Methane from livestock, leaking pipes, and other sources results in a million premature deaths each year and makes an outsized contribution to global warming. However, certain bacteria can convert methane to CO2, which other chemicals can bind and trap so that it doesn’t reach the atmosphere. Combining these methods with a way to draw methane out of the atmosphere could be a major victory in the fight against climate change. 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
