Tuberculosis was largely ignored by the global population despite it being the leading infectious disease killer prior to COVID-19. Global tuberculosis cases have been decreasing slowly over the past 20 years, but it’s still a problem thanks to the rise of drug-resistant strains. This problem is made worse because we don’t have a reliable way to determine what tuberculosis strain a patient has; by using the wrong medicine, a slightly resistant strain could develop better drug resistance for the next time it infects a person. 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
