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This Happened

This Happened — February 2: Serum Run To Nome

On this day in 1925, amid an encroaching epidemic of diphtheria, a team of 20 mushers and about 150 sled dogs made the 674-mile trek across Alaska to deliver an antitoxin to the small town of Nome.

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What was the Serum Run to Nome?

The Serum Run to Nome, also known as the "Great Race of Mercy," was a dog sled relay that transported life-saving diphtheria serum to the isolated Alaskan town of Nome in 1925.

Why was the serum needed in Nome?

A diphtheria outbreak had occurred in Nome, and the town had run out of the serum needed to treat the disease. It was organized by the governor of Alaska, Scott Bone, and carried out by the Alaska Territorial Guard and local mushers. The relay covered approximately 674 miles from Nenana to Nome.

Did the Serum Run succeed in delivering the serum to Nome?

The serum was successfully delivered to Nome on February 2, 1925, saving the lives of many residents. The event received widespread media coverage and brought attention to the challenges of living in remote areas. The story inspired many references in popular culture and literature, including the 1995 animated film Balto that loosely based on the events of the final leg of the serum run.


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Society

Who Is Responsible For The Internet's Harm To Society?

A school in the US is suing social media giants for damage done to children's well-being. But fining tech giants is a feeble response to their attacks on society's welfare.

a young boy looking at a smartphone

Are parents, website owners or government oversight bodies for to blame for the damage done to children and young adults?

Mónica Graiewski

BUENOS AIRES - In January 2023, schools in Seattle in the United States took court action against the websites TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat, seeking damages for losses incurred from the psychological harm done to their pupils.

They maintained that behavioral anomalies such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders were impeding pupils' education and had forced schools to hire mental health experts, develop special educational plans and provide extra training for teachers.

Here in Argentina just days after that report, two teenagers died from taking part in the so-called "blackout challenge" on TikTok.

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