The Maya children of Yucatan, Mexico have been observed to be more likely to help with household chores without being told to do so. It’s likely because Maya mums embrace human toddlers’ passion for helping at an early age instead of shooing them away. Michaeleen Doucleff saw the effects of adopting this parenting strategy for herself when she tried it at home; Rosy, her toddler daughter, now does little chores around the house, like rinsing dishes for the dishwasher and sweeping the floor. 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