To get a better understanding of Mercury, satellites must hang around in space for years before getting close to the innermost planet of the Solar System. Why? It’s because of speed; as satellites approach Mercury, they speed up, which detracts from detailed investigations. If the satellites are too fast, Mercury’s gravitational pull won’t be able to capture them in its orbit, rendering them unable to record the data.
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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