One of the best meals I ate this year was at a gas station on the outer edge of Tucson. So as soon as I saw the headline “The best places to eat in Mississippi may be at gas stations,” you bet I clicked! I clearly wasn’t the only one, as that was one of our most-read stories this week. Readers also loved one of our latest From the Vault archival pieces on saving the last tigers, Alaska’s rivers turning bright orange, a medieval dancing plague, and why our bodies resist weight loss. Enjoy! 

—William O’Connor, Newsletter Editor 

From the diaphragm to the pelvic floor, scientists say improving your core strength can protect your spine and help you move with ease into older age.

 PAID CONTENT FOR PEPSICO 

Farmers in Brazil are restoring biodiversity to grow resilient crops

In Brazil's Cerrado region, farmer Maria Vitória Vasconcelos is transforming her family's farm through regenerative practices like agroforestry, composting, and crop diversification. With support from PepsiCo and Milhão, her farm is helping restore biodiversity and improve soil health.

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.