Naked-eye comet visits Earth for 1st time since Neanderthals in 2023

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Discover a piece of history that’s been hibernating for 50,000 years! C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is a newly discovered comet that could be visible to the naked eye from Earth in early 2023. Scientists believe that the last time it was this close to Earth was during the Upper Paleolithic period, which means the comet could have been seen by early humans and Neanderthals. Look out for the comet in the Camelopardalis constellation during its close pass, and keep an eye out for its greenish coma and faint cometary tail. Read full article here

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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

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A look inside the lab building mushroom computers

The Unconventional Computing Laboratory at the University of the West of England is pushing the boundaries of computing, working to see if mushrooms can be used to carry out computing and sensing functions. By stimulating the mycelium—the branching, web-like root structure of the fungus—researchers can get it to produce electrical activity and see if it can be used to create complex, multi-dimensional functions that are more precise than traditional computers. This could lead to a whole new world of possibilities, such as using mushrooms to create fault-tolerant, energy-efficient computers and even mapping neural networks. It’s truly a fascinating field of study – and one that could shape the future of computing. Read full article here

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