Les Milne, a consultant anesthesiologist, began to emit a distinct musty odor in 1982, which his wife Joy Milne noticed. This change in scent coincided with shifts in his personality, leading to a later diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Joy's ability to detect this scent could potentially aid in earlier diagnosis of the disease.

Les Milne, a promising young man from Dundee, Scotland, faced personal tragedies early in life but excelled academically and athletically. His high school girlfriend, Joy, who had an unusually sensitive sense of smell, was drawn to him. They married and settled in Cheshire, England, where Les became a consultant anesthesiologist. Joy noticed a distinct change in Les's scent in 1982, which persisted and was undetectable to others. This change in aroma marked a significant shift in their lives.

The article details the life of Kamel Daoudi, a French engineering student turned jihadist, and his association with Djamel Beghal, an influential Islamist figure. Daoudi, after a falling out with his father, embraced jihadism and met Beghal in France. Both men later moved to Afghanistan, where they were involved with Islamist factions and maintained relations with Al Qaeda. After returning to France, Daoudi was arrested for an alleged plot to bomb the American Embassy in Paris, a plot French authorities attributed to Beghal. Despite a lack of material evidence, both were convicted under France's broad anti-terror statute. Daoudi served seven years, mostly in solitary confinement, and now lives under house arrest in Carmaux, France. Beghal was later re-arrested and convicted for another alleged plot. The article also touches on the Charlie Hebdo attacks, suggesting that Beghal's influence may have extended to the attackers, though he denies direct involvement. The piece explores the complexities of the French judicial system's approach to terrorism, the conditions in French prisons, and the broader implications of Islamist extremism in France.

The article discusses the investigation into President John F. Kennedy's assassination and the various theories surrounding it. It focuses on the work of director Oliver Stone, who, inspired by Jim Garrison's book, created the film 'JFK' that suggested a government conspiracy involving the CIA with Lee Harvey Oswald as a patsy. The film faced criticism but also led to public pressure for declassification of assassination records. The Warren Commission's investigation is portrayed as potentially compromised, with evidence suggesting that the CIA and FBI did not fully cooperate. Jefferson Morley, a journalist, has been investigating the CIA's connection to Oswald and uncovered that a CIA officer, George Joannides, was involved with an anti-Castro group Oswald had contact with and later misled a congressional investigation. Morley's FOIA requests and lawsuit against the CIA have led to some document releases but also significant resistance, suggesting that the full truth may never be disclosed.

The article discusses the severe wildfires that ravaged the Pinhal Interior region of central Portugal, particularly focusing on the catastrophic fire in Pedrógão Grande in June 2017, which resulted in 67 deaths. It explores the region's transformation from farmland to forest, largely composed of highly flammable eucalyptus trees, and the socio-economic factors that have contributed to the fire risk, including rural depopulation and poor forest management. The piece also delves into the historical context, mentioning the influence of former dictator António de Oliveira Salazar on the country's land use and the legacy of his policies. The article highlights the challenges faced by volunteer firefighters and the government's efforts to address the wildfire problem, as well as the resilience of eucalyptus trees, which quickly resprout after fires. Personal accounts from local residents, including Dora Costa, provide a human perspective on the tragedy and the community's response.

The article explores the history and evolution of perfumery, focusing on the work of Jean Carles and his systematic approach to creating fragrances. It delves into the intricacies of scent composition, comparing it to music, and discusses the challenges in quantifying and describing olfactory experiences. The piece also examines the role of genetics and culture in our perception of smell, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the fragrance industry. The article highlights the work of Gary Marr, a master perfumer at Firmenich, and the company's efforts in developing new scents and utilizing artificial intelligence to predict successful fragrance combinations. It touches on the secrecy of the perfume industry and the potential of receptor technologies to revolutionize the field. The article concludes with a reflection on the future of AI in perfumery and the enduring importance of human creativity and intuition in the craft.

The article presents a series of personal stories that trace the military service of various individuals and their families during World War I. David Ulf discovers the significance of his great-grandfather Ben Hicks Metcalf's Purple Heart and learns about his service in France, including the loss of his son Richard in combat. Anne LaFoley uncovers the longing her father had for his own father, George O'Brien, who died in the war before they could meet. Irene Neelon reflects on her husband's grandfather, Raymond V. Neelon, who was a decorated war hero and influenced his descendants' sense of duty. Carole Ryavec explores her family's history through Uncle Poldo, who experienced the shifting national identities of his Slovenian village. Patricia Ginnetti confirms a family story about her grandfather Henry Lexa's encounter with a German U-boat while serving on the Mongolia during the war. These narratives highlight the lasting impact of war on families and the importance of preserving history through personal accounts.

This article, originally published in 2017, revisits Marine Le Pen's complex relationship with the French media. It discusses how Le Pen, the leader of the far-right political party Front National, has consistently accused French journalists of bias against her, her family, and her party. Despite these accusations, the article argues that Le Pen has successfully brought her party into the political mainstream, a feat she could not have achieved without the very press she criticizes. The piece is presented with a new introduction by the author, Scott Sayare, and is part of a series that raids the Audio Long Read archives to highlight classic articles.

The article discusses the unique regenerative abilities of salamanders, particularly focusing on the axolotl, a Mexican species known for its extensive regenerative capabilities, including limbs, organs, and parts of its brain. Scientists have been studying these creatures for over two centuries, with recent research aiming to apply their regenerative properties to human medicine. The axolotl's genome, which is 10 times the size of the human genome, has been sequenced and mapped, providing a potential blueprint for human regenerative medicine. The article also touches on the axolotl's neoteny, its ability to remain in a larval state throughout its life, which has intrigued scientists and been reflected in cultural references. However, the axolotl is nearly extinct in the wild due to habitat destruction. The article weaves scientific facts with historical and cultural perspectives on the axolotl, reflecting on humanity's long-standing fascination with this creature.

The article discusses the impact of Oliver Stone's film 'JFK' on public perception of the Kennedy assassination and the subsequent push for declassification of government documents. Stone's film suggested a conspiracy involving the CIA and portrayed Jim Garrison's investigation as credible, contrary to the official Warren Commission report which concluded Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. The film sparked controversy and was criticized for its portrayal of events. Following the film's release, there was a significant push for transparency, leading to the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992, which aimed to declassify assassination-related documents. The article also covers Jefferson Morley's investigation into CIA officer George Joannides's role in the events surrounding the assassination and the CIA's interactions with Oswald. Despite the declassification efforts, many documents remain withheld or redacted, and the full truth behind the assassination remains elusive.