We all know how tsunamis caused by earthquakes and underwater explosions behave, but those caused by landslides have only recently been understood…thanks to glass beads. Researchers can now create an accurate model that can predict the behaviour of landslide-induced tsunamis; their setup consisted of a glass tank, a makeshift water reservoir, a hill of glass beads, and a plastic wall separating the latter two. When the wall is lifted, the beads fall into the water, simulating a landslide. They then study the waves and use that data to create their model. 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
