15 October, 2024

Molly Gorman When it comes to longevity, few places in the world have seen such a drastic jump in life expectancy as one country in South East Asia. Read more to find out about the world's sixth 'Blue Zone'. Also in today's edition, we're looking at whether baking soda is a genius cleaning hack or dud, the surprising genetics of Christopher Columbus and I recommend signing up to our new course Six Steps to Calm for science-backed tips to deal with stress and anxiety. We'll be back in your inbox on Friday.

ESSENTIAL FEATURES The country where people are living longer, healthier lives Children born here today can expect to live to at least 86 years old. Keep reading

Baking soda: A genius green cleaner or dud? A famous, longtime hack associated as much with old housewives as TikTok videos – read to find out if it really works.  ‌ Keep reading > Cult film La Haine still reflects France's issues As a new hip-hop musical adaptation of the 90s film opens in Paris, its director tells the BBC why it's still relevant today.  ‌ Keep reading > An even better way to 'raw-dog' travel The trend of enduring long flights with no phones or distractions went viral. But perhaps we could take it a step further. ‌ Keep reading > The anxiety around ultra-processed vegan food Plant-based diets can contain more ultra-processed food to replace meat and dairy, but this might not be a problem. ‌ Keep reading >

ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS How algorithms have changed our interactions  Social media algorithms can watch our behaviour and choose what we see when we log on. Read how they have shaped us. ‌ Keep reading > Six books to understand the US and its politics In the run-up to the presidential election, here are some books that offer context, insight and perspectives on the US. ‌ Keep reading > The surprising genetics of Christopher Columbus  A two-decade long genetic study has possibly solved the mystery: what was the heritage of the famed explorer? ‌ Keep reading >

ESSENTIAL WATCHLIST An 'astonishing' moment: Starship booster gets caught mid-air Watch as SpaceX's Starship successfully completes the 'chopsticks manoeuvre', a move that had never been done before. ‌ Watch now > Why influencers are risking death by hurricane for clicks  As two hurricanes tore through Florida, some influencers ignored evacuation orders, risking their lives to post livestreams and stunts. Watch now > Nasa is changing the future of flying with a supersonic plane Nasa researchers are hoping the X-59 will drastically reduce the noise associated with supersonic planes and overcome the national ban. Watch now >