Articles tagged with Tobacco
Researchers identified a previously unrecognized immune system pathway that connects cigarette smoking to cardiovascular disease. Cigarette smoke activates immune cells, triggering widespread inflammation throughout the body and accelerating plaque buildup in arteries.
Comprehensive smoke-free laws were associated with sustained reductions in cardiovascular disease mortality across US counties. However, the magnitude of these associations varied significantly by demographic groups, suggesting a need for additional strategies to address disparities in tobacco exposure and improve cardiovascular outcomes.
A new study by UC San Francisco found that women with HIV are more likely to die from preventable trauma-related conditions like substance use and mental illness. The researchers say these causes are largely missing from official death records, highlighting the need for broader goals in HIV care beyond just controlling the virus.
A new study reveals how Philip Morris Companies Inc. used cigarette research and flavor engineering to design Lunchables, a successful ultra-processed food for children. The company's strategy was based on optimizing 'technical synergies' between tobacco and food divisions.
Research reveals cannabis and tobacco co-use is associated with impaired neurocognitive performance in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis. This critical gap in research provides clinicians and scientists with vital new insights into the risks of co-use on vulnerable youth.
Researchers found that 66.6% of gene expression changes are linked to e-cigarette flavor and device type, while only 28.8% relate to vaping frequency or amount. The study suggests that each flavor has unique biological effects.
A new study finds herbal cigarettes can be as damaging as tobacco cigarettes, emitting comparable or even more harmful emissions. Fine particles and oxidative potential were measured, revealing a significant risk to cardiovascular and respiratory health.
A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds significant increases in knowing how a mother's pre-pregnancy health affects her baby, as well as rising awareness of drinking beer or wine during pregnancy being not safe. However, uncertainty persists about other maternal health recommendations.
A study by Brown University researchers found that exposure to violence is strongly associated with increased tobacco and e-cigarette use among adolescents. The study analyzed data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System and found that each form of violence exposure was linked to increased risk of using both substances.
A proposed 'polluter pays' tobacco levy scheme could raise billions in tax revenue and prevent thousands of hospital admissions. The UK could generate £1-£4.9 billion over five years, depending on the level of price cap and implementation speed.
Researchers found that restricting menthol in cigarettes reduced cigarette purchases, while flavor restrictions in e-cigarettes increased nicotine replacement product sales. Tax policies also showed promise, with the highest-tax approach leading to significant reductions in spending.
A new study found that switching to a nicotine e-cigarette reduces toxicant exposure and improves quitting rates, with the nicotine group having a higher chance of quitting entirely. The study's results suggest that nicotine e-cigarettes could serve as an effective off-ramp for smokers seeking to reduce their tobacco use.
The 'Ozempic Era' suggests a paradigm shift in understanding obesity, blaming commercial food systems rather than individual failings. Emerging medical data on GLP-1 agonists may drive policy responses to regulate ultra-processed foods.
A recent study analyzing data from two California school surveys found that adolescents consistently perceive cannabis as the least harmful substance among their peers. The study, which examined responses from over 175,000 students, also identified age, experience, and social environment as factors influencing teens' perceptions of can...
A US study found that anti-vaping advertising and widespread news coverage of a lung-injury outbreak tied to vaping reversed the country's youth vaping trend in 2019. Quit attempt rates nearly doubled among current vapers, while susceptibility to future vaping dropped among teens who had never vaped.
Researchers analyzed over 2.8 million students and found that local flavored tobacco bans reduced youth vaping rates without increasing cigarette smoking. Flavored tobacco bans were associated with sustained declines in youth vaping over time.
A study estimates that quitting tobacco could give a major economic uplift to over 20 million households in India, with the greatest impact felt in rural areas and among the poorest households. The analysis suggests that these households would receive a significant boost in income, potentially moving up one or two economic classes.
A new study from the University of Chicago suggests that smoking may be linked to dementia through a previously unmapped route between the lungs and brain, involving pulmonary neuroendocrine cells and exosomes that disrupt iron balance in neurons.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is enrolling adolescent and young adult cancer patients in various trials, including genetic services and treatment studies. These trials aim to address longstanding gaps in care and improve outcomes for AYAs with cancer.
A new overview of systematic reviews found that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are more effective for smoking cessation than other interventions. The review also identified gaps in current evidence, including the need for high-quality studies on cytisine and bupropion.
