Music is everyone’s refuge. People find comfort and healing when listening to music without even giving much thought to how this happens. Stoicism, similarly, was developed by philosophers to manage destructive emotions. In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, during a period of social and political instability in France, Stoicism was applied to musical ‘text paintings’ with lyrics and melodies that remind us of the fragility of life. The efficacy of this ancient system to address afflictions like anxiety and addiction is still recognised today. 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
