P-22, the iconic mountain lion that lived in the heart of Los Angeles, has sadly passed away. He was beloved by many, and although we will miss him, his legacy lives on in the form of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which is a testament to how P-22 inspired and encouraged people to think differently about urban wildlife and the need to protect and conserve it. His story is a reminder that despite the hustle and bustle of modern life, nature will always find a way to survive. 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
