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Research Spotlight: High-value strategies for communities on the front lines of the opioid crisis

Researchers analyzed data from the HEALing Communities Study to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of community-based interventions for reducing opioid overdose and non-overdose deaths. They found that a combined strategy of improving treatment initiation, retention, and naloxone distribution could reduce opioid overdose deaths by 15-40% ...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2026
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Nearly seven in 10 Medicaid patients not receiving treatment within six months of an opioid use disorder diagnosis, study finds

A US study of over a million Medicaid enrollees reveals major gaps in access to medication-based addiction treatments, particularly for Black patients. Methadone and buprenorphine show significant overdose risk reductions, highlighting the need for policy reforms to ensure timely access.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2025
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Academy award-nominated movie helps researchers identify brain region biased towards drug cues and treatment effects in individuals with heroin use disorder

A study published in Brain found that the orbitofrontal cortex responds more strongly to drug content than other stimuli, even after treatment and abstinence. The researchers used an Academy Award-nominated movie to assess brain responses in individuals with heroin use disorder and healthy controls.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2025

Medicaid unwinding linked to disruptions in opioid addiction treatment

A new University of Michigan study suggests that Medicaid unwinding may have disrupted the care of people receiving treatment for opioid addiction. Patients were less likely to continue filling buprenorphine prescriptions and more likely to pay with cash or private insurance in states with large versus small Medicaid enrollment drops.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2025

Machine learning brings new insights to cell’s role in addiction, relapse

A team of researchers used machine learning to analyze changes in astrocyte cells' structure, shedding light on heroin addiction and relapse. The study, published in Science Advances, found that specific subpopulations of astroglia exhibit more pronounced morphological changes during drug use.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Study identifies Shisa7 gene as key driver in heroin addiction

A study published in Biological Psychiatry identified the Shisa7 gene as a key driver of heroin addiction. The research team used machine learning to analyze brain tissue from human opioid users and found that modulating this gene's expression influenced heroin-seeking behavior and cognitive flexibility.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2025

Doctors test a new way to help people quit fentanyl

A new microdosing approach using low doses of buprenorphine has been tested on patients with opioid use disorder, but most found it ineffective. The study, which included 126 participants, showed that only 34% were able to work up to a full dose of buprenorphine.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 24, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Reducing risk of opioid addiction while alleviating pain

Researchers found that increasing levels of the naturally occurring endocannabinoid 2-AG can counteract the rewarding properties of opioids, reducing addiction-like behaviors in mice. The study suggests a potential new therapeutic strategy to alleviate pain while minimizing opioid addiction risk.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 2, 2024

Medicaid funding for addiction treatment hasn’t curbed overdose deaths

A new study by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that Medicaid waivers for addiction treatment have not led to increased treatment or reduced nonfatal overdoses in 17 states. The authors suggest that while the waivers may be necessary, they are insufficient to address the national opioid epidemic.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 4, 2024

Anonymous distribution of naloxone via vending machines raises uptake by ex-prisoners, Rutgers researchers find

A new study published in the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment found that distributing free naloxone via vending machines in county jails can sharply increase the number of doses provided to inmates at release. This may help reduce overdose deaths, as former prisoners are more vulnerable due to lack of accessible support.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment·DateOct 23, 2024

Drug overdose more likely in patients who leave hospital against medical advice

Research found that patients leaving hospital prematurely, known as 'before medically advised' (BMA) discharge, have a significantly higher risk of drug overdose in the following month. This increase is due to factors such as persistent pain and untreated addiction after hospital discharge.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 23, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study raises concerns about residential opioid treatment providers in NC

A North Carolina State University study found that only 12% of organizations providing residential opioid substance use services are licensed by the state. Only a quarter allow patients to access proven opioid agonist treatment (OAT), which has better outcomes and cuts overdose deaths in half.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment·TypeSurvey·DateAug 28, 2024

World Hepatitis Day 2024: Madrid study shows decrease in active hepatitis C infection among risk groups, indicating effectiveness of public health measures

A Madrid study found a significant decrease in active hepatitis C infection among people who use drugs (PWUD) from 23% to 6% between 2017 and 2023. The study attributed this decline to improved access to testing and treatment, as well as public health campaigns.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2024

