Scientists posit that “weird” dark green rocks that cannot be found today are a large part of how the Earth turned from an inhospitable fireball into a haven for life. Called pyroxenites, these rocks are enriched with a mineral called pyroxene and the element magnesium. These magnesium-rich minerals were hypothesised to have reacted with much of the atmospheric carbon dioxide, turning the CO2 into carbonates. These rocks sequestered CO2 ten times faster than is possible today, cooling down the young and scorching 200°C Earth. 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
