Two problems researchers face when getting their findings published are the threat of losing access to their published work and the inaccessibility of research to the general public. Decentralised Science (DeSci) aims to solve these problems. Built on Web 3.0 technology like blockchain, DeSci claims it will let researchers retain the rights to their published work and allow for replication of research for easy dissemination without needing to pay expensive fees to access them like you currently need to do with research journals. 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
