There’s no denying that someone’s words can influence and change another’s behaviour. A case in point is “1-800-273-8255,” a 2017 song by American hip hop artist Logic named after the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. With the song’s lyrics focusing on hope and recovery, a study by BMJ reveals that “1-800-273-8255” is linked not only to the increase in Lifeline calls, but also to the reduction in suicide rates. This research supports the Papageno effect, which reiterates how positive media stories can help prevent suicides in vulnerable individuals. Read full article here
Science
An Eerie Poisonous Fog
If you’re visiting a farm, keep an eye out for an ominous-looking bronze fog. Nitrogen tetroxide, a red-orange gas, is made by certain bacteria during fermentation when oxygen is lacking in the crop. The lack of oxygen causes the bacteria to use the nitrate within the crops, which then produces nitrogen tetroxide. Inhalation of the gas is known to cause permanent lung damage or kill people and livestock. To prevent this, farmers have started performing nitrate tests after four weeks of fermentation. Read full article here
Merv
November 30, 2022
