Research on tobacco, smoking, and quitting. Covers vaping trends, the social side of smoking, headache links, and cessation methods.
Researchers have identified 76 types of aquaporins in tobacco, a model plant species closely related to major crops like tomato and potato. This discovery sheds light on the functional roles of aquaporins in plants, which could lead to improved crop productivity and resilience.
Current cigarette smoking is associated with a significantly higher risk of stroke among African Americans, with the risk doubling for those who smoke compared to nonsmokers. The study found that smokers were more than twice as likely to experience stroke, and the risk increased with the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
A KAUST research team discovered that IQOS emits 62 compounds, 52 of which were not found in Philip Morris International tests, including diacetyl and potentially carcinogenic diethylhexyl phthalate.
New research found that tobacco companies continued to sell and promote menthol products despite a four-year phasing-in period for the UK's menthol cigarette ban. The study reveals that industry experts developed new products to circumvent the ban, including menthol filters and flavour cards.
Researchers investigated the link between prenatal alcohol and tobacco smoking on newborn brain activity. The study found associations between these exposures and altered brain activity in infants.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that e-cigarette users experience vascular damage comparable to traditional cigarette smokers. The researchers discovered stiffening of arteries and damaged endothelial cells, which can lead to heart disease.
Researchers suggest that tobacco use contributes to the disparity in COVID-19 mortality rates between men and women in Spain, with over 30% of deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease. The study calls for increased data collection on tobacco use among those infected and measures to curb smoking during the pandemic.
Research found that nicotine-fueled e-cigarettes increase heart rate and blood pressure in healthy, young nonsmokers. The study used JUUL e-cigarette nicotine or placebo and measured heart rate, blood pressure, and sympathetic nerve activity. Nicotine caused a prolonged increase in blood pressure.
A UC Davis study found that promoting e-cigarettes as a healthier alternative to combustible cigarettes backfired, resulting in increased social valuations of e-cigarettes as bad or worse than cigarettes. The study analyzed over 1,200 documents and conducted interviews with policymakers, public health advocates, and industry leaders.
After JUUL removed flavored products, sales shifted to menthol and tobacco flavors, with the company's sales surpassing previous highs within weeks. The study suggests that self-imposed restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes are unlikely to improve public health and that market demand will fill the void.
A study of 10 on-demand streaming series found that 70% depicted tobacco incidents, with non-compliance to India's rules rampant. Researchers emphasize the need for stricter enforcement and update of WHO guidelines to include streaming services.
A new international study found that starting smoking at a young age significantly increases the likelihood of becoming a daily smoker as an adult. The study analyzed data from over 6,600 participants and found that even children who only tried smoking minimally were more likely to end up as daily adult smokers. The results support Tob...
A recent investigation by The BMJ uncovered links between groups advocating for wider medical cannabis access and those pushing for recreational legalization. Industry funding for research into medicinal properties of cannabis has raised concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential normalization of cannabis use.
A single dose of THC can induce a range of psychiatric symptoms in healthy volunteers, including schizophrenia-like symptoms. No consistent evidence suggests that cannabidiol moderates the effects of THC.
Research comparing teen e-cigarette users with those who tried other tobacco products first found that only a tiny proportion of experimental vapers went on to smoke. Young vapers were less likely to smoke than peers trying out other tobacco products, contradicting previous studies linking teen vaping to smoking.
Young people who have tried e-cigarettes but never smoked before are four-and-a-half times more likely to go on to try smoking. However, the association between e-cigarette use among non-smokers and subsequent smoking remains unclear due to methodological limitations.
Pro-vaping and other tobacco videos on YouTube have seen dramatic increases in viewership over the past half-dozen years, despite ad bans. The research highlights the challenges of regulating online content and the potential for social media platforms to influence young people's health information.
Research discovered that tobacco smoke off-gassing transports contaminants equivalent to several cigarettes of secondhand smoke into indoor areas. Thirdhand smoke includes residual chemicals left on surfaces and skin, presenting significant health risks to non-smokers.
Researchers studied 100 youth participants' exposure to tobacco outlets and found that high exposure was associated with more cigarettes smoked. The study suggests regulating youth exposure to tobacco outlets can limit access and availability of cigarettes, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that adults increasingly prefer sweet e-cigarette flavors over traditional tobacco flavors. The study suggests that restrictions on flavored e-liquids may drive long-term users to seek illicit sources, posing health risks.
