Knots have varying degrees of complexity — they can be twisted to become unrecognisable. To determine the complexity of a knot, mathematicians imagine them in a 4-dimensional space where they can manipulate the knots even more. Some mathematicians allow themselves to lop off loops or add extra ones to compare them with knots that look similarly complex, but they do have one rule; the knots are closed loops to prevent mathematicians from simply unraveling and retying them until they remake the knot in its original form. 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
