Research on tobacco, smoking, and quitting. Covers vaping trends, the social side of smoking, headache links, and cessation methods.
Researchers found that the majority of retailers selling tobacco also displayed e-cigarettes and smoking paraphernalia prominently, which could undermine the effectiveness of tobacco point-of-sale display bans. These displays were highly visible across all stores, with an average visibility score of 14.7 out of 17 for e-cigarettes.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Bristol found that exposure to false tweets about e-cigarettes' harm can deter adult smokers from quitting. The study recruited 2,400 UK and US adults who were not using e-cigarettes and showed them different health-related information on Twitter.
A new study found that maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with changes in placental DNA methylation and poor birth outcomes. The research suggests that these epigenetic changes may affect fetal growth by altering the expression of genes involved in environmental responses, growth, and inflammation.
Researchers found that remnant cholesterol levels above 24 micrograms per deciliter were associated with a 40-50% higher risk of major heart disease or stroke. The study suggests using remnant cholesterol as an additional metric for predicting cardiovascular disease and stroke risk, in addition to LDL cholesterol levels.
A survey of international experts found a consensus that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products require differential regulation due to their addictive potential and limited evidence on safety. The experts recommended specific warnings, restrictions on sale and use, and different categorization for the two products.
Researchers at the University of Bath found that large food companies and advertisers opposed Transport for London's 2019 ban, challenging its effectiveness and attempting to undermine policy. The ban was implemented despite commercial opposition, and its success sets a positive precedent for other authorities planning similar bans.
A study published in BMJ Open found that brief exposure to misinformation about e-cigarette harms on Twitter can deter adult smokers from considering using e-cigarettes. Conversely, some US adult smokers may be encouraged to use e-cigarettes after being exposed to tweets that claim they are completely harmless.
A new study finds that early-life exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with accelerated biological ageing in children. The analysis of over 1,000 children in six European countries revealed that maternal tobacco smoke during pregnancy and indoor exposure to black carbon are linked to an acceleration in epigenetic ageing.
A new study by the Prevention Research Center found that California's T21 law has positive public health effects on adolescent tobacco and nicotine use. The law is associated with reduced use among students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, particularly among Hispanic and Asian youth.
A randomized clinical trial found that graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging changed the perception of US smokers, making them more likely to recognize the negative consequences of tobacco use and consider quitting. However, it did not significantly increase quit attempts or reduce nicotine addiction.
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher examines the impact of blunt smoking on teenagers, revealing heightened risks of respiratory disease, addictive behavior, and mental health disorders. The study also finds that blunt use can act as a gateway to other tobacco and nicotine products.
The European Respiratory Society has announced the press registration and program for its upcoming International Congress 2021. Over 4,000 presentations on various lung health topics will be presented during the event.
The American College of Cardiology has issued clinical guidance on reducing ASCVD risk in patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia, recommending lifestyle intervention and non-statin therapies. The guidance emphasizes the importance of individualized nutrition guidance for these patients.
Researchers predict two nicotine biomarkers, NMR and TNE, in smokers of multiple ethnicities using machine learning approaches. These models can estimate nicotine biomarker levels from DNA data or existing genomic information.
Research suggests that adolescents with strong future orientation and parental support are less likely to use e-cigarettes. The study found no link between social support or school connectedness and e-cigarette use.
Research found nearly two thirds of vaping-related videos on TikTok portray e-cigarettes positively, viewed over 1.1 billion times. Tighter regulations are needed to curb teens' potential exposure, given the platform's popularity with this age group.
A study from the University of York found pregnant women in South East Asia are more likely to use smokeless tobacco than non-pregnant women. This increased risk is associated with poor birth outcomes. The findings highlight the need for awareness-raising campaigns and preventive interventions among low socio-economic status women.
A group of leading doctors and health experts warn that the UK government has failed to deliver on its promise to make England smoke-free by 2030. The smoking rate remains high, with over 200,000 children under 16 starting to smoke in the last two years.
A Lehigh University team is working on a culturally tailored program to reduce American Indian smokeless tobacco use, supported by a $1.8 million grant from the American Cancer Society. The All Nations Snuff Out Smokeless (ANSOS) program aims to empower individuals to take control of their health.
Research finds that exhaled heated tobacco aerosol particles are droplets comprised of 75-85% water, evaporating quickly and not impacting indoor air quality. The aerosol is mostly composed of water droplets, unlike cigarette smoke, which lingers in the air and exceeds IAQ standards.
