Have you ever wanted to turn invisible? While it seems like we still have quite a way to go before we develop human-scale optical cloaks (devices that can “cloak” or hide objects), we’ve already made it partly a reality. Using mirrors, prisms, and lenses to manipulate light rays, scientists have been able to cloak tiny areas relatively easily, making ray-based cloaking tech one of the more feasible routes to take towards making everyday optical cloaks.
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