LIFE, or the Large Interferometer for Exoplanets, is a space telescope that might lead us to an Earth-like exoplanet (and perhaps even life) beyond our solar system. If approved by the European Space Agency, LIFE will be even more powerful than the Webb Telescope and the mid-infrared ELT imager and spectrograph attached to the Extremely Large Telescope. Its main feature is the ability to look for trace molecules in exoplanet atmospheres that could have been made by living organisms. Astrophysicist Sasha Quanz believes that with these technologies, we’ll likely find life within 25 years. 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
