Did you know your brain could be older than your age? That pizza fanatics have a new trend? What about a certain U.S. state having the largest dark sky preserve in the world? All of these make up just a few of our top ten stories from this week. My personal favorite? The story of the Byzantine nun whose devotion to God led to some hardcore practices. Enjoy! 

—William O'Connor, Newsletter Editor

Self-tormenting practices were all the rage in ancient Byzantium, from wearing chains to living on top of small pillars—and women were just as hardcore as the men.

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by William O'Connor and produced by Alisher Egamov. Let us know if you have suggestions and sign up here to get the Photo of the Week on Sundays.