A Rutgers-led study found that lesbian and gay smokers, particularly bisexual female smokers, prefer menthol cigarettes. The study reveals a preference rate of 54% among bisexual females and 50% among lesbian/gay females compared to the overall smoking population.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technique to alter plant metabolism, reducing harmful chemical compounds, including nicotine and carcinogenic N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), while promoting beneficial traits like antioxidant-rich anthocyanins. The findings could be used to improve the health benefits of crops.
A recent study by Dr. Yael Bar-Zeev at Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that tobacco companies are exploiting loopholes to market IQOS products near toys, candy, and schools, targeting young consumers. The audit revealed that 70% of stores selling IQOS were within 300 meters of high schools.
A new grant is expanding a Texas tobacco program to target substance use patients in rural communities. The program aims to reduce smoking rates among individuals with psychiatric disorders and substance dependencies.
A new study by Emory psychologists explains that genetic risks for nicotine dependence are linked to multiple traits and diseases, including schizophrenia, depression, and neuroticism. The research provides a more comprehensive understanding of the heritability of nicotine dependence, accounting for nearly 4% of its variation.
A new University of Kentucky study will examine the effects of flavored tobacco product restrictions on health disparities among communities of color, low-income populations, and youth. The research aims to inform community leaders about how policies can help eliminate health inequities.
The use of tobacco pipes by Native groups provides valuable insights into their cultural practices and exchange networks. Researchers uncovered evidence of diverse pipe-making techniques, materials, and symbolism across different regions, highlighting the complexities of pre-Columbian American cultures.
A UBC Sauder study reveals that cigarette tax hikes can help bigger brands like Marlboro but harm consumers, whereas smoking restrictions tend to affect smaller players and reduce brand appeal. The researchers also found that anti-tobacco ads have a neutral impact on large brands.
A recent study published in Drug and Chemical Toxicology found that BAT's modern oral nicotine pouches have a comparable toxicant profile to NRTs, with significantly lower levels of toxicants than traditional oral snus. The study suggests that MO products should be placed close to NRTs on the reduced-risk product continuum.
Research suggests that 'ice' flavoured e-cigarettes may be positively associated with conventional smoking and nicotine dependence among young adults. The study found that vapers of ice flavours were more likely to report smoking regular cigarettes, symptoms of vaping dependence, and using disposable non-cartridge devices.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that many adults with a history of cardiovascular disease continue to use tobacco products, despite being aware of the increased risk. The research revealed that only 2% of smokers with CVD quit using tobacco over a period of five years.
Scientific papers suggesting nicotine has a protective effect against COVID-19 were funded by the tobacco industry. Studies have since found that smoking increases the risk of COVID-19-related death. The BMJ investigation reveals undisclosed financial links between authors and the tobacco industry.
A new study from Yale University found that a ban on flavored vaping products in San Francisco's school district led to a doubling of conventional cigarette smoking among high school students. The study suggests that flavor bans may inadvertently push youth toward cigarettes, highlighting the need for caution and alternative policies.
The study shows that switching to high-quality vaping products reduces health risks and provides an alternative for smokers who would not otherwise quit. The review also emphasizes the importance of consistent product manufacturing regulations and robust stewardship standards.
Four leading cardiovascular organizations urge governments to implement the World Health Organization's MPOWER framework to reduce tobacco use. The joint opinion outlines comprehensive strategies, including lowering nicotine concentrations in combustible tobacco products and enforcing strong systems and premarket assessments of all tob...
Research presented at the ATS 2021 International Conference found that cumulative tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy and childhood is associated with decreased lung function in children. Even small amounts of secondhand smoke exposure can have detrimental effects on children's lung function.
A study by Queen Mary University of London compared the safety and effects of heat not burn product IQOS with cigarettes, Juul, and refillable e-cigarettes. IQOS delivered less nicotine, had lower nicotine delivery than Juul, and was less effective in reducing urges to smoke.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke have a 35% increased risk of developing heart failure. The association was strongest in men and among those with previous heart conditions, highlighting the need for education and stringent smoke-free policies.
A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that California's tobacco sales age increase from 18 to 21 has reduced smoking rates among 18-20-year-olds, but not non-daily smokers. The law change was associated with a decrease in 'daily' smoking prevalence, from 2.2% in 2016 to nearly zero in 2019.
New research reveals that using both e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes increases the risk of developing respiratory symptoms like cough and wheeze. Dual users had a 1.9-times higher odds of developing respiratory symptoms compared to exclusive e-cigarette or tobacco smoker users.
