Unlike in TV, forensic anthropologists don’t determine the cause of death, nor do they help with criminal interrogations. They are called in when traditional autopsies fail to identify a victim’s identity because the body has decomposed badly or has been altered significantly. For example, an anthropologist was called in to identify a woman who had her teeth pulled out and fingers cut off; her identity was found out because the forensic anthropologist noted the serial number of her breast implants. 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
