AI is disrupting another industry. The Australian government has been battling wildlife smuggling for many years, and this innovative idea of using imaging techniques is intended to stop the fast-growing numbers of blue-tongue lizards and sulphur-crested cockatoos smuggled outside the country, and the snakes, turtles, and fish animals illegally transported into the country. This real-time tomography aids in bolstering biosecurity by using x-ray scans and identifying 3D images of items, then matching them with the database to detect any possible living animal transported via inside baggage, chip packets, and mail. 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
