When Adam Smith published his seminal work, An Inquiry Into The Nature And Causes Of The Wealth Of Nations in 1776, it was nothing short of a revolution in knowledge. He shaped our modern understanding of how economies work and what national wealth is, shifting the emphasis away from hoarded gold or high trade profits toward the national standard of living. He also put forward profound arguments against slavery, colonialism, and protectionism on moral and economic foundations. 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
