How are we able to focus on a person’s voice in a noisy environment? The auditory brainstem, a part of the brain, may be responsible. It shuttles the electrical signals from converted sound waves to and from the ears and the cortex. Scientists have speculated that its connections to the ears might influence how electrical signals get transmitted to the cortex, but traditional experiments yielded mixed results. Neuroscientist Ross Maddox hopes to get more useful results through live brain scans and voice recordings. 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
