Parking lots may soon be lined with trees…solar trees. SolarBotanic trees are the world’s first 3D leaf-shaped solar energy technology, and they have a power generation capacity of 5 kilowatts. While it’s not the first plant-shaped solar technology ever conceived, it does have some advantages. SolarBotanic’s main distinguishing factor is its promise that its solar trees will become more affordable for car recharging once it’s able to mass produce them. 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
