Research on tobacco, smoking, and quitting. Covers vaping trends, the social side of smoking, headache links, and cessation methods.
Researchers found that despite a ban on menthol cigarettes, similar products with green coloring and 'smooth taste redesigned without menthol' are being marketed to undermine the effectiveness of the ban. The study suggests that these tactics could have an adverse impact on public health.
A modeling study suggests that e-cigarettes are likely to provide public health benefits for adults, particularly adolescents and young adults, who use them instead of smoking. The study found a 21% reduction in smoking-attributable deaths and 20% decrease in life years lost due to e-cigarette use.
A new clinical study found that exclusive e-cigarette use significantly reduces exposure to harmful chemicals similar to complete smoking cessation. The study measured biomarkers in urine, blood, and exhaled breath, revealing reductions of over 75% in carbon monoxide levels and over 80% in volatile organic compounds.
The University of Waterloo has been awarded a grant to investigate the effects of government regulations on nicotine products, including e-cigarettes. The research project will explore trends in e-cigarette use and perceptions of risks among adult smokers and youth across three countries.
A new USC study suggests that some teens who never would have smoked cigarettes are now vaping, potentially reversing progress in tobacco control. The study found that tobacco use among teens in Southern California is on the rise, with nicotine experimentation becoming a major concern.
A new study reveals a significant gap between reported smoking during pregnancy and actual nicotine exposure, with 16.5% of women experiencing high-level nicotine exposure and 7.5% low-level exposure. The study highlights the importance of targeted public health efforts to decrease tobacco use among pregnant minority women.
A new study by Yale University researchers found that high tobacco surcharges under the Affordable Care Act reduced smokers' insurance enrollment rates, contrary to the ACA's goal of universal coverage. The study also showed no increase in smoking cessation among smokers facing these surcharges.
Research suggests that cigarette butts can leach metal contaminants into the marine environment and potentially harm local species. The study found varying levels of metals in cigarette butts at nine locations along the Persian Gulf, with significant changes not detected between assessments.
A new study suggests that mixing cannabis with tobacco increases the risk of dependence and decreases motivation to quit. Cannabis users who prefer non-tobacco routes have higher odds of seeking help to use less cannabis and tobacco, indicating a lower risk of psychological dependence.
Leading tobacco researchers call for UK government to stop subsidizing films with smoking imagery and increase funding for anti-smoking media campaigns. The current system has led to a significant drop in spending on such campaigns, while providing £473 million in tax breaks to top-grossing films featuring tobacco imagery.
Genetically modified tobacco plants lacking jasmonates are more susceptible to insect and vertebrate attacks, with a significant impact on reproductive ability. Rabbits prefer to feed on these plants, peeling the stems and reducing flower production, highlighting the importance of nicotine in plant defense.
A new study finds that e-cigarette manufacturers make numerous unproven health claims, which may have a lasting impact on consumers. The FDA regulation aims to prevent such misinformation and ensure accurate information about e-cigarette use.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that nearly a quarter of US adults reported looking for information on tobacco constituents, with young adults and smokers more likely to do so. The research suggests that making this information available could improve public health and reduce tobacco use.
A study by UNC researchers found that vaping e-cigarettes alters dozens of genes essential for upper airway immune defense, similar to cigarette smoking. This discovery suggests that inhaling flavored liquids in e-cigarettes has consequences on epithelial cell gene expression, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory problems.
A new plant engineering method has been developed to produce artemisinic acid, the molecule from which artemisinin is derived, in high yields. This technique involves transferring the metabolic pathway of Artemisia annua into tobacco plants, resulting in unprecedented levels of artemisinic acid production.
A clinical trial found that smokers who received pictorial warnings on their cigarette packs were more likely to try to quit during the four-week trial. Researchers also discovered that 5.7% of smokers in the pictorial warning group had quit smoking for at least a week by the end of the trial.
A five-year NCI grant has been awarded to a consortium of researchers studying the impact of government policies on tobacco use behaviors and the evolving nicotine delivery market. The project aims to assess the likely impact of current and potential future policies on vaporized nicotine products.
A long-term study found that cannabis users had more gum disease, while tobacco smokers showed worse lung function and metabolic health. However, the researchers noted that heavy recreational cannabis use has some adverse consequences, but does not appear to cause significant damage to physical health.
A national survey found broad support for raising the minimum legal age of tobacco sales to 19, 20 or 21 in all US regions. The study suggests that increasing the age limit could lead to a reduction in smoking prevalence and related health issues.
