In times of conflict, supply lines are one of the most devastating, and thus effective, targets because they quite literally fuel the war effort. To reduce their reliance on jet fuel from supply lines, the US Air Force is banking on “industrial photosynthesis”, a process that takes carbon dioxide and water from the air to turn them into jet fuel. These two ‘ingredients’ are broken down into their base elements and then turned into methane, which is then continuously manipulated to eventually form jet fuel for the planes. 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