Training, change in tactics can reduce dangers to police officers handling drugs
PHOENIX – Newer and more powerful drugs like fentanyl and concerns for officer safety have complicated once routine police work, such as field testing suspected drugs. An Arizona toxicologist and some law-enforcement agencies said training makes a difference. Vertical: Government/health
FDA approves first drug to fight postpartum depression, but its costs are high
PHOENIX – Postpartum depression affects up to 1 in 7 new mothers. Zulresso, an expensive new FDA-approved drug, may help combat this.
Arizona cattle rancher uses science to beef up industry
SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS – For 30 years, cattle rancher Chuck Backus used traditional methods to raise his herd in the shadow of the Superstition Mountains. Then, the former scientist turned to gene selection, artificial insemination and humane treatment to breed tastier beef for the multi-billion cattle industry.
As e-cigarette use climbs, schools address the problem with vape detectors and information
PHOENIX – As vaping grows, raising health and addiction concerns, Arizona schools are installing vape detectors in bathrooms and bringing in addiction experts to educate students. State lawmakers also are trying to regulate the growing industry.
Arizona lawmakers hope to close insurance-coverage gap in telemedicine
PHOENIX - Private insurers cover telemedicine in 11 specialties, such as trauma, mental health and cardiology, and even that is limited to rural areas. A Senate bill would expand coverage.
Border communities refine tactics to deal with onslaught of fentanyl overdoses
NOGALES – Law enforcement in border communities are taking a proactive stance against fentanyl overdose deaths through community engagement and naloxone training.
A rippling tragedy: Law would require review, standards to prevent maternal deaths
PHOENIX - SB 1040 would require an advisory committee to research and prevent pregnancy-related deaths and injuries. Arianna Dodde, 23, died in August, shortly after giving birth to her third child.
Title X fund limits would have ‘huge impact,’ Planned Parenthood says
WASHINGTON - A Trump administration plan to bar federal family planning funds from facilties that provide or endorce abortions will have a "huge impact" on Planned Parenthood Arizona, but the group said it will not back down for the "gag rule" that drew legal challenges this week ffrom 22 states.
Targeting a killer: UA researchers discover potential birth control for mosquitoes
TUCSON – A University of Arizona research team discovered a protein in mosquitoes that could lead to mosquito birth control, reducing such mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and West Nile virus.
