Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasite, speculated to infect up to 50% people worldwide. While it’s more well known in influencing human behaviour, it may change people physically too. A study has observed that people found individuals infected with T. gondii to be more attractive because infected individuals were more likely to have more symmetrical facial features. The researchers speculate that T. gondii may be subtly changing their hosts’ appearance through hormonal fluctuations, for example, by changing testosterone levels. 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
