Mushrooms are speculated to be able to communicate through electrical impulses generated by long filamentous underground structures called hyphae. The hyphae produced these impulses when they came into contact with wood and other food for the fungus. By inserting microelectrodes into the substrate the mushrooms were currently colonising, scientists observed that these impulses had patterns similar to human speech patterns after they codified bursts of activity as unique “words”. 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