England is off track to meet its 2030 smoke-free target, with projections suggesting a 20-year gap in smoking rates between the least and most deprived communities. To achieve the goal of a 5% smoking rate, significant funding for stop-smoking services and national education campaigns must be reinstated.
A new analysis by NYU School of Global Public Health and NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that exposure to alcohol advertising changes teens' attitudes about alcohol and can cause them to start drinking. The study applies a framework developed for tobacco advertising to show causality between alcohol advertising and youth drinking.
A new RAND Corporation study found that about 12% of young adults surveyed were aware of heated tobacco products and 5% reported using them. The devices are being promoted by the tobacco industry as alternatives to cigarettes.
Researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center argue that graphic warning labels can effectively promote an understanding of the consequences of smoking. The proposed labels, which include images and text warnings, have the potential to help reduce smoking rates and serve as a model for other regulatory efforts.
A study found that Google Trends shows a significant increase in searches for 'quit vaping' during the EVALI outbreak, with a 3.7-fold rise, highlighting the need for public health messaging and clinical screening of patients who vape.
A Rutgers-led study found that high school students reported higher e-cigarette use when Juul was included in the measure, particularly among female and black students. The study suggests health officials might be underestimating teen e-cigarette use prevalence.
Standardised packaging in the UK led to higher cigarette prices despite warnings from the tobacco industry. The study found that prices increased due to the introduction of a minimum excise tax (MET) that forced companies to pay at least £5.88 per pack, reducing their ability to manipulate prices.
Researchers analyzed data from over 49,000 adults and found that while overall smoking rates have decreased among Americans aged 20+, the rate of stroke survivors who smoke remains steady. The study emphasizes the importance of quitting smoking for stroke survivors, citing the highly addictive nature of nicotine.
Daily e-cigarette users are more likely to be recent quitters than non-users, while vaping is rare among those who quit more than a decade ago. E-cigarettes appear to be helping smokers quit successfully, particularly among those who quit within the last two years.
A new study finds that the CATCH My Breath program significantly reduces the likelihood of e-cigarette use among middle school students who complete the curriculum. The program has been shown to be effective in educating students about the dangers of vaping and helping them resist nicotine addiction.
A study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that used cigarette butts emit toxic chemicals, including nicotine and triacetin, into the air. These emissions can persist for several days, posing health risks to people in close proximity.
A study by NYU School of Global Public Health found that over 80% of youth do not use tobacco, and most vaping youth are also current or former smokers. The research suggests that while vaping rates have increased among youth, smoking rates have decreased, indicating a net harm reduction benefit to the population.
Researchers analyzed the virome of HPV-positive tonsil squamous cell carcinoma and neck metastasis, finding correlations between specific viruses and clinical outcomes. The study suggests that certain viral signatures may impact tumor biology and behavior, offering potential avenues for future research and treatment.
The law banning smoking in cars carrying children has been shown to reduce teenage exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke by 72% in England. This significant drop in exposure is attributed to the legislation, which aims to protect children from the harms of secondhand tobacco smoke.
Experts analyzed impact of tobacco display ban on young people's attitudes to smoking, finding high retailer compliance and a positive influence. Recommendations include limiting retail outlet density and targeting schoolchildren with anti-smoking messages.
Research published in the American Heart Association's journal found that hookah smoke causes blood clots to form within an average of 11 seconds, compared to 5 minutes without exposure. Hookah smoking increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.
A new study by University of Kentucky researchers suggests that banning menthol-flavored tobacco products could help address disparities in public health. The study found that policies restricting flavored tobacco products but not menthol flavors disproportionately affect African American communities.
A set of four integrated studies by Harvard researchers reveals that sadness plays a strong role in triggering addictive behavior relative to other negative emotions like disgust. The studies show that individuals experiencing sadness are more likely to be smokers and relapse into smoking after quitting.
A new study by British American Tobacco found that vapour and tobacco heating products emit significantly fewer harmful constituents than cigarette smoke. The study analyzed actual consumer usage, finding reduced exposure to toxicants with lower consumption rates.
A recent study by Hebrew University researchers found that smoking is associated with increased rates of clinical depression among students, with depressed smokers experiencing twice to three times higher rates of depression as non-smokers. Smoking also leads to lower mental health scores, including vitality and social functioning.
