Every autumn, millions of monarch butterflies depart from the US and fly toward the Mexican state of Michoacán, home of oyamel fir forests. Due to human activity, however, their numbers are dwindling despite the best efforts of environmentalists who put their lives on the line to defend the monarchs. Champions of the orange butterflies in Mexico stare the possibility of death in the face daily, as their calls to preserve the forests put them at odds with cartels, illegal loggers, and even avocado farmers who want to exploit the forest. 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
