Black death origins mystery: solved?

What makes a mosquito bite; pandemic air flow

View this email online Goats and Soda editor's note Marvel Studios In world facing crisis after crisis, it’s nice to take note of something positive and inspirational.  Even if it’s a TV show! Disney+ has just launched Ms. Marvel, a series about a Muslim Pakistan American teen who’s a superhero, based on the Marvel comic. Pakistanis around the world, particularly young women, are buzzing.  In the show, 16-year-old Kamala Khan discovers that her grandmother’s bangle gives her powers to heal, stretch and shape-shift.  The young Pakistani women we interviewed said they felt empowered by Ms. Marvel. “I think it’s so cool that teenage girls can watch ... and think, ‘We want to be her, and she also looks like us,’ “ says Saniya Ahmed, a 19-year-old student from Karachi. Read the story here. I’m a fan of the show, too. As a Filipino Egyptian American with a Muslim father, I loved how Kamala’s Muslim family was portrayed. Kamala goes to the mosque, for example, and says "Bismillah" (an Islamic term meaning “in the name of Allah” in Arabic) before starting her car. Growing up, I never saw anything like that on TV or at the movies. It’s great to see how far Hollywood has come.  Malaka Gharib   Deputy editor, Goats and Soda disease insights Pictures from History/Universal Images Group /Getty Images Scientists say they've solved a 700-year-old mystery: Where and when Black Death began For centuries, scientists and historians have wondered where the Black Death — the deadliest pandemic in recorded history — came from. New research sheds light on the ancient disease. Why mosquitoes might find you irresistible. Hint: A viral lure Researchers have found that certain viruses may have a trick up their sleeve that can make humans more attractive to mosquitoes. The study also revealed a possible remedy. coronavirus FAQ Tanishka R./NPR Got any tips on improving indoor air flow to reduce infection risks? "Ventilation is the way forward," says infectious disease doctor Abraar Karan of Stanford. Here's how to get better air flow at home, in schools and offices — even in gyms — to stave off COVID. climate Diaa Hadid/NPR Newsletter continues after sponsor message Floating in a rubber dinghy, a filmmaker documents the Indus River's woes Pakistani filmmaker Wajahat Malik pulled together an expedition to raft down the 2,000-mile river. He hopes to reconnect people with the Indus, which is being threatened by overuse and climate change. links we like Kenya's widows fight eviction by their in-laws. The Guardian reports. At a gathering of religious leaders in Afghanistan, one cleric called for the reopening of secondary schools for girls. Ariana News reports. The New York Times has a recipe for "nimbu pani," a popular limeade from South Asia that's "funky, salty and exceedingly sour." Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: goatsandsoda@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Health, Daily News, Code Switch and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Goats and Soda emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy