Articles tagged with Opium
A new study finds that most Americans view illicit drugs as a serious national problem, but perceive little progress in addressing it. Perceived progress on drug policy is strongly linked to political affiliation, with Republicans and Democrats having starkly different views.
Researchers detected traces of nitazene in discarded injecting equipment and syringes in Adelaide, Australia. Nitazenes led to 32 overdose deaths with 84% of patients unaware of the synthetic opioid's presence.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University found that illegally manufactured fentanyl primarily enters the US via counties along the Canadian border. The analysis revealed these counties accounted for over 40% of large fentanyl seizures in 2023-2024, despite comprising only 3.1% of the national population. This finding undermines eff...
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...
US overdose deaths involving fentanyl and stimulants have increased by 50-fold since 2010, with stimulants becoming the most common drug class found in fentanyl-involved overdoses. The rise poses new challenges for healthcare providers due to the complexity of treating polysubstance use.
A study found that only 22% of people with opioid use disorder received evidence-based medication treatments in 2021. Telehealth services were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of receiving these life-saving medications.
A new NIH study suggests xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, can damage brain oxygen levels when combined with opioid drugs like fentanyl and heroin. This combination may lead to prolonged brain oxygen decreases, increasing overdose risk. Researchers hope to develop interventions to reverse overdoses and save lives.
A new study analyzing death records data found that men had a 2–3 times greater rate of overdose mortality from opioids and psychostimulants. The researchers noted that biological, behavioral, and social factors likely combined to increase the mortality risk for men.
A joint study by the Israel Antiquities Authority, Tel Aviv University, and the Weizmann Institute of Science has revealed the world's earliest known evidence of opium use in the Late Bronze Age. Eight ceramic vessels containing opium residue were found in Canaanite graves at Tel Yehud.
A novel graphene-based field effect transistors (FETs) device can detect four different synthetic and natural opioids at once in wastewater. The device uses aptamers to trap opioid metabolites, enabling real-time monitoring with high geographical resolution and low cost.
A new study published in Addiction found that expanding naloxone access laws in the US did not contribute to reductions in perceived risk of heroin use. The research used data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and found no correlation between naloxone access and perceptions of heroin risk.
Researchers at University of Basel analyze archaeological seeds to show Swiss farmers domesticated opium poppy around 5500 BCE. The method used involves measuring seed cells and shape to distinguish between wild and domestic variants.
A large study found that continuing opium use after bypass surgery increases the risk of death, heart attack, and other adverse events. Stopping opium use is safe and may even be beneficial, according to researchers.
Researchers at University of York and British Museum discovered traces of opiates in a sealed vessel dating back to Late Bronze Age. The presence of opiate alkaloids suggests that the vessel may have been used for medicinal or ceremonial purposes.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed an electrochemical synthesis method for thebaine, overcoming decades-long challenges in mimicking its natural formation. The new approach uses astute modification of starting materials to achieve high selectivity and efficiency in the reaction.
A novel gene encoding the enzyme thebaine synthase has been isolated from the opium poppy, enabling the commercial production of non-plant based biosynthetic manufacturing systems for active opioid agents and intermediates. This breakthrough opens the door to creating new opioid molecules with reduced addictiveness.
A man developed acute hepatitis from consuming energy drinks, while another patient suffered serious heart complications after multiple bee stings. A third patient, an opium smoker, was diagnosed with lead poisoning due to contaminated tobacco products.
The Philistines brought exotic plants, including sycamore, cumin, and opium poppy, which had a significant impact on Israel's floral biodiversity. These cultivars were not found in archaeological sites prior to the Iron Age, reflecting a distinct agrarian regime and dietary preferences.
University of Calgary scientists have characterized a novel gene that encodes the gateway enzyme in the formation of morphine. This discovery could lead to the development of alternative painkillers, such as codeine and oxycodone.
Research reveals prehistoric Europeans consumed psychoactive plants and fermented beverages in rituals to connect with the spirit world. Archaeological evidence suggests socially controlled use of these substances, contrasting with modern hedonistic views.
Researchers have found that metabolic enzymes in the opium poppy play a key role in producing morphine and codeine, leading to potential breakthroughs in pharmaceutical production. The discovery may also enable the production of these compounds in other plants or microorganisms.
Researchers have discovered the unique genes responsible for codeine and morphine production in the opium poppy, opening doors to alternative methods of producing these painkillers. The findings could lead to more efficient and cost-effective synthesis of pharmaceuticals using microorganisms.
This article explores how diseases, drugs, and chemicals affected famous artists such as Michelangelo, Edvard Munch, Ivar Arosenius, and Vincent van Gogh. Clinical laboratory analysis is providing new insights into their creative achievements.
A new understanding of morphine's side effects has been gained through the discovery of methylnaltrexone, a peripheral opiate antagonist. This breakthrough allows scientists to distinguish between morphine's central analgesic and peripheral side effects, offering new hope for patients experiencing severe nausea, itching, and constipation.
The church was founded on a cliff top due to its patron saint's martyrdom, but was soon hit by two earthquakes, a flood, and a landslide. Analysis suggests it may be the unluckiest church in the world.