A systematic review found consistent evidence that snus causes gum recession, particularly with loose snus. White snus has virtually no studies on its long-term oral health effects, creating a significant knowledge gap.
Multiple sclerosis prevalence more than doubled in England's healthcare system over 30 years, while survival rates increased. Lifestyle factors, including tobacco use and socioeconomic deprivation, were significantly associated with mortality.
A cohort study found that smokers with negative baseline low-dose computed tomography findings had a significantly increased long-term lung cancer risk, becoming apparent only after two years of screening. This suggests supporting extended initial screening intervals and personalized long-term monitoring based on smoking history.
A new international study reveals that the ancestors of modern crop viruses likely emerged before the last Ice Age, affecting both wild and cultivated plants. The viruses, spread by leaf-eating beetles, infect various crops and wild species, posing risks to agriculture and natural ecosystems.
Researchers at FABI define a conserved subset of Phytophthora RxLR effectors with short linear motifs embedded within folded WY domain cores. This arrangement preserves domain integrity while enabling potential interactions with host immune components, reframing pathogen strategies and challenging SLiM dogma.
Research reveals leading US tobacco brands violate Instagram, FTC, and FDA marketing policies to restrict young people's access. Lax/missing age verification, disclosure on brand-influencer relationships, and health warnings are common violations.
A new study reveals the devastating impacts of flue-cured Virginia tobacco production on the environment and farmers' lives in Zimbabwe. The research highlights the destruction of 60,000 hectares of Miombo woodland each year and an economic context that prevents farmers from diversifying into less damaging crops.
Smartphone apps based on psychological theories are 3 times more effective than minimal support in helping people quit smoking long-term. The apps improve sustained abstinence rates when combined with traditional interventions or pharmacotherapy.
A California statewide study found that an expanded school-based tobacco prevention program was associated with significantly lower rates of smoking and vaping among middle and high school students. Students in funded schools were 20% less likely to use tobacco overall and 23% less likely to vape.
A new study maps the real-time evolution of thirdhand smoke, revealing a dynamic source of continuous air pollution in indoor spaces. Thirdhand smoke maintains a stable presence in the air for extended periods and becomes more nitrogen-rich over time.
A large comparative study found that even low daily alcohol intake increases mouth cancer risk by 50% in India, with locally brewed drinks posing the greatest threat. Chewing tobacco use is also a major contributor to this risk, accounting for up to 62% of cases.
Researchers found that adding biochar with beneficial microorganisms like Trichoderma significantly reduced cadmium stress in crops while improving soil health. The combination restored photosynthetic capacity, biomass production, and enzyme activity, making it a promising solution for sustainable agriculture and soil remediation.
A new study found that many Americans incorrectly think nicotine is inherently deadly, leading to misconceptions about the dangers of smoking. The researchers discovered that changing the wording of questions can significantly impact the percentage of people answering correctly, from 10% to 80%.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma and West Virginia University are studying concept flavored cigarillos to determine their potential for addiction. The study aims to inform the FDA's impending flavor ban on cigar products, which could have wider-reaching implications for e-cigarettes and tobacco-free nicotine pouches.
Experts argue that e-cigarette regulation should prioritize children's best interests, citing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The authors recommend strict measures to reduce e-cigarette appeal, availability, and affordability among children.
A US study found that nicotine vaping nearly doubled among adolescents who vaped between 2020 and 2024, with a significant increase in daily users struggling to quit. The researchers aimed to understand the 'hardening' of youth vapers, describing a worsening addiction pattern.
A new study by Alana Rojewski and Katherine Sterba aims to improve access to tobacco cessation treatments for people living with HIV who smoke. The ENHANCE-TTS program will train pharmacists as tobacco treatment specialists and tailor-design programs for each clinic, taking into consideration the unique needs of the local population.
A US study found that teenagers who use cannabis are more likely to become regular tobacco users, with 32.7% of those aged 12-17 progressing to regular tobacco use four years later. The study estimates that around 13% of new regular tobacco use is attributable to cannabis.
A study published in Tobacco Control found that teenagers and young adults who use cannabis are more likely to become regular tobacco users, even if they haven't previously tried tobacco. The study estimated that 13% of new regular tobacco use is attributable to cannabis, with significant implications for tobacco control programs.
