It turns out that as little as 98 people can ensure the survival of humanity in an apocalypse. In a 2018 study, researchers concluded that a crew of 49 breeding pairs of unrelated people is just enough to ensure a genetically diverse population during a hypothetical 6,300-year journey to Proxima Centauri b, the closest Earth-like planet we could try to reestablish society in after an Earth-shattering apocalypse. 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
