Sleep is the last bastion of humanity, protecting us from the deluge of consumption. But in Singapore, citizens are sleeping less than ever – only an average of five hours a day. Money doesn’t sleep and stock markets are active at all times, leading to a compression of time, with people staying in a gentle, intoxicating stupor with their phones always close by. Researchers are alarmed, for this is nothing but a sample of a future where there is no more sleep. For the market to keep going, sleep must be eliminated – a worrying reality, for if sleep goes, so does our ability to dream, reflect and make decisions. 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
