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Financial incentives double smoking cessation rate for people with socioeconomic challenges

A University of Oklahoma study finds that offering small financial incentives to smokers with low socioeconomic status can double their quit rates. The study's findings come from a clinical trial where participants who received pharmacotherapy, counseling, and financial incentives had significantly higher smoking cessation rates.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 2, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Philip Morris International has secretly funded Japanese academics

Philip Morris International (PMI) has secretly funded researchers at Kyoto University to conduct studies on smoking cessation. The tobacco giant also funded a life sciences consultancy to build an expert network, raising concerns about the manipulation of science for profit.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJun 27, 2024

Cannabis use tied to increased risk of severe COVID-19

A new study by Washington University School of Medicine found that cannabis users are nearly twice as likely to need hospitalization and intensive care when infected with COVID-19. Cannabis use was associated with a higher risk of severe illness, similar to tobacco smoking.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2024

Cannabis, tobacco use, and COVID-19 outcomes

A cohort study found that cannabis use was an independent risk factor for COVID-19-related complications, even after considering other risk factors. The study suggests that cannabis may increase the risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 21, 2024
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Increasing use and awareness of oral nicotine pouches detailed

A comprehensive analysis of 62 studies on oral nicotine pouches reveals potential risks for youth, including nicotine dependence and confusing labeling. The study's findings suggest that while these products may be less harmful than cigarettes, they still pose significant health concerns.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2024

Flavor restrictions affect tobacco buyers differently depending on socioeconomic status, researchers say

Researchers found that restricting menthol flavor in cigarettes while making nicotine replacement therapy more available can decrease socioeconomic disparities in tobacco use. The study used an online platform to simulate the effects of policy changes on purchase behavior, showing that policies must consider interplay to be effective.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 6, 2024

Low doses of kretek cigarette smoke altered rat lung histometric, and overexpression of the p53 gene

A study found that low doses of filtered kretek cigarette smoke altered rat lung histometric measurements, increasing the size of respiratory bronchioles. P53 gene overexpression was also observed in response to exposure. The findings suggest potential health risks from even low levels of kretek cigarette smoke.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Respiratory Medicine Journal·DateJun 6, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Methods to quit smoking effective regardless of mental health history

A survey of over 5,000 smokers found that mental health conditions do not affect the effectiveness of smoking cessation aids. The most effective aids were vaping products, varenicline, and heated tobacco products, with no differences in efficacy between people with mental health conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 4, 2024

Tobacco funded research still appearing in top medical journals

Despite efforts to cut ties with the tobacco industry, top medical journals continue to publish research funded by tobacco companies. The BMJ has updated its tobacco policy to exclude research funded by the industry and authors with personal financial ties to it.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeNews article·DateMay 30, 2024

Study finds discreet shipping used to sell e-cigarettes to minors

Researchers found 45% of TikTok videos promoting age-verification-free sales, highlighting a loophole in local and federal laws. Small business owners used hashtag challenges like #discreetshipping to circumvent regulations, selling products via Instagram or Telegram.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 24, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

How stores use TikTok to sell e-cigarettes to children

Research found that 50.4% of TikTok videos advertised popular vaping brands and 45% included cannabis products. Vendors evade age restrictions by creating 'puffbundles' with non-vaping items, making it easy for minors to purchase e-cigarettes.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

Tracking down toxic metals from tobacco smoke

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory identified 28 trace metals in secondhand and thirdhand tobacco smoke, including cadmium, arsenic, and chromium. The study found that the predicted indoor air concentration for these metals exceeded California's cancer risk guidelines, highlighting the need to understand their contrib...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024

Research supports Sunak’s ‘smoke-free generation’ policy but British ministers will miss key levelling up health targets

A new study suggests that a 'smoke-free generation' policy may not be enough to meet the UK's levelling up agenda, with health inequalities still being a major concern. The research concludes that a smoking ban would extend working lives but is not enough to narrow the gap between prosperous and deprived areas.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalThe Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance Issues and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2024
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Link between e-cigarette use and early age of asthma onset in US adults found through UTHealth Houston research

Researchers at UTHealth Houston found a significant link between e-cigarette use and earlier age of asthma onset in U.S. adults. Adults who reported e-cigarette use in the past 30 days were 252% more likely to develop asthma earlier than those who did not use e-cigarettes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2024

Tobacco corporation attempts to gain public trust in its science are having success – new research

A new study reveals that Philip Morris International is successfully increasing public trust in industry-funded science by portraying itself as a generous supporter while concealing its involvement through third parties. The tobacco company's efforts to build trust are found to be effective, with participants trusting the science more ...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalFrontiers in Communication·DateMay 16, 2024
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Research warns of hazardous health risks from flavored vapes

A new study published in Scientific Reports predicts the potential formation of 127 acutely toxic chemicals in flavored vapes. The research highlights the urgent need for comprehensive regulation of vaping products, particularly among non-smoking teenagers and young adults.

