If you love hanging out with books, people may describe you as a bookworm. Previously, however, bookworms were a real headache for librarians. This prompted Thomas Marion Iiams to lead a preservation effort at the Huntington Library to save the books. Known as bread beetles, the worms had been feasting on book pages, covers and the binding glue inside. Although America held a nationwide fumigation drive in libraries to reduce the spread of contagious diseases during the early 20th century, bookworm problems remained unsolved until Iiams found the right formula. 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
