🌄 The Hero’s Journey, the Cosmic Web, AI for Democracy, and More.

The latest from Nautilus, and this week’s Facts So Romantic. [View in browser](| [Join Nautilus]( Did a friend forward this? [Subscribe here.]( This Thursday, read the latest stories from Nautilus—and this week’s Facts So Romantic below [PSYCHOLOGY]( [We Can Be Heroes]( The transformative power of seeing your life as a hero’s journey. A reporter’s eyewitness account. BY ADAM PIORE In 1939, at the age of 27, Sid Kline set sail for Europe, landing in Prague as the Nazis were on the march. [Continue reading→]( [Give the Gift of Science]( Ignite a passion for science with [MEL Science kits](. You can unleash your child's inner scientist with these captivating, hands-on experiments in chemistry, physics, STEM, space, and math. [Use code FREEGIFT]( to get an extra box for free. [ORDER TODAY]( The latest from Nautilus [ASTRONOMY]( [The Cosmic Web and the Fate of the Universe]( Projects to map the universe are getting weird. BY PAUL M. SUTTER[Continue reading→]( [COMMUNICATION]( [AI Can Help Democracy]( Talking politics in a polarized society can get heated fast. Chatbots could help us keep our cool. BY JIM DAVIES[Continue reading→]( [ZOOLOGY]( [How Capybaras Outwit Big Cats]( The world’s largest rodent is a jaguar’s favorite snack. BY KRISTA LANGLOIS [Continue reading→]( [ENVIRONMENT]( [How Dust Could Help Solve Crimes]( Hold the vacuum cleaner! There’s evidence in those motes. BY KATHARINE GAMMON[Continue reading→]( WE'RE CURIOUS TO KNOW... What was a recent and significant meaningful experience that got you rethinking your life story? Let us know! Reply to this newsletter with your response, briefly explaining your choice, and we’ll reveal the top answers. (This question was inspired by [“We Can Be Heroes.”)]( Top Answers to Our Previous Question(On the Human Invention With the Most Upside and Least Downside) - The DVR. – David G. - The bicycle. – J.H. - Paper. – Sarah G. - Penicillin. because it saves countless lives. – Louise M. - Without a doubt: the wheel! Besides the obvious uses, most mechanical inventions are also based on the wheel in some form (watch, with internal wheels; telescope and microscope to change lens strength; etc.). The only downside I can think of is warfare. However, even here, few firearms need a wheel to work. – Sam L.W. FACTS SO ROMANTIC The Best Things We Learned Today If you could see an identity, it would be a story. [Nautilus→]( The cosmic web fills up the volume of the universe and contains up to 2 trillion galaxies, of which we’ve mapped far less than 1 percent. [Nautilus→]( One study found that people expect more compensation for participating in research when engaging with an ideological opponent than when engaging with someone on the same side. [Nautilus→]( Capybaras’ eyes, ears, and nose are all perched high on their heads, allowing them to stay mostly submerged underwater. [Nautilus→]( Napoleon’s severed penis was allegedly passed between booksellers—booksellers are strange people—and put on display. [Nautilus→]( Dopamine helps protect the nerve cells attacked by Parkinson’s disease. [Nautilus→]( [“When Charney emerged from the deli, the disgraced scientist opened fire with a 20-gauge shotgun.”]( [That’s just one moment from Adam Piore’s story about the people he met as a journalist who have overcome shocking hardships by framing their life as a hero’s journey.]( Better Living Through Science Wouldn’t it be nice if you could predict when you’re getting sick? [Oura Ring]( can help. This sleek wearable continuously measures your body temperature, heart rate, and more to give you a heads up when you might be coming down with something. Soothe your headaches and alleviate eye strain with [Therabody’s biometric SmartGoggles](. This comfortable eye mask delivers a combination of personalized therapies to help you shake off your day and relax. What does it mean to be healthy? By analyzing your blood, DNA, and daily habits, [InsideTracker](creates personalized, evidence-based health recommendations––just for you. Your free story this Thursday! [HISTORY]( [Tesla’s Pigeon]( An inventor, a bird, and a plan to connect all the minds in the world. BY AMANDA GEFTER On a February morning in 1935, a disoriented homing pigeon flew into the open window of an unoccupied room at the Hotel New Yorker. [Continue reading for free→]( EXCLUSIVE MEMBER CONTENT | [Explore Memberships→]( [The Perfect Gift for the Deep Thinkers in Your Life]( The [Nautilus Holiday Gift Subscription Box](allows your loved ones to experience the magic of science all year long. Each box includes: - Nautilus Issue 50 - A limited edition embossed Nautilus hardcover Moleskine notebook - A welcome note from Nautilus’ editor - A personalized note from you, the sender - An annual subscription to Nautilus, including All Access Digital + 6 Collectible Print Issues sent throughout the year [GIVE THE NAUTILUS HOLIDAY GIFT SUBSCRIPTION BOX]( P.S. The 16th-century scientist Tycho Brahe, considered the father of modern observational astronomy, was born on this day in 1546. Claudia Geib wrote about why Brahe is still an intriguing subject of scientific research: His death once reeked of foul-play but recent evidence, from Brahe’s hair, suggests he may have dabbled in alchemy, exposing himself to iron, cobalt, arsenic, silver, and gold. It remains unclear [what ultimately led to his demise.]( Today’s newsletter was written by Brian Gallagher Thanks for reading. [Tell us](mailto:brian.gallagher@nautil.us?subject=&body=) your thoughts on today’s note. Plus, [browse our archive]( of past print issues, and inspire a friend to sign up for [the Nautilus newsletter](. [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( Copyright © 2023 NautilusNext, All rights reserved. You were subscribed to the newsletter from [nautil.us](. Our mailing address is: NautilusNext 360 W 36th Street, 7S, New York, NY 10018 Don't want to hear from us anymore? [Unsubscribe](