The SHC-SHG program leads to a 16% reduction in LRDs among self-employed individuals, while unemployed individuals show significant behavioral changes but not health improvements. The increase in municipal funds is found to be cost-effective, with overall medical expenses reduced by nine times the increase.
A new study found that inhaling marijuana daily is associated with a 44% increased chance of developing asthma. Experts say people should avoid inhaling cannabis to reduce the risk of chronic lung disease. The study's authors emphasize the need for clearer messages about the risks of cannabis use.
Research from Sweden, Norway, and Finland shows smoking significantly raises type 2 diabetes risk across all subtypes, with severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD) being the most affected. Heavy smokers face greater risks, especially those with genetic predispositions.
A comprehensive state ban on flavored e-cigarettes leads to a decrease in vaping among young adults aged 18–24 years by about 2–3 percentage points, while increasing traditional cigarette use by a similar amount. For youth under 18, there is suggestive evidence of an increase in cigarette use, undermining broader tobacco control efforts.
A state ban on flavored e-cigarettes may lead to a net negative effect on health for young adults, increasing traditional cigarette use while reducing vaping. The study found that comprehensive bans had no impact on tobacco participation among adults aged 25 and older.
A study by Rutgers University found that only 16.6% of discarded cigarette packs in NYC bore the proper tax stamp, down from previous years, suggesting widespread evasion of the city's steep tobacco taxes.
Researchers discovered that smoking produces metabolites that encourage mouth bacteria to grow in the large intestines, triggering an immune response. These bacteria, specifically Streptococcus mitis, help reduce inflammation in ulcerative colitis by triggering a specific immune response.
A new guideline from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care provides a menu of effective options to help people quit smoking, including behavioural and medication options. The guideline aims to address the challenges of nicotine addiction and offers personalized choices for quitting tobacco.
Adults who quit smoking were more likely to achieve sustained remission of substance use disorder symptoms. The analysis found a 42% greater odds of recovery when quitting smoking was combined with addiction recovery efforts.
A recent study found that adolescents using e-cigarettes or conventional tobacco products report higher symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to non-users. The study analyzed data from the U.S. National Youth Tobacco Survey on over 60,000 middle and high school students.
A randomized controlled trial found that vaporized nicotine products were more effective than nicotine replacement therapies for smoking cessation in a low socioeconomic status population. The study suggests that Vapes may have a critical role in promoting smoking abstinence among this disproportionately affected group.
A longitudinal cohort study found that recreational cannabis legalization was associated with increased cannabis and electronic nicotine delivery systems use, but not a significant increase in cigarette use. The study suggests that commercialization policy should be closely monitored as retail cannabis expands.
The study reveals that many people are unaware of two crucial facts that can help reduce SIDS deaths: putting babies on their backs to sleep, and avoiding secondhand smoke in the home. The survey found that only 65% know that a baby should be put to sleep on its back, highlighting a need for increased education and awareness.
Researchers found a significant association between the big hike in California's tobacco tax and an increase in smoking cessation over the next three years. The study also reported differences in state tobacco spending and daily smoking rates.
US-market disposable e-cigarettes contain the artificial sweetener neotame, which is 35-65 times sweeter than aspartame. Neotame was ubiquitous in nicotine-free and nicotine-containing e-cigs.
A recent study suggests that 40% of US adults who currently smoke experience some level of functional difficulty, twice as high as those who have never smoked. The most common disabilities among smokers are mobility and cognitive issues.
A cross-sectional study found a strong association between chronic cannabis use and endothelial dysfunction. The findings suggest that THC may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease through distinct mechanisms, similar to tobacco smoking.
A study by York University researchers found a lack of gender analysis in tobacco control research, which may hinder the development of effective strategies to help smokers quit. The researchers examined 43 peer-reviewed studies and found that only five evaluated the gender-specific impacts of tobacco control policies.
Researchers found that snus cessation led to a clinically significant rise in blood pressure, averaging 3.7 mm Hg, and weight gain of 1.8 kilos in a group of 33 participants. The study suggests that healthcare professionals should monitor blood pressure after snus cessation, especially for individuals with cardiovascular problems.
A cross-sectional study found that more than one-third of veterans aged 65-84 who used cannabis in the past 30 days had a cannabis use disorder. Routine health screening for cannabis use is necessary to identify older adults with cannabis use. Frequent and inhaled cannabis use was associated with higher odds of any cannabis use disorder.