View this email online 25 April, 2025

Esther Hurst Hello. On 7 December 1972, humanity got its first look at Earth as a whole when the "Blue Marble" photograph was taken from space. Now, striking new images show how human activity has altered the planet's surface – more on that below. Also in this edition: an investigation into China's cosmetic surgery boom and stunning footage of a Gobi bear finding water. PS: For more fascinating features on our planet, sign up to our Future Earth newsletter.

ESSENTIAL FEATURES The changing face of the Earth The "Blue Marble" was the first photograph of the whole Earth and the only one ever taken by a human. Fifty years on, new images reveal noticeable changes to our planet's surface. Keep reading

The gory Shakespeare play that makes audiences faint A new production of Titus Andronicus is set to be one of the most extreme yet. So why do we watch such brutality? ‌ Keep reading > Unravelling the mystery of purple honey In a quiet corner of North Carolina, bees produce a violet-hued honey so rare that even experts struggle to explain it.  ‌ Keep reading > Why an iconic painting is not what it seems The widely accepted interpretation of JMW Turner's The Fighting Temeraire might contradict his true intentions. ‌ Keep reading > The best cereals for a healthier start to the day Fortified breakfast cereals can be a useful source of vitamins and minerals, but some are considered ultra-processed food. ‌ Keep reading >

ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS The man at the centre of US deportation showdown BBC Verify examines what we know about Kilmar Abrego Garcia and his alleged ties to the Salvadorian gang MS-13. ‌ Keep reading > 'I've had 100 operations and will never stop' Face-scanning apps, social media influencers and toxic beauty standards are fuelling China's cosmetic surgery boom. ‌ Keep reading > Pope Francis's influence was felt far beyond faith InDepth looks at how the pontiff steered the Catholic Church into uncharted territory over 12 consequential years. ‌ Keep reading >