Stradivari violins are heralded as one of the best instruments of their kind, generating the most pleasing sound a violin can produce. The secret to their superior sound quality has remained elusive, but research suggests that the answer lies in the special varnish used by Antonio Stradivari to treat the violins. Although the exact formula is unknown, the mixture of borax, copper and zinc sulphides, alum, and table salt seems to repel moisture exceptionally well, with the violins holding 25% less water than their counterparts, thus giving them a cleaner sound.
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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
