In today’s Discovery newsletter: the case for more adult playtime and a history of stranded astronauts. But first, the simple reason behind the rise in dementia rates.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALFRED PASIEKA, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY  

In January, a study published in the journal Nature Medicine suggested that by 2060, the number of Americans with dementia will double to a total of one million along with the estimated lifetime risk of developing the condition. Figures like these can sound scary — but these numbers also tell a success story.

PHOTOGRAPH BY NASA

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVIDE MONTELEONE

Over the past few centuries, we have dug, chopped, burned, drilled, pumped, stripped, forged, flared, lit, launched, driven, and flown our way to adding 2.4 trillion metric tons of carbon dioxide to Earth’s atmosphere. 

But in a lonely valley 20 miles outside of Reykjavík, Iceland, Edda Aradóttir has another idea to fight climate change: by putting carbon back where we found it.

Today’s Soundtrack: Luck In My Eyes, k.d. lang and The Recliners

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by Jennifer Baik and David Beard and produced by Amanda Williams-Bryant. Thanks for reading!