Did you know that salt has caused wars? The abundance of this substance makes it easy for us to take it for granted, but it was heavily controlled centuries ago. Governments knew that having control of salt meant control over the population, as everyone was so reliant on it to preserve their food. But if they had too tight of a grip, their subjects retaliated; for example, Gandhi rallied the Indians to revolt through his Salt March, where he defied British laws against Indian salt production. 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
