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Vapes help more people quit smoking than other methods

A new Cochrane review finds that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective in helping people quit smoking than conventional methods like nicotine gums and patches. The review of 80 randomized controlled trials involving 29,861 participants showed that e-cigarettes led to higher quit rates, resulting in about 4 more quitters per 100 people.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 25, 2026

Experts say it’s time to include nicotine e-cigarettes in smoking cessation conversations

A new set of recommendations provides clinicians with evidence-based guidance on discussing smoking cessation, including the use of nicotine e-cigarettes as a treatment option. The authors emphasize that the best approach will vary from person to person and should be tailored to each patient's goals, preferences, and medical needs.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 30, 2026

EU rules could make fossil-free aviation fuels unnecessarily expensive and energy-intensive

The EU's plans for domestic production of fossil-free aviation fuels risk steering development towards more expensive and energy-intensive pathways. A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the current regulatory framework favours combustion-based alternatives over gasification, leading to increased costs and energy use.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalFuel·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2026

Veterans more likely than general population to use all types of tobacco products, including the most harmful

A new study reveals that Veterans are disproportionately using all commercial tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. The study found that Veterans had a higher risk for former and current tobacco use, as well as multiple product use, posing significant health risks.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeSurvey·DateOct 2, 2025

Industrial pollution’s imprint lasts generations

Researchers found a strong correlation between industrial pollution exposure during pregnancy and the risk of intellectual disabilities in grandchildren. A study using Utah Population Database data revealed that grandmothers' prenatal exposures can increase the risk of intellectual disabilities in their grandchildren's children.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2025

Adolescents with mental health symptoms more likely to use multiple nicotine products, particularly e-cigarettes, new international research finds

A recent study led by Emily Hackworth and colleagues found that youth with internalizing mental health symptoms are more likely to turn to nicotine products. The analysis showed a strong association between non-combustible product use, including e-cigarettes, and poor mental health among adolescents.

SourceArnold School of Public Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMar 16, 2025

Unveiling unknown chemicals in human serum samples

A study by Chiba University researchers has identified 106 compounds in pregnant women's serum samples, including phthalates, nitrogenous compounds, and parabens, which may impact biological pathways. The study proposes a non-targeted approach for detecting foreign chemicals and evaluating their potential health effects.

SourceChiba University·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2024

Planting seeds for safer farming

Researchers aim to reduce PFAS contamination risk in agriculture by developing monitoring tools and strategies for remediation. The study focuses on comprehensively understanding PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation in plants, advancing strategies for PFAS remediation in biosolid/soil.

The real price of the “zero-price effect”

A study by Tel Aviv University researchers found that homes sold through free classified services received fewer clicks, sold more slowly, and at a lower price than identical homes sold through paid services. This resulted in an average net loss of about 3.5% to 3.8% of the transaction price.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalReal Estate Economics·DateAug 21, 2024

Most smokers in England wrongly believe vaping is at least as harmful as smoking

A study led by UCL researchers found that over half of English smokers believe vaping is equally or more harmful than smoking. The survey data showed a sharp increase in perceived harm from 2021, coinciding with rising youth vaping rates. Better communication about health risks is needed to help smokers make informed choices.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2024

Separating molecules requires lots of energy. This new, heat-resistant membrane could change that

A University at Buffalo-led research team has created a new, sturdier membrane that can withstand harsh environments associated with industrial separation processes. The membrane, made from an inorganic material called carbon-doped metal oxide, is a potential alternative to energy-intensive processes like distillation and crystallization.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2023

Urban parks built on former waste incineration sites could be lead hotspots

A new study by Duke University found that urban parks built on former waste incineration sites can still contain high levels of lead in their surface soils, posing potential health risks to children. The research highlights the need for increased monitoring and mapping of contaminated soil hotspots across hundreds of cities.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2023

Nearly two thirds of youth would stop vaping without added sweet flavors, menthol, synthetic cooling agents

A new study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that restricting sweet flavorings and cooling agents in e-cigarettes could significantly reduce youth vaping rates. Nearly 39% of survey respondents would quit using their e-cigarettes if tobacco-flavored e-liquids were the only options available.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJul 10, 2023

New tobacco product marketing depends on demographics

Researchers at Rutgers University found that disposable e-cigarettes were more likely sold in specialized stores, while nicotine pouches were available in convenience stores and areas with non-Hispanic white residents. The study suggests that these products are targeted to different audiences and informs potential policy actions.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 10, 2023

New tool can detect a precursor of engine-destroying combustion instability

A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science has developed a machine learning-based tool to predict thermoacoustic oscillations in engines. The tool uses dynamical systems theory and can classify combustion into three states, identifying pressure fluctuations that indicate future combustion oscillations.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAIAA Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2021