Researchers found that tobacco smoke increases the likelihood of certain bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis colonizing the body. Biofilms formed by these pathogens can be difficult to eradicate and promote antibiotic resistance.
Researchers discovered that hawk moths can smell floral volatiles using olfactory neurons on their proboscis. This allows them to select flowers with sufficient nectar, leading to successful pollination and seed production. The study highlights the importance of scent in flower-pollinator interactions.
A Canadian study found that hospital-initiated tobacco cessation interventions significantly improved patient outcomes, including a 35% success rate for quitting at 6-month follow-up. Patients who received the Ottawa Model were also less likely to be re-admitted to the hospital or visit emergency departments.
A recent EU survey found that over 50% of Europeans believe e-cigarettes pose a health risk, despite continued use surging across member states. The study also reveals that current smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to have tried e-cigarettes, highlighting the need for better understanding of their impact on public health.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer calls on Asian-Pacific governments to take action against lung cancer, citing the need for effective tobacco control, affordable healthcare, and early diagnosis. The goal is to reduce lung cancer deaths by one-third by 2030.
The number of people who have tried e-cigarettes has almost doubled in two years, according to a new European-wide study. The proportion of people who consider e-cigarettes dangerous has also increased, with nearly half of Europeans now having tried the devices.
A UTHealth study found that middle and high school students exposed to e-cigarette marketing messages were more likely to use e-cigarettes. The study reveals a trend that is not likely to change, with e-cigarette companies following the same marketing strategies as cigarette companies.
A novel nicotine inhaler has been shown to double smoking quit rates compared to placebo inhalers. The study, published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research, suggests that inhaled nicotine from a standard inhaler is highly effective in helping smokers quit.
A recent Georgia State University study found that e-cigarettes are not living up to their promise as a satisfying alternative to regular cigarettes. Most former cigarette smokers who tried e-cigarettes continued to use them, but nearly 58% reported e-cigarettes were unsatisfying and stopped using them.
A new study published in Addictive Behaviors found that family warmth and support are indicators of decreased tobacco use in Native American adolescents. Engagement in school through positive activities was also found to be a preventive tool against frequent smoking.
A study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting found that children living with smokers more frequently need medical care. The research analyzed data from the National Survey on Children's Health and showed a significant impact of tobacco smoke exposure on demand for health care services.
E-cigarettes offer potential to radically reduce harm from smoking in UK society, with benefits found at individual and population levels. The Royal College of Physicians report finds that e-cigarette use is primarily among smokers seeking to cut down or quit, and no grounds to suspect renormalization of smoking habits.
A new study by Adam Lippert finds that e-cigarette use among teens is clustered in schools with high rates of use, suggesting a cultural factor at play. The research suggests that educators should consider perceptions of e-cigarettes as less harmful when implementing initiatives to curb teen vaping.
Researchers urge regulators to balance e-cigarette regulations with evidence of benefits in helping smokers quit, while avoiding harm to non-smokers. The study proposes a framework for maximizing population health and encourages innovation in the vaping industry.
The study synthesizes evidence on e-cigarettes, suggesting they can lead to reduced cigarette smoking and death from cigarette smoking. The researchers argue that e-cigarettes should be part of tobacco control efforts to help smokers quit.
Researchers found that the early-to-bed, early-to-rise approach is associated with better cardiovascular health behaviors, including reduced smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary choices. Adequate sleep at optimal times is key to promoting heart-healthy habits.
In a developing society with high gender equality, men still smoke more than women due to cultural associations between smoking and risk-taking. Tobacco sharing plays an important role in strengthening social relationships among the Aka tribe.
Adolescents who recall seeing e-cigarettes in shops are more likely to have tried them and intend to try them in the future. The study, which involved 3,808 Scottish adolescents, found a strong association between recall of e-cigarette displays at point of sale and use of e-cigarettes.
A study by UCI and UNC found that only four of 120 online vendors validated minors' ages, while 15 marketed directly to youth. The researchers concluded that comprehensive regulation and enforcement are needed to prevent online sales to minors.
The Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) hosted a unique 2.5-day workshop on in vitro exposure systems and dosimetry assessment tools for inhaled tobacco products. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the issues involving aerosol exposure to cells and tissues in culture.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that unemployed smokers were less likely to get new jobs and earned an average of $5 less per hour than nonsmokers. This results in a significant wage deficit, with smokers facing a loss of over $8,300 annually.
