Cold temperatures may be the reason for whales and dolphins’ large brains, not intelligence. A new study finds that cetaceans have special adaptations for heat generation in their brains, possibly enlarging them in the process. These adaptations focus on uncoupling proteins, which are inefficient at producing energy but are fantastic at creating heat. Cetacean brains seem to have enlarged when ocean temperatures dropped globally millions of years ago, supporting this hypothesis. 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
