Found in an ancient burial mound and later hidden away in a castle for a century, the Saint-Bélec slab could be the oldest European map found so far. After being re-examined in 2014, one of the markings corresponded to the topography of the area surrounding the burial mound it was found in, with the other markings possibly denoting other Bronze Age settlements. If true, it may be a symbol of the emerging hierarchical societies of the early Bronze Age.
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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
