If one identical twin exercises, it’s almost certain that the other one does too. Two studies looked at the rare cases of twins who didn’t share exercise habits and found two key takeaways. Not only was the active twin much healthier, but the inactive twin was usually active in their youth but lost their exercise habit amidst the stress of early parenthood or a new career. This highlights that maintaining an exercise habit into young adulthood is most important at the time it’s most difficult. 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