Apparently, mathematicians have figured out how to solve urban traffic jams and free up our roads. Instead of focusing solely on road improvements, Alexander Krylatov’s new book proposes that we look elsewhere. For example, he argues that all drivers should only receive instructions from one central hub so as to make rerouting cars efficient, likely to eliminate contradicting instructions from being sent out and causing traffic jams.
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
