Fermentation has a rich history in many parts of the world, growing with societal shifts. In a way, fermentation can be seen as a metaphor for society and its slow changes. When you ferment something, you will hear a few sounds: gurgling, fizzling, hissing, and bubbling. When we hear that, we know that transformation is happening at that moment. Similarly, we might be witnesses to transformation within a society—albeit a slow one, like the fermenting process—when we hear longstanding structural issues, like class disparities, bubble up into mainstream discourse. 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
