HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

July 5, 2017 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

• Drugmakers and distributors face barrage of lawsuits over opioid epidemic (Wash. Post)
• Popular stomach acid blocker linked to higher death rates (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Marijuana and your heart (Sharp Healthcare)
• Immigration fears are preventing children from getting medical care (Washington Post).
• Heroin vaccine works in monkeys, being readied for human testing (SD Union-Tribune)
• Study: Ritalin use in childhood could cause long-lasting alterations in neurotransmission (Psypost.org)
• Spending on Diabetes Drugs Is ‘Skyrocketing’ (KPBS)

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

• Science division of White House no longer staffed (The Hill)
• All New Volvo Models Will Be Electric or Hybrid Starting in 2019 (NPR)
• Pesticides Are Harming Bees — But Not Everywhere, Major New Study Shows (NPR)
• U.S. scientists take on Trump at ballot box (Times Higher Education)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

HEALTH

Drugmakers and distributors face barrage of lawsuits over opioid epidemic (Washington Post)

The companies that manufacture and distribute highly addictive painkillers are facing a barrage of lawsuits for the toll their product has taken on communities across the country as the worst drug epidemic in U.S. history continues to escalate. Within the past year, at least 25 states, cities and counties have filed civil cases against manufacturers, distributors and large drugstore chains that make up the $13 billion-a-year opioid industry.

Popular stomach acid blocker linked to higher death rates (San Diego Union-Tribune)

A higher risk of death is associated with long-term use of popular stomach acid reducers known as proton pump inhibitors, according to a new study. These drugs are sold under brand names such as Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix, Zegerid, Aciphex and Dexilant, along with generic versions such as omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole. Originally available only by prescription, they are increasingly offered over the counter.

Marijuana and your heart (Sharp Healthcare)

Marijuana is known for its effects on the nervous system, particularly its ability to create a sense of euphoria and relaxation. Some doctors may even prescribe medical marijuana to patients with cancer, AIDS or HIV to help ease pain and stimulate appetite. But how does marijuana affect other parts of the body, such as the heart?

Immigration fears are preventing children from getting medical care (Washington Post).

…imagine having to choose between providing your child with essential health care and protecting the integrity of your family. This is the dilemma now facing thousands of undocumented immigrants living in the United States…children’s hospitals and other pediatric health-care providers across the country have been reporting a decrease in use of health-care resources by undocumented immigrants in recent months.

Heroin vaccine works in monkeys, being readied for human testing (San Diego Union-Tribune)

After many years of research in animals, a vaccine to block the effects of heroin is finally ready for human testing, according to a study led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute. The vaccine causes antibodies to quickly mobilize and sequester heroin and its psychoactive products in rhesus monkeys. By inhibiting the heroin high, the vaccine might help recovering addicts refrain from relapsing.

Study: Ritalin use in childhood could cause long-lasting alterations in neurotransmission (Psypost.org)

The researchers used Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy scans to examine GABA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex of 44 male ADHD patients. They found evidence that methylphenidate use by children produced long-lasting alterations in GABA neurotransmission in this region of the brain.

Spending on Diabetes Drugs is ‘Skyrocketing’ (KPBS)

U.S. spending on drugs for diabetes has doubled since 2009. That is a boon for drug companies, but also reflects the increasing numbers of people requiring prescriptions.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Science division of White House no longer staffed (The Hill)

The science division of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy reportedly had no staff members as of Friday. Sources told CBS News that the last employees in the division, three holdovers from former President Obama's administration, all left the White House this week.

All New Volvo Models Will Be Electric or Hybrid Starting in 2019 (NPR)

Volvo has announced that starting in 2019, all of the new models it produces will be electric or hybrid.

Pesticides Are Harming Bees — But Not Everywhere, Major New Study Shows (NPR)

A huge new study conducted in 33 sites across Europe finds that seeds coated with neonicotinoid pesticides harm bees living nearby. The damage, though, depends on local conditions.

U.S. scientists take on Trump at ballot box (Times Higher Education)

Patrick Madden has taught and conducted research in computer science for nearly 20 years at Binghamton University, State University of New York. … he’s running for US Congress in New York’s 22nd District. “The last few years, the political debate has been separated from reality where politicians can say nearly anything. It doesn’t matter if it’s true or false.” he said. “I’m going to do my best to haul the discussion back towards reality.”Professor Madden is just one of a handful of scientists jumping into unfamiliar territory by launching campaigns for elected office.