Oxybenzone is a common sunscreen ingredient that gives sunscreen its protective powers against UV light. However, this very same chemical turns deadly after attaching to sugars found in anemones and corals and then being exposed to UV light. It essentially metabolises into the opposite of a sunscreen in these conditions; it destroys and kills cells, especially those without protective algae like bleached coral reefs. While oxybenzone is harmful to coral reefs, the true extent of its damage is still being studied. 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
