Research on tobacco, smoking, and quitting. Covers vaping trends, the social side of smoking, headache links, and cessation methods.
A study found that smoking bans worked best in reducing smoking among casual smokers, while high taxes were more effective for heavy users. Combining both policies did not show an additional impact on smoking rates.
A large study of over 93,000 women found that active and passive smoking are associated with an increased risk of infertility and earlier menopause. Women who smoked daily had a 14% greater risk of infertility, while those exposed to second-hand smoke had a 26% heightened risk of menopause before age 50.
A recent study reveals that poor countries are exposed to more aggressive tobacco marketing than affluent nations, with the majority of sales in low-income countries occurring through single cigarettes. This intense marketing can lead to a higher likelihood of young people starting to smoke and becoming lifelong smokers.
A new RAND Corporation study found that hiding tobacco products at convenience stores significantly reduces teenagers' susceptibility to future cigarette use. Researchers created a power wall with hundreds of tobacco products and had teens visit a replica store to shop while the product visibility was in one of three random locations.
Compliance with ID checks and minimum price laws significantly declined after NYC's Tobacco 21 law took effect, especially among independent retailers. Researchers attribute the drop to lack of awareness and inadequate enforcement measures.
A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that exposure to e-cigarette ads increased curiosity and trial of e-cigarettes among young adults. Approximately 6% of never-users tried an e-cigarette within six months after ad exposure, compared to 1.2% of unexposed individuals.
A recent study by the CDC found that US adults now smoke at a rate of 17.8%, the lowest since 1965. However, smoking rates remain high among three groups: American Indians, LGBT individuals, and those with mental health issues. The largest non-profit quitline in the US is hiring Native coaches to better serve these communities.
Researchers from Tohoku University created a modified DNA sequence that increases sucrose levels in tomatoes without limiting growth. The technology also affects amino acid metabolism, resulting in higher levels of several key compounds.
A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that U.S. adults who used only smokeless tobacco products had higher levels of biomarkers for nicotine and cancer-causing toxins. This increased exposure puts smokeless tobacco users at risk for adverse health effects, including cancer.
The merger of Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller poses significant global health risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The new company's expansion plans in Africa are driven by targeting low-income consumers, echoing the strategies of transnational tobacco companies.
Research by the University of Waterloo's ITC Project reveals China's slow progress in implementing strong FCTC policies, leading to high levels of second-hand smoke exposure and ongoing tobacco use threats. The country lags behind other countries in protecting its people against second-hand smoke.
A recent US study found that some adult smokers who quit within the last year used e-cigarettes as a quitting aid. The study analyzed data from the 2014 National Health Interview Survey and found that nearly half of daily cigarette smokers have ever tried e-cigarettes. Daily e-cigarette use was more common among adults over age 25 than...
Research on Hispanic/Latino adults found substantial e-cigarette and hookah use, with younger users more likely to use these products. Easy access, flavored taste, and socializing were cited reasons for their appeal.
Scientists at British American Tobacco have proposed a new assessment framework for innovative nicotine and tobacco products. The four-stage process evaluates lab-based testing, clinical trials, real-world observations, and individual and population perception.
A University of Georgia study finds that tobacco addiction in adolescents is often overlooked due to lack of stigma. Researchers recommend treating tobacco cessation treatments for adolescents with substance abuse issues and implementing more counselor training.
A new study reveals that internationally produced films are more likely to depict characters smoking on screen compared to those made in Hollywood. The research found that up to 97% of films worldwide showed some level of tobacco or alcohol consumption, with a higher prevalence in European and Latin American productions.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends increasing the minimum age to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to 21 nationwide. The AAP also urges regulations to reduce youth access, increase prices, and promote smoke-free environments to mitigate the risks of tobacco and nicotine use.
Raising the smoking age to 21 would help curb early access to tobacco products, leading to reduced smoking rates. E-cigarettes are largely unproven as a smoking cessation tool with potential health risks unknown.
A new study published in the Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry found that 'heated tobacco' products, like iQOS, release chemical compounds into the air when activated, similar to secondhand cigarette smoke. The findings suggest these devices should be regulated similarly to regular cigarettes in indoor spaces.