Brain neurotransmitter receptor antagonist found to prevent opioid addiction in mice

A UCLA Health study discovered that suvorexant, an insomnia medication, blocks brain receptors for hypocretin and prevents opioid addiction in mice. The drug maintains behavioral alertness at lower doses than those inducing sleep. Further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in humans with opioid use disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Mental Health·DateJul 9, 2024

French model shows better access to methadone in US could save lives

The French system provides better access to methadone for people with opioid use disorder, with 87% receiving treatment compared to less than 20% in the US. This disparity highlights an opportunity for US policymakers to reform regulations and make methadone more accessible.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 20, 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Mindfulness training enhances opioid addiction treatment

A Rutgers-led study found that supplementing standard opioid addiction treatment with Mindfulness Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) can cut program dropout rates by 59 percent and relapses by 42 percent. The intervention incorporates mindfulness training, savoring skills, and cognitive reappraisal to help individuals retrain themsel...

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 6, 2024

OHSU study finds big jump in addiction treatment at community health clinics

A new OHSU study found that the number of healthcare professionals able to prescribe buprenorphine increased significantly at community health clinics from 2016 to 2021, particularly in rural areas. The study suggests a positive trend amid the ongoing opioid crisis.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 2024

A new prescription for pain: AI and mindfulness

A new study led by Worcester Polytechnic Institute aims to determine whether AI can help doctors predict which patients will benefit from mindfulness-based stress reduction in managing chronic lower back pain. The research uses machine learning and physiological data from fitness sensors to detect patterns that may not be apparent to d...

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateMar 12, 2024
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Pitt receives new grant to improve opioid use disorder treatment

The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy's PERU has received a $7.8 million grant to develop and implement measurement-based care into community opioid treatment programs across Pennsylvania. This project aims to improve treatment access, promote recovery, and reduce fatal overdoses by addressing patient needs through personaliz...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJan 30, 2024

Cannabis has no clear effect on treatment of opioid addiction, US study finds

A new peer-reviewed study suggests that cannabis is having no significant effect on people's use of opioids, taken outside of medical guidance. The findings have substantial implications for U.S. treatment programs, which still require patients to abstain from cannabis before qualifying for potentially life-saving treatment.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 16, 2024

New research shows mobile methadone units are most impactful in rural areas

Mobile methadone units show significant impact in expanding opioid treatment access in rural areas, with a 13-point increase in Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) treatment rates. Adding units exclusively to rural Louisiana provides nearly 20% of beneficiaries within 24 miles of a provider.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalHealth Services Research·DateJan 9, 2024

Study reduces ‘vivid imagery’ that fuels addiction cravings

Researchers tested EMDR, a therapy proven to treat PTSD and depression, to reduce addiction cravings. The study found Addiction-focused EMDR was as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy for cravings, reducing symptoms by clinically significant amounts.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Evidence-Based Social Work·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Overdose deaths from fentanyl laced stimulants have risen 50-fold since 2010

US overdose deaths involving fentanyl and stimulants increased 50-fold from 2010 to 2021, with stimulants becoming most common drug class found in fentanyl-involved overdoses. The trend disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minority communities, particularly Black and African American people.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAddiction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 14, 2023

Study examines role of religion in substance use services, finds it's often located in racially diverse communities

A study by University of Kansas and Georgetown University found that facilities with more religious orientation offered a wider range of services and were located in racially diverse communities. This can help service providers make better referrals and provide a roadmap for other communities to better understand their substance use se...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work Social Thought·TypeSurvey·DateSep 5, 2023

Study shows differences in how patients with heroin use disorder process drug and reward cues

Researchers found that individuals with heroin use disorder exhibited a bias towards processing drug cues, while healthy controls showed the opposite pattern. This suggests that efforts to downregulate responses to drug cues may come at the cost of amplifying responses to natural rewards.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New UCF study examines insurance barriers to access opioid addiction medication

A new UCF study found that insurance coverage of extended-release buprenorphine injections is lacking, with only 46% of commercial plans and 19% of Medicare Advantage plans covering it. Prior-authorization requirements also pose a barrier to access, particularly for Medicaid plans.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2023

New study reveals brain's potential to regulate fentanyl consumption, offering hope in the fight against opioid addiction

