The rediscovery of the Megachile pluto species caused a brief media buzz in 2019. Considered the world’s largest bee, the species was last seen alive in 1981. Eli Wyman, the leader of the expedition team that found the bee in the North Maluku islands of Indonesia, was hopeful that its rediscovery would bolster conservation efforts for the species, but not much came to fruition after the excitement wore off. He may have even harmed the bee species after it became a sought-after collectable for bug enthusiasts. 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
