What drives human reasoning? For years, neuroscientists had tried to pinpoint the region where human reasoning stems from using “meta-analysis” — the combination and interpretation of previous studies’ results — to no avail. However, a new method developed by scientists from Korea may be the key to finding out the answer. Accounting for the folded geometry of the brain’s surface, this new method has determined that the brain’s “multiple-demand system” – involved with the “selection of task-relevant stimuli” and “separation of successive…task steps” is the likely site of reason. 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
