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E-cigarettes, tobacco and cannabis products are littering high schools

A recent study by UCSF researchers found hundreds of waste items from e-cigarettes, combustible tobacco products, and cannabis products at Bay Area high schools. The study highlights the environmental hazard posed by these products' toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which are contaminating school environments and surrounding areas.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateOct 10, 2019

Plant death may reveal genetic mechanisms underlying cell self-destruction

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology discovered that hybrid plant cells induce programmed cell death due to protein aggregate accumulation. The study used imaging tools and a chemical chaperone to halt the process, paving the way for genetic improvement techniques to enhance crop varieties' disease resistance a...

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 2019

Study shows nearly half of cancer patients who enter a comprehensive tobacco treatment program quit smoking

A comprehensive tobacco treatment program at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center resulted in an average of 45% smoking abstinence rates among participating cancer patients. This rate surpasses that of previous minimal interventions like quitlines, which averaged less than 20% abstinence rates.

Oral health effects of tobacco products: Science and regulatory policy proceedings

Researchers presented data on the oral microbiome and immunity affected by tobacco use, while highlighting the need for research on novel nicotine delivery systems. The conference aimed to promote cessation or deter initiation among current or potential tobacco users through the dissemination of scientific evidence.

Banning tobacco sales to people under age 21 reduces smoking

A new Yale University study reveals that banning tobacco sales to people under age 21 significantly reduces smoking rates among 18- to 20-year-olds. The study found a 10% drop in smoking among these age group when local tobacco-21 laws are implemented, with effects expected to be even greater at the state level.

SourceYale University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJul 26, 2019

Legalized recreational marijuana a substitute for alcohol, but not tobacco

A new study finds that recreational marijuana legalization leads to a 8% increase in online searches for tobacco products, while searches for alcohol drop by 11%. However, the study also reveals that teenagers lose interest in cannabis after its legalization, contradicting common concerns about increased teen usage.

Fewer than half of US adults exposed to court-ordered anti-smoking advertisements

A new study found that the tobacco industry's corrective statements reached only 40.6% of US adults and 50.5% of current smokers in 2018, highlighting the need for targeted advertising to reach key populations. The ads had lower exposure among certain ethnic and socioeconomic subgroups, including those with higher smoking rates.

Bullying among adolescents hurts both the victims and the perpetrators

A new study reveals that bullying has a profound impact on both victims and perpetrators, leading to increased substance abuse and social issues. Research found that girls are more likely to internalize problems and exhibit psychosomatic complaints, while boys and girls are equally likely to engage in risk behaviors after being bullied.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateMay 6, 2019

Study finds differences in storefront tobacco advertising by product type

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health documents specific characteristics of storefront tobacco advertisements, highlighting variations in ad features across product categories. The research found that cigarette ads dominated window space, while cigar and ENDS ads were more commonly placed near entry points.