Imagine owning a table made with real wood, but not really made with trees! Scientists have developed a new method for growing plant material into unnatural shapes. This new process involves growing plant cells in a gel medium filled with nutrients and hormones and using the gel as the material for a 3D bioprinter. The 3D printer deposits the gel into the shape of whatever model the printer is fed. The cell gel is then left to incubate in the dark for three months to fully grow. 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
