Wednesday, December 18, 2024

This Weekly Escape hops the globe to find the best cooking oil, finds Santa in the poem that changed Christmas, tracks the strange history of bras ... and examines how bats may be key in helping humans get to Mars. Plus, a ‘Wicked’ history. 

While every fruit and vegetable has health-promoting compounds, the ones unique to olive oil, called phenols, are especially powerful. The nutrients in extra virgin olive oil have been found to benefit numerous health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. To top it off, the underappreciated oil often serves as a key ingredient in a strong diet.

Related: Why the Mediterranean diet is the best diet 

Also: Here’s a better way to get rid of used cooking oil 

Related: This rare disorder is a leading cause of blindness in young people

Also: Face blindness is more common than you think 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL SARTORE, PHOTO ARK/NPL/MINDEN PICTURES 

A hibernation breakthrough? A discovery about bats may help astronauts stay healthy during longer voyages into space. The big goal: If scientists can change the human red blood cell membranes to mimic bats, it could bring us closer to human hibernation—which would be awfully handy for a 21-month journey to Mars.

Somewhat related: 7 ways to get better sleep 

Today’s Soundtrack: Patient Zero, Aimee Mann 

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by David Beard and produced by Amanda Williams-Bryant. Have a suggestion for us? Let us know!