Rachel Barenbaum, author of the time travel novel Atomic Anna, argues that time travel machines are one of the most horrific weapons ever conceived by humanity. There’s a sort of “quiet violence” surrounding time travel. By going back in time to change even seemingly inconsequential details, we erase entire paths already taken. It seems like a victimless crime, but families and entire generational lines disappear and can’t ever be remembered because they would’ve never existed in the first place. 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
