Resignation syndrome is an illness that causes children — specifically, those of asylum-seeking families — to fall into deep sleep. It’s not unconsciousness; brain scans show that their brains do respond to external stimuli, and that they undergo cycles of waking and sleeping much like normal children. What causes it? While there are many theories, many speculate that it’s linked to the trauma they experienced back in their home countries, and that the fear of returning causes them to fall ill. 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
