Succeeding as a scientist requires effectively learning from one another, writing in journals, and collaborating with groups of many sizes. You can’t do that without great communication skills, so why is it that scientists often struggle to communicate with the public? Paul Sutter contends that scientists and their institutions don’t give public communication the attention it deserves, which has contributed to declining public trust of science as an institution. 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
