HAMPTON, Va. (AP) � A Hampton University professor is shedding new
light on night-shining clouds that might be affected by climate change.
Jim Russell is the lead scientist for the NASA-funded AIM satellite,
the first to study the wispy "noctilucent" clouds, which only appear
above Earth's poles.
Russell, an atmospheric science professor, has found that the clouds
get brighter and stretch farther as the uppermost atmosphere gets colder.
He thinks that the changes might be caused by human-generated global
warming.
The Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere satellite is providing the first
global mapping of the cover and structure of these clouds, which
coalesce as icy dust particles about 42 to 60 miles above the Earth's
surface.
The mapping showed that the clouds are more sensitive to changes in the
upper atmosphere than was previously thought, as they are changing in
brightness and reach.
Spurred by patient deaths and life-threatening side effects, the FDA
today issued its second warning about misuse of skin patches containing
the painkiller fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a prescription opioid drug. Fentanyl skin patches are sold
under the brand name Duragesic and in four generic products.
Today's FDA warning is specific to fentanyl patches -- not other forms
of fentanyl -- and applies to Duragesic and generic fentanyl patches.
The FDA's key message: Fentanyl skin patches must be prescribed and
used exactly as directed, and only by patients whose bodies have become
able to tolerate opioids, reducing the risk of serious side effects.