How does smelling work? We smell when odorous molecules (“odorants”) get into our noses. For us to smell things, their particles must become airborne. Nature has incredible ways of making our surroundings smell; for instance the “petrichor”, the smell of dry earth after rain, is formed through a golden oil made by plants becoming airborne after rain droplets touch the ground, creating tiny bubbles of air that carry the oil into the air and into our noses. 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
