Could you ever think of a mushroom as intelligent? Fungi have been observed to retain memories a full 24 hours after being exposed to stimuli, which they use in everyday survival. For example, they’re able to develop defence mechanisms that allow them to recover quickly and more efficiently after being exposed to mild temperature stress. Instead of forming small colonies when heated up rapidly, those primed maintained normal progress after temperatures returned back to normal. 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
