Margaret Atwood posits that the recent war between Ukraine and Russia may result in open debate, human rights, and evidence being seen as important again by society. She feels that both the political right and the left had fallen into the trap of thinking that beliefs trumped the truth and that democracy was a failed system. However, she notes that Ukraine’s efforts seem to have changed the minds of some of these detractors, thinking that democracy and the values it represents are worth fighting for after all. 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
