Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease affecting certain geographical areas around the world. The disease arises when rare gene mutations cause the formation of abnormally long chains of proteins which accumulate in the brain and damage the cerebellum; eventually, it causes patients to lose control over their movements. The disease mainly affects areas with groups that practice endogamy — marriage within one’s ethnic group, caste, religion, or other affiliation — like Hindu trader communities, which might explain the higher prevalence of SCA as people marry among themselves. 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
