Thursday, November 21, 2024

In this week’s Discovery newsletter, we learn about the ‘real’ Jesus; discover a saber-toothed cat mummy, determine whether a photo is real or AI, munch on the best brain food, heap praise upon the curly-haired ... and get an exclusive peek inside the gorgeously restored Notre Dame cathedral in Paris

PHOTOGRAPH BY SIMON NORFOLK

More than two billion humans consider themselves Christians. A central belief is that a carpenter from Nazareth was the Son of God. Skeptics and defenders of the faith are both turning to archaeologists to sift truth from legend—and both sides hope those insights reinforce their views. Here’s what we know. 

Related:

- How did Jesus’ final days unfold? Scholars are still debating. 

- Who was Mary Magdalene? Historians are trying to figure that out. 

- These 12 men shaped Christianity. Were they even real?  

PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES

PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANS LANTING, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION 

How can you tell if this image is real or AI produced? It’s getting tougher, but we have a few telltale tips right in this article. But first, is it real?

A. Yes
B. No
C. Don’t know 

Related: AI may help us decode animal languages 

Today’s Soundtrack: Sonetto del Petrarca No. 104, Yunchan Lim

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by David Beard and produced by Amanda Williams-Bryant. Sign up here to get tomorrow’s Top Ten stories of the week or catch Sunday’s Photo of The Week. Got a suggestion for upcoming newsletters? Let us know.