Articles tagged with Tobacco
A study published in Nature found that people with a genetic defect that reduces nicotine metabolism are less likely to become smokers and smoke fewer cigarettes. The defect is present in 20% of non-smokers, compared to 10% of smokers.
A study discovered that individuals carrying a genetic variant in the CYP2A6 enzyme break down nicotine more slowly, leading to greater resistance to nicotine addiction. This finding suggests that medications targeting the enzyme may help prevent and treat nicotine addiction.
Infants of smoking mothers who breastfeed have higher urine levels of cotinine, a substance produced by nicotine breakdown, compared to bottle-fed children. The study highlights the importance of helping mothers quit smoking during pregnancy and nursing.
A study by the University of California - San Francisco found that tobacco industry campaign contributions have a substantial impact on state legislators' voting patterns, particularly in states with varying levels of partisan control. The researchers scored legislators on a scale from pro-tobacco to pro-public health and found that in...
A Duke University Medical Center pharmacologist finds that maternal smoking causes massive numbers of crib deaths and severe neurological problems in
A comprehensive review article by Stephen S. Hecht summarizes the biochemistry, biology, and carcinogenicity of tobacco-specific nitrosamines, linking them to lung cancer formation. The article highlights the importance of understanding these compounds for developing effective chemoprevention strategies and targeted prevention methods.
A new program aims to prevent smoking among children by providing interactive educational materials to parents of third-graders. The program has shown promising results in reducing the risk of smoking among young children.
Researchers identify genetic factors contributing to smoking propensity, suggesting a cluster of characteristics linked to biological sensitivity. The study refutes parental wisdom that getting sick after sneaking a cigarette deters future smoking.
Regular cigar smokers face almost double the risk of dying from all forms of cancer combined and certain circulatory conditions, including hypertensive heart disease and cardiomyopathy. Cigar smoke contains toxins such as carbon monoxide, benzene, and nicotine, which can lead to these health risks.
Researchers found that bluntness is key to reaching both children and adults through anti-smoking ads, with messages portraying tobacco industry manipulations being effective in kindling viewer responses. Effective ads also targeted concerns over addiction and illustrated the dangers of second-hand smoke.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that smoking in movies has returned to levels comparable to the 1960s, with pro-tobacco portrayals remaining prevalent. The incidence of smoking in films increased dramatically during the 1990s, exceeding real smoking rates and reinforcing misleading images.
A study of physician practices found that counseling smokers to quit was provided in only 16% of office visits in 1991, decreasing over time. Primary care physicians were more likely to counsel smokers or prescribe nicotine replacement than specialists.
A new analysis published by University of California - San Francisco researchers finds that a proposed deal between the tobacco industry and states' attorneys general would be less effective in promoting public health than no federal legislation. The report concludes that granting immunity to the industry and limiting liability would p...
A major study found that smoking speeds up the hardening of arteries, increasing stroke and heart attack risk. Quitting smoking can slow this process, but may not reverse existing damage.
A comprehensive study of middle-age Americans found that ex-smokers experienced faster progression of atherosclerosis compared to nonsmokers, despite having quit years before. The study suggests that the cumulative effect of smoking on arteries may be irreversible.
A study of 1,300 students in New Hampshire and Vermont reveals a strong link between owning promotional gear and increased smoking risk. Children who owned such items were four times more likely to smoke than those without them.
A new study found that even with enforcement of laws banning tobacco sales to minors, many youths continue to easily purchase tobacco products from merchants. The researchers suggest improving compliance by using more effective inspection methods and stricter penalties.
A study of state legislators in North Carolina, Texas, and Vermont found that most support stronger measures to prevent tobacco sales to minors. Many lawmakers would also support increased cigarette excise taxes under specific conditions, with revenues going towards helping tobacco farmers diversify their products.
A University of North Carolina study found that most NC police officers think the state law restricting tobacco sales to adults only should be changed due to its ineffectiveness in preventing youth access. Only a small percentage of officers try to enforce the law, citing barriers such as lack of manpower and poorly written legislation.
A Johns Hopkins study found that in 83 neighborhood stores, 86% of African-American and white teen buyers successfully purchased cigarettes, often with seductive advertisements targeting minors. The researchers suggest strengthening public awareness of tobacco's health hazards to prevent teen smoking.
Researchers studied 200 smokers who wanted to quit and found that those who smoked on their quit day were more likely to go back to smoking after six months. Nicotine patches can double the chances of long-term success, but only about one in four users remain smoke-free after six months.
Research suggests that light to moderate alcohol consumption can lower stroke risk by up to 62% compared to non-drinkers. However, excessive drinking and cigarette smoke increase the risk of stroke. The study found a strong association between passive smoking and an increased prevalence of silent brain lesions, which can lead to stroke.
Researchers identified how smokeless tobacco causes blood vessels to leak in the mouth leading to inflammation. The study found that exposure produces bradykinin, a potent pro-inflammatory peptide.