Despite his infamous six marriages, Henry VIII produced only four children, two of whom survived to adulthood. He was notorious for getting rid of his wives after they failed to give him a male heir, but the power of a retrospective lens suggests that Henry VIII may have been at fault: researchers are suggesting that Henry was infertile. This theory is particularly believable when considering his obesity, the combination of injuries sustained in his early life, his poor diet, stress, and a predisposition to infertility from his paternal lineage. 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
