Could fiction have contributed to the survival of modern humans? Lee Child speculates that fiction must have had a role in survival because there wasn’t room for a seemingly non-essential leisure activity thousands of years ago. Fiction, therefore, could have served as morale boosters and subtle instruction that fostered a healthy recklessness. This recklessness could have inspired modern humans to traverse the far reaches of the Earth, unlike the sensible and overly cautious Neanderthals, who likely did not dabble in fiction, and who didn’t explore far from their homes. 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
