Because of its reputation of being apolitical, science has been touted as the solution to political disputes. However, science (according to this article) has always been political. For example, we have a worse understanding of how drugs affect women’s bodies because male scientists treated their hormonal cycles as “unnecessary complications” and excluded them from clinical trials. Similarly, the debate over driverless cars “rarely consider[s] that a more desirable world might be based on mass transit, walking, and biking”, perhaps due to the financial rewards that the car industry delivers. 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
