Soon, people with epilepsy may be able to regain their independence because of man’s best friend; “seizure-alert dogs” are able to predict a seizure before it happens and alert their owners to find a safe space. How they do this isn’t proven, but research suggests the dogs may be picking up on scent changes just before a seizure: metabolic stress and other physiological changes before a seizure release volatile organic compounds, which dogs can then detect. 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
