If you know someone who takes their modern computer for granted, show them a vintage computer advertisement. The specifications featured in these old ads (along with their hefty price tags) seem minuscule to us right now, but they were the cutting edge of technology almost three decades ago. One ad published in the 1980s boasts a 10-megabyte hard disk for the jaw-dropping price of 3,495 USD, while another showcases a computer with 11 megabytes and 64 kilobytes of RAM for under 10,000 USD. 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
