The Covid-19 vaccine roll-out has been one of the greatest achievements in modern medical history, saving hundreds of thousands of lives. But decisions made around the world meant that some of those most in need of a vaccine waited too long. However, research by Prof Carlos Alós-Ferrer of the University of Zurich in Frontiers in Public Health has shown that there is one maths procedure that can ensure a fair distribution of scarce vaccines across the globe – the Priority-Equality Protocol. 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
