Among the tens of thousands of meteorites identified, only 3,179 are achondrites. In May 2020, one such achondrite, named Erg Chech 002, was found in Algeria. According to an in-depth analysis of its composition and age, not only is the meteorite older than Earth, it also formed volcanically. This suggests that it could have once been part of the crust of an object known as a protoplanet – a planet in its middle stages of formation. 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
