Pilchards are smelly, oily fish with a reputation as a staple food of the British poor during the regency era of the late 1700s to the early 1800s. Although most pilchards were exported to Italy, they gained this reputation because they were often given to charities by rich people to better their image. Aside from that, the poor would often crowd around pilchard processing plants to beg for fish that did not pass quality control; called “pezacs”, these fish were compromised, too small, and generally not fit for export. 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
