Aside from the Coronavirus pandemic, there is another pandemic going on today: plant diseases. Anne Elizabeth Simon, a virologist at the University of Maryland, is part of a team of scientists developing a novel solution to prevent and possibly cure these plant diseases. If successful, this vaccine-like treatment would protect the plants against several pathogens, the same way vaccines are expected to work against COVID-19. 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
