Spotted Lanternflies are an invasive species that’s terrorizing Pennsylvania, sucking the sap of crops and trees, such as grapevines and apples, leaving them to wither and die. But while the flora suffers, the bees and beekeepers thrive; when Spotted Lanternflies feed on the bitter sap of the tree of heaven, they produce a sweet nectar-like substance called honeydew, which bees turn into honey with a remarkably distinct earthy and smoky taste. 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
