How do you make a popular movie? A group of researchers ran a meta-analysis of various “cohesive elements or patterns” (tropes) to create a data-driven approach to writing stories, and drama seems to be king. Drama films — including war films, family terror, and dark sci-fi — usually employ tropes related to the description of villains, highlighting the general audience’s fascination with categorising evil characters, whether it be a “NightmareFace (a horrible face)” or, the slightly comic, “BaldOfEvil (the villain is bald)”. 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
