The US Air Force is up to some HiJENKS! HiJENKS, or the High-Powered Joint Electromagnetic Non-Kinetic Strike Weapon, is a new type of non-lethal, non-physical weapon that aims to cripple enemy forces by targeting their electronics. The successor of a previous weapon called CHAMP, HiJENKS will use microwave radiation to fry the circuits essential to the weapon and sensor systems of hostile forces. Currently, USAF is exploring different delivery methods for HiJENKS, like drones, rather than missiles that can be interpreted as traditionally lethal threats. 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