Public Health England's report suggests e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than combustible cigarettes, prompting debate in the US where many advocates denounce them. However, UK experts argue that switching to e-cigarettes with support can help smokers quit tobacco altogether.
A study found that only a small percentage of e-cigarette searches are related to quitting smoking, while most pertain to shopping or vaping health. The research used Google search trends from 2009 to 2014 and revealed a significant jump in popularity of 'vape' and 'vaping' terms.
A new American Cancer Society study found that combustible tobacco cigarettes cost less to purchase than equivalent amounts of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in 44 of 45 countries sampled. The price gap exists despite the fact that e-cigarettes are not yet widely subjected to comparable excise taxes as combustible cigarettes.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that quitting smoking abruptly is more likely to lead to long-term success than gradual reduction. After assessing 697 smokers for four weeks and six months, the research revealed a 25% higher quit rate for those who stopped all at once.
A novel hybrid product called 'glo iFUSE' combines e-cigarette technology with fresh tobacco to deliver natural tobacco flavors. Sensory testing confirmed the presence of detectable tobacco flavors, and chemical analysis revealed a significant reduction in toxic compounds compared to traditional cigarettes.
A new study found that daily e-cigarette formaldehyde exposure from three formats is well below the World Health Organization's safe levels. The results showed that even heavy use of these products still only results in daily formaldehyde exposure less than one-sixth of indoor air quality standards.
A new study published in BMJ Global Health found a 36% increase in the number of men smoking tobacco in India between 1998 and 2015. Cigarettes are replacing traditional bidis due to higher income and population growth, posing significant health risks.
Researchers found that viewing graphic anti-smoking images on cigarette packs triggers activity in brain areas involved in emotion, decision-making and memory. The findings suggest these images could effectively warn smokers about cigarettes' health consequences and motivate a change in behavior.
University researchers propose using economic incentives, such as tax differentials and price controls, to reduce tobacco industry's profitability and promote less hazardous alternatives like e-cigarettes. This approach could lead to a rapid endgame for cigarettes and achieve historic public health breakthroughs.
A recent study found that people searching for vaping-related terms are primarily interested in shopping for e-cigarettes rather than health information. This suggests a concerning trend in the growing vaping industry, where marketing and advertising efforts may be targeting consumers without regard for potential health risks.
Researchers found that e-cigarette chemicals suppress key immune genes in the nasal mucosa, similar to smoking cigarettes. The study suggests that e-cigarettes may have broader effects on respiratory immune responses than initially thought.
Research by UofL professor Daniel J. Conklin found e-cigarettes may cause atherosclerosis, a plaque-causing disease leading to heart attacks and strokes. The study exposed mice to varying levels of e-cigarette aerosol, tobacco smoke, or nicotine alone, revealing that multiple constituents have cardiovascular disease-causing potential.
A new analysis found that both phone-based and web-based tobacco cessation programs can help individuals quit smoking. However, certain personal characteristics, such as age, race, ethnicity, education level, and employment status, may influence program effectiveness, with Web-based programs being slightly more successful for some groups.
Research finds that teens who vape are almost three times more likely to start smoking a year later than non-vapers. Vaping is also associated with increased e-cigarette use among teens, but not necessarily reduced smoking frequency.
The project aims to shift social norms and increase quitting rates among Chinese smokers by targeting five major cities. China produces more tobacco and has more smokers than any country, making this effort crucial in curbing the tobacco epidemic.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that e-cigarettes with candy flavors are more appealing to school children, who also express a greater interest in buying and trying these products. The study suggests that further regulation is needed regarding e-cigarette advertising to prevent tobacco smoking among young people.
A study found that UK teens, particularly those aged 13-15, are heavily exposed to alcohol and tobacco images and lyrics in digital YouTube music videos. The research suggests that these depictions can lead to increased consumption and pose a significant health hazard.
A new meta-analysis reveals that hookah smokers inhale a large load of toxicants, with one session delivering 25 times the tar and 125 times the smoke of a single cigarette. The study suggests that hookah tobacco smoking should be monitored more closely to address this growing health concern.
A study found that plain packaging decreased overall perceptions of healthier tobacco brands by 12%, as well as reduced prestige perceptions among young Indigenous smokers. The findings support the effectiveness of health warnings in reducing global tobacco use, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A new study from Ohio State University found that smokers who saw graphic warning labels on cigarette packs had more negative feelings about smoking and were more likely to consider quitting. The study suggests that graphic images can be an effective way to discourage smoking, contrary to a federal appeals court's previous ruling.