Although deserts look relatively lifeless, many microbes call the scorching and arid environment their home. They’re able to survive beneath sand dunes because sand dunes “breathe” in water vapour; they are porous, and air goes in and out of dunes whenever wind flows over them. The wind creates an imbalance of pressures that forces the air through the dune, bringing moisture to the microbes living within the sand dunes. Although it’s unknown how they do it, microbes are important because they keep dunes from spilling onto roads and infrastructure. 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
