Thanks to a gentler extraction technique, scientists have finally detected cytosine and thymine in meteorites, completing the set of bases required to make up DNA and RNA. Using cold water instead of acid in the extraction process keeps these fragile bases intact. These bases — biological compounds containing nitrogen — come together to form DNA and RNA, the building blocks of life, which lends credence to the theory that the basic components of life did not arise from a primordial soup, but fell from outer space through meteorites. 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