A recent study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has unveiled crucial insights into the brain's ability to regulate fentanyl consumption. The research discovered that claustral neurons can modulate fentanyl intake, suggesting a potential target for intervention in fentanyl addiction.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Teens rarely receive addiction medication in U.S. treatment centers

A new study reveals that only one in four adolescent residential treatment centers across the US provides buprenorphine, a proven tool in fighting opioid addiction. The lack of access to this medication undercuts US efforts to alleviate the overdose epidemic, which claimed over 109,000 lives in 2022.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA·TypeSurvey·DateJun 13, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

NJ Medicaid reforms tied to increased use of opioid addiction treatment

New Jersey's Medicaid reforms led to a significant increase in buprenorphine prescriptions for opioid addiction treatment, outpacing national rates. The reforms reduced barriers to medication usage among poor patients, resulting in slower growth of overdose deaths nationwide.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2023

Study: Treatment for opioid addiction lags despite policies designed to increase it

A new study finds that buprenorphine initiation rates and six-month retention rates remain flat despite policy changes aimed at increasing access to the medication. Only 22% of patients who started treatment kept refilling their prescriptions for at least six months, highlighting barriers to prescribing enough of the life-saving drug.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Millions with opioid addiction don't receive residential treatment

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that only 7% of Medicaid enrollees with opioid use disorder (OUD) received residential treatment, highlighting a significant gap in care. Residential treatment centers provide structured support and are considered one of the best treatments for severe substance use.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment·DateApr 12, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Community strategy reduced opioid overdose deaths in Pennsylvania counties

A novel community-focused strategy implemented in Pennsylvania counties led to a 30% reduction in opioid overdose death rates. The approach, developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers, prevented 1,818 opioid-related deaths over two years.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Putting the brake on risky behaviors

A team of researchers at MUSC discovered a neural circuit that inhibits motivated behaviors, which can prevent reward-seeking behavior in high-risk contexts. Administering opioids causes immediate disruption of this circuit, leading to even riskier behaviors.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 9, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Training nurses to fight against opioid addiction

The university is implementing curricular changes to increase access to early intervention and reduce stigma around substance use disorders. The program will cover 30 hours of instruction and add another tool to the kit of nursing graduates, aiming to provide more treatment options for those struggling with opioid addiction.

SourceKennesaw State University·DateJan 11, 2023

National hotline provides effective virtual supervision for substance users

A new hotline has shown promising results in preventing overdoses and saving lives by providing virtual supervision for people using substances alone. The National Overdose Response Service received over 2,100 calls from unique callers, with no reported deaths during a pilot period.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 14, 2022

Sleeping medications used for insomnia may combat drug and alcohol addiction

Researchers believe that changes in the brain's orexin system promote drug-seeking behavior and that existing insomnia treatments could reduce or eliminate cravings. Studies have shown that blocking this system reverses addiction in animals and reduces opioid cravings in human subjects.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Human cocaine and heroin addiction is found tied to impairments in specific brain circuit initially implicated in animals

A study found impairments in the prefrontal cortex-habenula circuit, critical for regulating executive functions and reward, in people with cocaine or heroin addiction. The circuit's microstructural features were analyzed using diffusion MRI tractography, revealing reduced coherence in white matter fibers.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNeuron·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2022

Putting the brakes on heroin relapse

Astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating the response to drug cues, acting as brakes on neuronal communication. By slowing down overactive communication, astrocytes can reduce the drive to seek drugs and prevent relapse.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

Study: Has prescription monitoring curbed the opioid epidemic?

Mandated PDMP use in US states reduced opioid prescriptions by 6.1% but led to a 50.1% increase in heroin-related deaths, according to researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProduction and Operations Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

The Lancet: Over 1.2 million additional opioid overdose deaths expected in North America by 2029, with epidemic set to expand globally, experts warn

The opioid crisis is predicted to grow exponentially in North America, adding 1.2 million more overdose deaths by 2029. The epidemic began in the 1990s and has worsened over the past decade due to the availability of illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 2, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Tackling an epidemic

The opioid crisis in the US has reached epidemic levels, with over 100,000 drug overdose deaths reported for the first time. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributes the rise to abuse of synthetic opioid fentanyl and the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 2, 2022