A comparative study found that Heat not Burn products may cause reduced endothelial function and increased oxidative stress in users, similar to conventional cigarette smokers. The study suggests that these products should not be recommended for smoking cessation or as a less harmful alternative.
Recent scientific studies reveal electronic cigarette use carries significant cardiovascular risks, particularly for young non-smokers. Cardiovascular specialists advocate for laws restricting ECs to youth and banning flavored products to mitigate these risks.
A recent study published in Mutagenesis found that vaping products exhibit little to no DNA damaging potential, contrary to previous concerns. The study used the ToxTracker suite to compare vape e-liquids and aerosols to combustible cigarette smoke, showing significant harm reduction potential for adult smokers
A new protocol called Quit Connect has been shown to increase electronic referrals to free, state-run tobacco quitlines among patients with rheumatic diseases. The program, which leverages electronic health record prompts for nurses and medical assistants, resulted in a 71% increase in referrals.
A new study reveals that Canada's 2016-2017 menthol cigarette ban led to significant increases in smokers attempting to quit, successfully quitting, and experiencing lower relapse rates. The study estimates an additional 923,000 smokers could quit if the US implemented a similar ban.
During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly a third of Pennsylvania smokers increased their daily cigarette consumption due to stress, boredom, and increased free time. Smokers who experienced this increase were at a higher risk of dependence and had difficulty quitting.
Children exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to use emergent health services, leading to higher costs and toll on the nation's healthcare system. The study highlights the need for prevention strategies such as standardized interventions in urgent care settings and promoting smoke-free home and car policies.
High-strength nicotine e-cigarettes have been found to be an effective smoking cessation method for adults with schizophrenia. In a 12-week study, 40 participants showed a sustained 50% reduction in smoking or complete abstinence, and significant improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, and quality of life.
Experts recommend shared decision-making between patients and doctors before low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening to ensure informed consent. The process can promote patient engagement, tobacco cessation, and screening adherence, leading to greater health equity.
A UMass Amherst study found a positive linear relationship between tobacco smoking intensity and duration with inflammation in HIV-positive individuals. The researchers suggest that people living with HIV would benefit from quitting or reducing smoking to lower inflammation levels, which are linked to increased disease risk.
A CDC compilation of scientific research found telephone call centers, or quitlines, to be a successful intervention for smoking termination. The study highlights the importance of call centers as an essential population-level tool in tobacco control, particularly among high-risk populations.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, pandemic-related anxiety and irregular routines were major drivers of increased nicotine and tobacco use. The study highlights the need for better support for quit attempts and harm reduction policies to address this uptick in tobacco use.
A new study from China Agricultural University investigates the role of Hsc70-2 protein in virus-host interaction, identifying key amino acids responsible for systemic infection. The research supports a scenario where viral coat protein adaptations ensure better survival and spread among different plant hosts.
A new study by Keck Medicine of USC found that alcohol and tobacco sales nationwide rose significantly during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales increases were highest among younger adults, ethnic minorities, those with younger children and/or large families, and those with higher incomes.
A new study reveals that menthol cigarettes contributed to a significant increase in smoking prevalence among US youth and adults between 1980 and 2018. The researchers estimated that the availability of menthol cigarettes led to 10.1 million extra smokers, resulting in 378,000 premature deaths over the 38-year period.
A new study found that daily emails about tobacco chemicals and health risks increased smokers' desire to quit by almost 10%. The messages, combined with graphic images, were sufficient to stimulate quit intentions. Researchers believe this innovative strategy can inform the FDA's educational campaigns.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health examines the impact of state preemption laws on local sugar-sweetened beverage taxes. The research reveals that since 2017, four states have passed laws preempting local SSB tax policies, with three of them passing within an average of just 29 days.
A landmark study reveals that airborne particulate matter is contaminated with tobacco smoke-driven particulates, with Nicotelline identified as a suitable marker. The study shows a ubiquitous presence of Nicotelline even at low concentrations, with geographical variability linked to population density and tobacco use prevalence.
Research finds cheap herbal cigarettes and bidis are widely available online, often with unverified health claims, and may act as a gateway to conventional tobacco products. The study calls for urgent regulation of their sale and marketing.
A study of over 1.1 million adolescents from 140 countries found that cigarette smoking decreased in 80 countries but remained unchanged or increased in 60 countries between 1999 and 2018. Other tobacco products like chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes also showed increased use in many countries.