It seems that cats love catnip because it helps keep pesky mosquitoes away. Catnip leaves contain plant iridoids, which are compounds that repel a variety of insects, like mosquitoes and flies. By licking, chewing, and rubbing against catnip, cats damage its leaves. Damaging the leaves releases more of the plant iridoids; it is suggested that cats may have evolved to get worked up by the smell of the compound as it protects them from mosquito bites. 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