Researchers warn that the growing popularity of e-cigarettes and alternative tobacco products among young adults poses a significant public health risk. Studies have shown that use of these products can lead to a 2.5 times increase in later cigarette use, with nicotine being the most addictive substance.
A comprehensive assessment of acrylamide in smokeless tobacco products found exposure levels to be relatively low and comparable across different types. However, the study suggests that snus and other STPs present a minor source of acrylamide exposure compared to diet or cigarette smoking.
A UCLA-led study has found that nurses in China can play a pivotal role in helping smokers quit, with the development of a web-based educational smoking cessation program. The program increased nurses' likelihood of assisting with quitting plans and recommending smoke-free environments.
A recent study published in The Lancet reveals that two-thirds of young Chinese men start smoking before age 20, with half eventually dying from tobacco-related causes. The study also shows a significant increase in cigarette smoking among young men, leading to a doubling of male deaths attributed to smoking.
A new study reveals that older tobacco users pay significantly more for health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act, with some facing surcharges of up to 46% more than non-tobacco users. This highlights concerns about the financial burden on these individuals and potential implications for health equity.
A Yale University study found that varenicline was 46% more effective in women after three months of treatment, leading to higher abstinence rates. The drug's effectiveness for women may be due to differences in the nicotine receptor system in the brain.
A new study led by UCSF scientist Neal Benowitz found that reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes can substantially decrease tobacco dependence without increasing inhalation. Smokers who reduced cigarette intake reported attempts to quit twice as often and had lower cravings compared to those smoking regular cigarettes.
A six-week clinical trial found that reduced-nicotine cigarettes decreased nicotine exposure and dependence, as well as the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The study suggests potential benefits for smoking cessation and reducing tobacco-related harm.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that reducing nicotine content in cigarettes can significantly reduce cigarette use and dependence. Researchers discovered that participants who smoked low-nicotine cigarettes showed lower smoking levels and reduced exposure to nicotine.
Researchers found that pre- and postnatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke increases the risk of behavioral disorders in primary school children. Emotional disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are particularly affected, with 21% of children showing signs of emotional disorder after ETS exposure.
Researchers have obtained the first nanometer-resolved image of individual tobacco mosaic virions using low-energy electron holography, a non-destructive single-particle imaging technique. This breakthrough could lead to improved drug design by providing detailed knowledge of biomolecular structures.
Research at the American Academy of Otolaryngology's annual meeting finds that tobacco smoke exposure correlates with severity of sinusitis symptoms. Additionally, studies show a link between tobacco smoke exposure and an increased risk of oropharyngeal cancers and eustachian tube disorders in children.
A review of 54 studies from 20 countries found that people in addiction treatment have a much higher smoking rate, 84% vs 31%, for the general population. The study suggests that addressing tobacco use is crucial to improve substance treatment outcomes.
If Canada legalizes cannabis, public health must be the top priority to prevent commercialization and potential harms. Experts argue that policy-makers should draw from research on tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis to create a regulatory framework that maximizes benefits and minimizes harm.
The e-cigarette special issue covers topics such as market trends in U.S. retail, use among young people, and chemical composition of e-cigarettes. Key findings include confusion about e-cigarettes' safety and potential for innovative research.
A recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 high school seniors reported hookah smoking in the past year, with a significant proportion being regular users. The increasing prevalence of hookah use among adolescents is a growing public health concern, necessitating targeted interventions and surveillance efforts.
A new study found increasing support in the USA and Canada for smokefree laws in playgrounds, school grounds, and other areas. Most residents welcome these regulations, with majority support seen across various locations.
Leading health experts raise concerns over the safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes, citing low-quality evidence and methodological issues. The BMJ article highlights the need for evidence-based advice on e-cigarettes to avoid influence from vested interests.
A new UC San Francisco study reveals that video game warnings fall short in rating tobacco content, exposing adolescents to more tobacco imagery than thought. The researchers found that only 8% of games received tobacco warnings, despite 42% containing actual tobacco content.
Researchers successfully synthesized a more immediate and potent precursor to the chemotherapy agent etoposide using genetically modified tobacco. The new compound outperforms podophyllotoxin, a slow-growing Himalayan plant-based ingredient, in treating various malignancies.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics has revealed a significant association between e-cigarette use and the progression to traditional cigarette smoking among adolescents and young adults. The study found that nearly 70% of e-cigarette users progressed towards smoking, while only 18.9% of non-users did so.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) has issued a new statement on tobacco control and smoking cessation, calling for increased taxes on tobacco products to reduce cigarette smoking. The organization also emphasizes comprehensive advertising and promotion bans and product regulation, including pack warnings.
