The birthplace of the watermelon may be surprising; the juicy fruits trace their roots to Africa, in the arid country of Sudan. Unlike other wild melons, the Kordofan melon is uncharacteristically sweet, which likely drew humans to cultivate it. The watermelon isn’t a water-hungry plant despite being 92% water itself, which helped make it the most beloved fruit across Africa; the Ancient Egyptians regarded it with such honour that their tombs were adorned with paintings of the fruit. 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
