Although it’s widely believed that we yawn to take in more oxygen, it seems that it can also contribute to cooling down our big brains. After comparing over 1000 yawns from different mammals and birds, researchers have found that species with bigger brains yawn for longer. They speculate that yawning evolved to cool down the brain to maintain its performance, and that bigger or more active brains need more time to cool off through yawning. 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
