Polymers (solidified liquids) could make great cheap lenses because liquids naturally form spheres; however, after reaching a certain size, they flatten into a puddle because of gravity. But Prof. Moran Bercovici and Dr. Valeri Frumkin present a simple solution: injecting liquid polymers into other liquids (called buoyancy liquids) eliminates the effects of gravity, so they maintain their spherical shape. The buoyancy liquids just need to have the same density as the polymers; because polymers have similar density to oil, their buoyancy liquid is water mixed with salt, sugar, or glycerin. 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
