The study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) has been shrouded in controversy and conflict since its inception in the latter half of the 20th century. Amateur ufologists (and surprisingly, well-respected scientists) butted heads with sceptics, while the majority of the scientific community dismissed the field as pseudoscience. Today, scientists studying extra-terrestrial intelligence, as part of a new Harvard research project, have called for a structured, interdisciplinary study of UFOs, with an emphasis on embracing the considerably better equipment we have to study now them compared the ‘50s and ‘60s.
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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