Despite touting themselves as the healthier and safer option, organic foods are actually more likely to make you sick. Aside from the higher risk of E.coli due to the manure used in organic farming, organic grains are much more susceptible to toxins from fungi (mycotoxins). Fungi find it much easier to infect unprocessed crops, which spells disaster for organic food lovers. Mycotoxins are highly dangerous to our health; for instance, they’ve been linked to higher rates of neural tube defects and esophageal cancer. 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
