The Nevada desert was almost the site of a Hiroshima-level nuclear bombing. In the quest to prove that neutrinos — the smallest subatomic particles — existed, Frederick Reines and Clyde Cowan almost dropped a 20-kiloton bomb that would theoretically deliver a flux of neutrinos strong enough to be detected. However, they decided to conduct their experiment at a nuclear reactor instead after determining that there would be less noise when picking up a signal there.
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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
