For a self-taught scientist, Michael Faraday contributed a huge amount to the development of tools still used today. However, due to missteps in the publication of his findings after inventing the electric motor, he was barred from working in the field until the death of his former mentor Humphry Davy. After failing to acknowledge Davy, Faraday was accused of plagiarism; as a result, after being inducted into the Royal Society, he was only given busywork for a decade, leaving him – and the world – craving further invention. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
