Scientists have noticed that the Earth’s rotation is speeding up. On June 29, 2022, Earth set a new milestone by recording the fastest time to complete one full rotation, giving an extra 1.59 milliseconds to that day. Scientists connect the accelerated movement of the earth to seismic activity, reduced weight at the poles as a result of melted glaciers, and movement of the earth’s molten core over time. 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