Researchers analyzed vaping particle size and deposition patterns in human airways, finding that larger particles are produced by higher device power settings and vegetable glycerin-based e-liquids. The study suggests similar human airway deposition patterns compared to regular smoking, despite smaller and less abundant particles.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that JUUL delivers significantly higher levels of nicotine to the bloodstream compared to previous-generation e-cigarettes and cigarettes. The study also revealed that JUUL impairs blood vessel function similarly to cigarette smoke, which can have severe cardiovascular consequences.
Four studies involving over 12,000 participants reveal a nuanced link between negative emotion and tobacco use. Sadness is reliably associated with current smoking and relapse rates, as well as impatience and puff volume.
A new literature review suggests that snus use is not a significant risk factor for several cancers and diseases. Imperial Brands calls for EU legalization of snus as a reduced-harm tobacco product.
The number of e-cigarette users who began vaping at age 14 or younger has more than tripled in the last five years, according to a University of Michigan study. This increase is alarming as early e-cigarette use is linked to later risk for cigarette smoking and nicotine exposure can confer particular risk.
The study found that the proportion of students reporting ever using marijuana in an e-cigarette increased from 11.1% to 14.7% between 2017 and 2018. This increase was seen among certain demographic groups, including males, females, adolescents, high-schoolers, non-Hispanic whites, and Hispanics.
A new longitudinal study found that e-cigarette use increases the risk of developing chronic lung diseases like asthma and bronchitis. Dual users of e-cigarettes and smoked tobacco are at an even higher risk of developing lung disease.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus reveals that incentive-based smoking cessation programs can significantly reduce infant morbidity and mortality. The Baby & Me Tobacco Free program provided financial incentives to pregnant women, resulting in a 24-28% reduction in preterm birth and neonatal ICU admiss...
The Lancet Global Health study found that on average, countries implemented just over half of the 18 WHO-recommended policies to reduce chronic diseases. Implementation improved over time, but some countries lagged behind, including the USA. Democratic centre-left countries tended to implement more policies.
A previously healthy 17-year-old male was hospitalized with life-threatening bronchiolitis after a week of persistent cough. The case suggests a new form of damage from vaping products, similar to popcorn lung, and highlights the need for further research and regulation.
A study by Georgia State University found that 43% of US adults consider e-cigarettes to be as harmful as cigarettes, while 8% believe they are more harmful. The increase in perceived harm may reflect growing concerns about the teen vaping epidemic and the recent outbreak of vaping-related illnesses.
A two-year trial found that chronic smokers who transition to e-cigarettes demonstrated significant improvements in vascular health within four weeks. Women experienced greater gains by switching compared to men.
Scientists report that electronic cigarettes have adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels due to nicotine's impact on blood pressure and inflammation. The lack of standardised products makes it difficult to study the health effects of e-cigarettes, leading researchers to advise against their use.
A new USC study reveals that mint is the most popular flavor among U.S. teens who vape, contradicting previous studies that linked fruit flavors to teen vaping. The findings cast doubt on the effectiveness of JUUL's voluntary product removal and federal regulations aimed at reducing youth vaping.
A cohort simulation model found that Mexico's sugar-sweetened beverage tax will prevent 239,900 cases of obesity and save $6.88 in healthcare costs for every dollar spent on implementation. Doubling the tax would also bring benefits, including a gain of 92,100 quality-adjusted life-years.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that heavy smoking causes faces to look older due to accelerated facial aging. Researchers also identified a higher risk of poor lung function and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among smokers.
A USC study found that teens who vape candy- or fruit-flavored e-cigarettes are more likely to stick with the habit and vape more heavily. The study suggests that regulations reducing youth exposure to flavored e-cigarettes may aid in preventing young people from becoming long-term e-cig users.
A new study found that enforcing restrictions on flavored tobacco products led to decreased teen use of both flavored and non-flavored tobacco. In contrast, a nearby community without such restrictions saw an increase in tobacco use among youth. The study suggests that flavor restriction policies can curb youth tobacco use in as little...
A nationwide study of over 38,400 participants found a link between using flavored tobacco products for the first time and subsequent continued use. The findings suggest that flavored tobacco products may pose a significant public health risk, particularly among young adults.
Filters are ineffective and contribute to global plastic pollution, with the largest part being non-biodegradable cellulose acetate. Experts recommend banning filtered cigarettes to reduce waste and strengthen ties between environment and health communities.