Despite their simplicity, lack of a brain, or sense of sight and smell, slime moulds seem to be much smarter than they let on. They can learn new information and pass it down to future generations, and can be as efficient as human architects. For example, the species Physarum polycephalum, recreated the layout of the Tokyo rail system — famous for its intuitiveness — when scientists used oatmeal, one of its favoured foods, as markers of population centres.
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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
