A raven in a losing fight may call to the audience watching the fight for help, but it will do so strategically. Researchers observed that ravens from the Konrad Lorenz field station in the Austrian Alps called a lot more and for a lot longer when they recognised potential allies in the audience, such as relatives and friends. If their opponents seemed to have allies on their side, however, the ravens called less, presumably to avoid drawing attention to themselves and their unfortunate situation. 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
