In a study, it was revealed that middle-aged participants who did poorly on the balance test were three times more likely to die earlier than their peers who performed well. The balance test asks people to balance on one leg twice, first with their eyes open and then with eyes closed; the shorter they lasted, the higher their chance of an early death. This is because balancing is a good indication of brain health, and balancing without sight is incredibly taxing on the brain. 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
