What was once a purely speculative question may need answers in the near future; if people could cure their mental disorders, would they? The continuous discovery of genes contributing to mental disorders such as manic-depression (bipolar disorder) has led to discussions regarding the ethics of gene editing to cure these disorders. While it may look like it has a straightforward answer, it’s more nuanced than it seems; many with disorders regard it as an integral part of their being, shaping their experiences (and ultimately, their whole selves). Read full article here
Science
An Eerie Poisonous Fog
If you’re visiting a farm, keep an eye out for an ominous-looking bronze fog. Nitrogen tetroxide, a red-orange gas, is made by certain bacteria during fermentation when oxygen is lacking in the crop. The lack of oxygen causes the bacteria to use the nitrate within the crops, which then produces nitrogen tetroxide. Inhalation of the gas is known to cause permanent lung damage or kill people and livestock. To prevent this, farmers have started performing nitrate tests after four weeks of fermentation. Read full article here
Merv
November 30, 2022
