRAPH BY LYNN JOHNSON

For years, Susan Potter (shown above in 2009) spoke to med students about the coming donation of her body to science. Afterward, her body was frozen, sawed into four blocks, sliced 27,000 times, and photographed after each cut. The result: a virtual cadaver that will speak from the grave. 

Now she will live forever. 

Related: These graverobbers got away with it—until they turned to murder

Kinda related: Bodysnatching, not socializing, helped bigger-brained insects evolve

How does the Amazon begin? Cloud forests, like aerial rivers, shower mountain streams that flow into the world’s biggest basin. National Geographic is devoting its entire October issue to the Amazon—and this interactive story is a terrific way in.

Related: Where the Amazon begins

The National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Amazon Expedition is providing a one-of-a-kind comprehensive study of the critical freshwater ecosystem within the largest rainforest on Earth. 

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK

Wombats are pudgy and are known for several rare things. But one trait in particular has prompted a new study. What is it? 

A. They use their hard butts to defend their territory.
B. They have pouches like a kangeroo, but in the back.
C. They produce cube-shaped scat
D. None of the above

Today’s Soundtrack: New Kid in Town, J.D. Souther (R.I.P.) 

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by David Beard and produced by Amanda Williams-Bryant. Tomorrow, check out our Top Ten newsletter of the week’s most distinctive Nat Geo stories.