The Fermi paradox has perplexed us for years, but a new paper suggests that perhaps aliens aren’t interested in visiting Earth because they think it’s boring. According to the paper, if life is common in the Milky Way, intelligent aliens may be more interested in signs of technology than signs of biology. However, since Earth has only been sending out radio signals for about a century, it’s unlikely that our signals have reached any other intelligent civilizations. So, perhaps intelligent life is out there – our noise just hasn’t reached them! 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
