The Harvard Computers were a group of women that were integral to the expansion of our knowledge of space and the stars. They were in charge of “repetitive drudgery” — measurement, photo examination, and star categorization — which led to the discovery of thousands of new stars. Chief among the computers was Williamina Flemming, a housemaid turned astronomer; she discovered white dwarf stars and sowed the seeds for the creation of the Harvard star classification in use today.
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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
