Researchers at Scripps Research have redesigned fentanyl at the molecular level, challenging decades-old assumptions about opioid chemistry.

Nitazenes, less detectable and sometimes stronger than fentanyl, have been detected across more than a dozen states.

Some experts recommend smoking rather than injecting fentanyl to avoid needle-related diseases. But, smoking fentanyl is dangerous and can lead to second and third-hand exposures.