A 10% increase in wages leads to a 5% drop in smoking rates among male workers with low education levels. Increasing the minimum wage could improve quitting rates for smokers and has significant health benefits.
Researchers found that a protective mix of root bacteria can prevent sudden wilt disease in wild tobacco plants. The right combination of soil microbiota is crucial for plant survival, and crop rotation plays a vital role in preventing the buildup of soil-borne diseases.
A study of 2,871 young adults found that many believe e-cigarettes and hookah are less risky than cigarettes. Younger respondents (18-24) were more likely to rate e-cigs and hookah as safer, while older respondents (25-34) were more cautious. Despite this, most respondents continued to use tobacco products.
Millions of lives are blighted by smokeless tobacco each year, resulting in millions more having their health shortened. Researchers call for governments to regulate smokeless tobacco products as the global impact is assessed for the first time.
A recent study at the Center for BrainHealth found that nicotine use alters the effects of marijuana on the brain. The researchers discovered an association between smaller hippocampal brain volume and increased memory performance in individuals who use both marijuana and tobacco compared to those who only use marijuana or tobacco excl...
E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly available in low- and middle-income countries, where they pose a significant public health risk. The devices may produce known carcinogens and carry the potential for addiction, exacerbating cardiovascular disease and lung problems.
Teens who use e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking combustible tobacco products, according to a recent study. The study found that e-cigarette users were 31% more likely to report using combustible tobacco within six months of using e-cigarettes.
A new NIH-funded study reveals a possible link between e-cigarette use and initiation of tobacco use among teenagers. Students who used e-cigarettes by the time they started ninth grade were more likely to start using combustible tobacco products within the next year.
A recent study published in Tobacco Control found that varenicline, a prescription smoking-cessation aid, has no significant impact on the rate of smokers who successfully quit. Instead, it appears to displace the use of older tobacco addiction therapies, such as nicotine patches and bupropion.
Researchers have identified a bacterial enzyme called NicA2 that breaks down nicotine in blood samples within 30 minutes. The enzyme also remained stable for several days and showed no observable side effects in mice, suggesting its potential as a new approach to help smokers quit.
The Georgia State School of Public Health will conduct research on smoking prevalence and attitudes towards second-hand smoke in Fulton County. The project aims to inform efforts aimed at improving the environment around tobacco use and creating more smoke-free spaces.
A major new review reveals that every country can afford to support its smokers to stop, with effective measures like cytisine, brief advice, telephone helplines, text messaging programs, and books available globally at low cost. Implementing these solutions could save thousands of lives worldwide.
Researchers developed a novel model to predict the amount of nicotine emitted from e-cigarettes, achieving up to 90% accuracy. The study found that higher voltage devices paired with high-nicotine liquids can deliver more nicotine than traditional cigarettes.
Annual tobacco tax increases in New Zealand are projected to lead to significant health gains and cost savings, particularly among indigenous populations. The study found that Māori populations would experience a 3.7 fold increase in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) compared to non-Māori populations.
Researchers found that e-cig liquids contain primarily free-base nicotine, the most addictive form, and often do not match label concentrations. This suggests that e-cigarettes can be just as hazardous to health as traditional tobacco products.
A two-year study found that reducing nicotine content did not increase quitting rates among smokers. The test group's nicotine levels returned to normal after returning to their usual brand of cigarettes, with low quitting rates observed.
A two-year study by UCSF researchers found that smokers who switched to low-nicotine cigarettes were unable to quit smoking in the long term. Despite initial drops in nicotine levels, participants' smoking habits rebounded when they returned to regular cigarettes.
A Stanford University School of Medicine researcher found that six otolaryngologists were paid by tobacco companies to testify that environmental factors, not smoking, caused head and neck cancers. The physicians' testimony was scientifically invalid and part of a defense strategy to create doubt in jurors' minds.
Scientists found that flowers with both scent and nectar attract more pollinators, increasing outcrossing rates. Nectar has a larger impact on female moths laying eggs than floral scent.