Research on tobacco, smoking, and quitting. Covers vaping trends, the social side of smoking, headache links, and cessation methods.
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.
New research from the University of Bath shows that lower taxes on heated tobacco products in Ukraine are benefiting the tobacco industry's bottom lines at the expense of governments and consumers. The study found a significant increase in demand for HTPs, while traditional cigarette sales declined.
The proportion of women smoking during pregnancy in England has almost halved since 2014/15, but funding cuts could stall this progress. Experts fear that continued investment is necessary to give every child a smokefree start in life and prevent a surge in rates.
A study led by MUSC Hollings Cancer Center researcher Amanda Palmer found that young males, especially those who have used cigarettes or e-cigarettes before, are more likely to use oral nicotine pouches. Although usage is relatively low, the trend suggests a potential beneficial alternative to combustible cigarettes.
Even among non-smokers, women are 50% more likely to develop COPD than men. The study suggests that factors other than cigarette smoke may be at play, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and treatment efforts.
Studies project a 40% increase in tobacco-related coronary heart disease deaths by 2030, with Black women and American Indian/Alaska Native groups disproportionately affected. Cannabis use disorder is also linked to increased risk of cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias.
A new study found that about 5.4% of teens used nicotine pouches in 2024, up from 3.0% in 2023, and dual use with e-cigarettes increased. Researchers warn of potential health risks and call for tailored prevention strategies.
A new study suggests that higher cigarette taxes can significantly improve childhood survival rates, particularly among the poorest children. The research found that increasing tax on cigarettes could narrow the socioeconomic gap in child mortality rates and save over 280,000 lives annually.
A recent study found that cigarette smoking continues to decline across the US, mainly driven by young adults. The states with historically high smoking rates have seen the most significant declines in smoking prevalence.
A 12-week randomized clinical trial shows varenicline combined with behavioral counseling effectively increased vaping abstinence in youth who vape nicotine but do not regularly smoke tobacco. This study provides hope for a novel treatment approach to help combat the growing youth vaping epidemic.
A study of nearly 11,000 individuals found that men with panic disorder are more vulnerable to developing problematic drinking behaviors than women, potentially due to self-medication. The research highlights the need for sex-specific assessment and intervention strategies in treating comorbid conditions
A recent study published in Addiction journal found that vaping rates in England, Wales, and Scotland have stalled since the UK Government announced plans to restrict vaping. Despite a significant increase in vaping prevalence from 2022 to 2024, rates have remained constant since January 2024.
Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a vitamin D nasal spray that significantly reduces nasal inflammation and improves sense of smell in mice. This study suggests a new potential treatment for humans suffering from loss of smell due to inflammation, which is often caused by cigarette smoke or COVID-19.
A new University of Michigan study will test the best way to help people who smoke menthol cigarettes quit. The five-year study will work with 1,200 adults who smoke menthol cigarettes and compare Tobacco Quitline coaching with an incentive program involving daily breath monitoring.
A new study found that a 2018 US public housing smoking ban led to reduced hospitalizations for cardiovascular problems. The ban resulted in modest declines in heart attacks incidence rates and small differential declines in strokes among adults aged over 50.
A new study found that young vapers who begin using e-cigarettes after graduating from high school tend to progress rapidly to frequent use, reaching it in about one year. This 'late initiation/rapid progression' group showed swift increases in vaping frequency and e-cigarette dependence compared to other groups.
Recent studies published in Behavioral Medicine and Alcohol explore the link between pain and substance use among emerging adults. Individuals with moderate to severe pain are more likely to start using cannabis over a four-year period, often taking it up earlier, and are also at higher risk of mixing it with alcohol.
A recent study investigated the effects of different flavor enhancers on nicotine preference and oral choice behavior in rats. The research found that sweeteners, particularly saccharin, increased nicotine consumption in female rats, while flavors like cinnamon had a greater impact on male rats.
A recent study led by Emily Hackworth and colleagues found that youth with internalizing mental health symptoms are more likely to turn to nicotine products. The analysis showed a strong association between non-combustible product use, including e-cigarettes, and poor mental health among adolescents.
A new US study published in JAMA found that vaping does not help smokers quit and may actually hinder the process. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 US smokers and found no correlation between vaping and increased smoking cessation rates.
A new study found that an Oakland law requiring cigarette prices to increase to a minimum of $8 per pack led to a 15-percent decrease in cigarette sales and a 25-percent decrease in lower-priced cigarettes. The policy may be particularly effective at curbing tobacco initiation among low-income individuals and youth.
A recent study from the University of Missouri and Yale University found that restricting flavored e-cigarettes leads to a decrease in vaping among young adults. However, this restriction also increases traditional cigarette smoking among young adults compared to states without such restrictions.
A new study in mice found that young adults are more susceptible to nicotine addiction than middle-aged adults, with a greater acute response to nicotine. The effects of nicotine on the body change over the lifespan, affecting how medications and other chemicals are processed.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that smoking is a key factor in unexplained strokes among younger adults. Researchers discovered that heavy smokers had nearly four times the risk of stroke compared to non-smokers, with the highest risk seen in male participants and those aged 45-49.
The study found disparities in tobacco use across cumulative disabilities, with those having 3 or more disabilities experiencing worsening use trends. Targeted prevention and cessation efforts are needed to address these disparities.
A large nationwide study found that smoking menthol cigarettes increased mortality risks from any cause and cardiovascular diseases, especially heart diseases. Quitting smoking substantially reduced health risks from both types of cigarettes.
A new report by University of Bath's Tobacco Control Research Group reveals a $93 million discrepancy in revenue reported by BAT Kenya, with no plausible explanation provided. The analysis suggests tax avoidance or evasion, raising urgent questions about the corporation's financial practices.
A recent study published in the BMJ reveals that the UK gambling industry is employing similar tactics used by Big Tobacco to downplay the harms of gambling. The authors call for urgent action to protect public health from the devastating effects of gambling addiction, including financial distress, family breakdown, and even suicide.
The study reveals that certain DNA regions are more prone to damage but also better repaired by cells. Transcription factors can either help or harm DNA, highlighting the importance of efficient repair in determining mutation formation.
A cohort study found ADHD symptoms among US youths increased risk of nicotine and tobacco use. Early ADHD diagnosis and effective treatment may help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of nicotine and tobacco use.
A new study reveals that postnatal exposure to tobacco smoke can alter the way genes are expressed, increasing the risk of diseases such as asthma and cancer. The study found 11 regions associated with second-hand smoke exposure, six of which are linked to smoking-related diseases.
A new review paper published in Addiction found 'very low-certainty evidence' to support the claim that nicotine vaping causes young people to start smoking. However, the study also suggests that vaping may contribute to declines in youth smoking rates, particularly in the US.