Surprising Science — December 9, 2009

Drugs, Terror, Crime

The trading of heroine and cocaine in Africa is transforming parts of the region into “a major crime hub” according to the Un drugs agency UNODC.

bigthinkeditor

“The head of the UN drugs agency (UNODC) has warned that widespread drug trafficking is transforming Africa into a major crime hub. Antonio Maria Costa said huge amounts of heroin and cocaine were being traded by ‘terrorists and anti-government forces’ to fund their operations. He called for a trans-Saharan network to be set up to tackle criminal groups. Last month the wreckage of a Boeing 727 was found in Mali with up to 10 tonnes of cocaine from Venezuela on board. ‘It is scary that this new example of the links between drugs, crime and terrorism was discovered by chance,’ Mr Costa told the UN Security Council. He said 50 to 60 tonnes of cocaine were trafficked every year across West Africa while another 30 to 35 tonnes of Afghan heroin was being trafficked into East Africa every year.”

Starts With A Bang

The idea that matter is mostly empty space is mostly wrong

Practically all of the matter we see and interact with is made of atoms, which are mostly empty space. Then why is reality so... solid?

Strange Maps

America’s news deserts are growing

Most counties in the U.S. have only one local newspaper, often one that publishes weekly instead of daily.

Two people walking past a dark brick wall with numerous security cameras pointing in various directions.

The Present

Are smart cities a wise idea?

When Google runs a smart city, who owns the data?

Illustration of a young woman with closed eyes, smiling, next to a large, detailed eye and surrounded by vibrant, abstract elements and smiley faces.

Neuropsych

Eyes wide shut: Why closing your eyes intensifies psychedelic trips

A recent study suggests that exposure to visual stimuli can diminish the effects of psychedelic drugs.

Starts With A Bang

The big idea of Grand Unified Theories of physics

If the electromagnetic and weak forces unify to make the electroweak force, maybe, at higher energies, something even grander happens?

Up Next

Politics & Current Affairs

Getting Warmer

The noughties has been the hottest decade since records began 160 years ago according to the UN World Meteorological Organization – with 2009 ranking as the warmest year.