In the midst of the arguments for and against the universality of music – covering the “widespread claim that all music could be reduced to pitches and intervals established by universal principles of math” – Patrick Savage argues it is both universal and unique. Some elements of music are more common than others, such as “two-beat subdivisions”, and while some themes are universal (such as birth and death), the meaning that a piece has is unique to an individual and is shaped by their culture and experiences.
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
