One of the problems brought about by Hollywood’s shift to the digital format is the effort required to store digital movies. Digital copies of movies require constant maintenance; archivists must stave off humidity, heat, static electricity, and electromagnetic fields to preserve their decades-long shelf life. Aside from that, the amount of data that digital movie production produces has staggering storage costs; a two-hour movie in 4K costs upwards of 200,000 USD in storage yearly compared to the 500 USD annual cost of its film equivalent. 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
