Compared to graduates of STEM courses, people with a background in social sciences and humanities seem to be more likely to have vaccine conspiracy beliefs. Researchers posit this to be the case because the social sciences and humanities teach their practitioners to be more critical of knowledge, being less inclined to take it at face value like those from STEM fields. Social science and humanities–educated people are more likely to mistrust authority and be sceptical, which has been correlated with higher rates of vaccine conspiracy belief. 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
