In the past, history and myth were often one and the same. Nothing displays this fact as clearly as the scandalous myths of Alexander the Great’s parentage that spread throughout the medieval era. Storytellers spread the rumour that his father and mentor was the last Egyptian pharaoh, a gifted fortune teller with great powers. The authorities of the day condemned the stories as blasphemous, but common people went on sharing them. 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
