Amidst the United States' ongoing battle against the lethal fentanyl epidemic, researchers from China have developed an easy method for detecting novel variations of the drug.
With over 70,000 Americans losing their lives annually due to fentanyl-related overdoses, U.S. regulatory bodies have found themselves grappling to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to these synthetic opioids.
However, across the Pacific, China
scientists
have now developed
AI-powered
Technology able to identify a quadrillion possible fentanyl compounds -- a breakthrough that has the potential to reshape international drug control talks.
Research conducted by scientists at the Chengdu Institute of Biology, scheduled for publication in the April edition of the Journal of Hazardous Materials, employs machine learning alongside water sample analysis to chart the molecular components likened to "building blocks."
fentanyl
Derivatives, allowing China to consistently track - and proactively ban - whole categories of these dangerous compounds.
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Given that Beijing implements a strict zero-tolerance approach, even imposing the death penalty on human traffickers, this development prompts the query: could such measures be adopted in the U.S.?
prohibition efforts
Can you ever outrun a danger that grows at a rate of 1 quadrillion?
Substances like heroin or cocaine have unchanging compositions, whereas fentanyl is more deceptive. Manufacturers of drugs can alter a minuscule aspect of its molecular makeup – akin to changing a solitary LEGO block – resulting in novel variations that are potentially more lethal.
Over 100 of these altered fentanyl versions have already inundated
global drug markets
.
To combat this issue, the Chinese researchers created an advanced technological tool to
predict and track
these ever-changing drugs.
The group examined 29 different fentanyl compounds by mixing them with water samples obtained from sewers, rivers, and lakes, aiming to replicate how these substances behave within the human body.
Through their examination of how fentanyl decomposes in water, they pinpointed distinct chemical “signatures” that remained.
These fingerprints can be likened to Lego pieces; even if the original drug is concealed, its fragmented components can disclose what it used to be.
Utilizing artificial intelligence, the team subsequently created a database designed to forecast more than 1 quadrillion potential variations of fentanyl.
The testing involved 5,180 recognized samples.
fentanyl
Types identified and confirmed with 99.38 percent accuracy, showing no false negatives.
China
Has among the most stringent drug regulations globally. Smuggling as little as 50 grams—roughly equivalent to a chocolate bar—could result in capital punishment.
In 2019, China was the first nation to prohibit all forms of fentanyl, extending the ban beyond merely recognized versions.
This innovative technology could assist law enforcement in outpacing chemists who develop novel forms of fentanyl, possibly preventing lethal substances from proliferating.
According to the researchers, this technique can potentially be utilized to monitor other hazardous substances worldwide as well.
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