SourceRCSI·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2024

Withdrawal of stop-smoking pill could lead to thousands of avoidable deaths

A new study suggests that the withdrawal of a prescription stop-smoking pill could lead to thousands fewer people quitting each year in England, resulting in avoidable deaths. The disruption to varenicline supply may have caused smokers to rely on less effective smoking cessation aids or no medication at all.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAddiction·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2024
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Medscape removes education courses for doctors funded by tobacco giant

Medscape has removed its accredited medical education courses on smoking cessation funded by Philip Morris International following a BMJ investigation. The move comes as doctors and academics call for a global ban on industry-funded medical education, citing concerns over ethics and the potential to prolong tobacco use.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 26, 2024

Smoking cessation before laryngeal cancer treatment improves survival, retention of voice box, study shows

Patients who quit smoking before starting chemotherapy or radiation responded better to treatment, were less likely to need their voice boxes surgically removed, and lived significantly longer than those who continued to smoke. Quitting smoking also improved quality of life for seven years after treatment.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalOtolaryngology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2024

Social media use linked to tobacco initiation among youth

A new study published in Addictive Behaviors found that frequent social media use among US youth is associated with a higher risk of tobacco initiation. Youth who engaged with tobacco marketing on social media platforms were more likely to start using tobacco products, highlighting the need for regulation and education.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAddictive Behaviors·TypeObservational study·DateApr 23, 2024
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New study confirms community pharmacies can help people quit smoking

A new study confirms community pharmacies can help people quit smoking by providing access to tobacco cessation tools and support. The study found that pharmacies successfully initiated cessation services after completing tobacco treatment training, with compatibility with existing workflows and staff buy-in being key factors.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPharmacy·DateApr 22, 2024

Electronic health records unlock genetics of tobacco use disorder

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have identified hundreds of new genes associated with tobacco use disorder, including those linked to psychiatric and medical conditions. The study also identified hundreds of potential drug candidates that could help treat the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateApr 17, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

E-cigarette users now more likely to quit traditional cigarettes

A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that smokers who switch to electronic cigarettes are now more likely to stop smoking regular cigarettes. Between 2018 and 2021, 30.9% of e-cigarette users quit smoking combustible cigarettes, compared to 20% of non-e-cigarette users.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2024

Study links e-cigarette use with higher risk of heart failure

People who use e-cigarettes are significantly more likely to develop heart failure compared with those who have never used them. The study found a substantial association between e-cigarette use and an increased risk of heart failure, especially for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateApr 2, 2024

Want to cut US heart risks? Get more people into primary care, study suggests

A new study suggests that most essential care for cardiovascular health happens in general primary care clinics, but many at high risk don't receive it. The study found that large percentages of people with major cardiovascular risk factors didn't see a primary care provider or cardiologist in the past year.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 2, 2024

Lung cancer does not decrease in line with reduced smoking

A new study from Umeå University found that lung cancer rates haven't decreased as expected with reduced smoking. Despite declining smoking rates, the number of cases of lung cancer has increased, especially among women. The study suggests that previous assumptions about the quick decrease in risk after quitting may have been exaggerated.

SourceUmea University·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 2, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Similar DNA changes found in cells of both smokers and e-cigarette users

A new study finds that e-cigarette users with a limited smoking history experience similar DNA changes to specific cheek cells as smokers. The researchers also found that some smoking-related epigenetic changes remain more stable after giving up smoking, suggesting that e-cigarettes may not be completely safe.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCancer Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 19, 2024
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

One million adults smoke menthol-flavoured cigarettes in Britain despite ban

A recent study by UCL researchers found that 16% of adult smokers in England, Wales, and Scotland reported using menthol-flavored cigarettes, equivalent to nearly one million people. The prevalence of menthol cigarette smoking remained stable despite the UK ban, which aimed to curb its use.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalTobacco Control·TypeSurvey·DateMar 18, 2024

Lesbian, gay and bisexual women smoke more, are less likely to quit

Rutgers Health researcher found that lesbian/gay and bisexual women are more receptive to tobacco marketing and have a harder time quitting. The study also discovered that bisexual women smoke at higher rates and struggle with nicotine addiction.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAnnals of LGBTQ Public and Population Health·TypeSurvey·DateMar 15, 2024

Tissue samples show the deep genetic and cellular impacts of smoking

A new study from the University of Chicago analyzed DNA methylation in tissue samples from former smokers, finding evidence of the body's attempts to defend itself from tobacco smoke. The research team identified new regions associated with smoking and found that DNA methylation varies dramatically across cell types and tissue types.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 14, 2024
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Lower grades, more absences for high schoolers who use both tobacco and cannabis

A recent study found that high school students who use both tobacco and cannabis products miss more school and have lower grades compared to those who don't use either product. The researchers analyzed data from the California Healthy Kids Survey, which showed that students who used both tobacco and cannabis reported the highest percen...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2024

Large-scale study explores link between smoking and DNA changes across six racial and ethnic groups

A large-scale study has found a significant link between smoking and DNA methylation, with two new epigenetic markers identified that differ by race or ethnicity. The research could lead to better ways to predict smoking-related disease risk and improve early detection and treatment.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Most smokers in England wrongly believe vaping is at least as harmful as smoking

A study led by UCL researchers found that over half of English smokers believe vaping is equally or more harmful than smoking. The survey data showed a sharp increase in perceived harm from 2021, coinciding with rising youth vaping rates. Better communication about health risks is needed to help smokers make informed choices.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2024

Cannabis use linked to increase in heart attack and stroke risk

A new study found that frequent cannabis use is associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, even after controlling for tobacco use and other cardiovascular risk factors. The study analyzed data from over 430,000 adults in the US and found that smoking cannabis was significantly linked to cardiovascular risks.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 28, 2024

Think smoking cannabis won’t damage your heart? Think again

A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that daily cannabis users had a 25% increased risk of heart attack and a 42% increased risk of stroke compared to non-users. The study also found significant cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, including coronary heart disease and the combination of heart attack and stroke.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 28, 2024

Exposure to secondhand smoke during chemotherapy makes treatment less effective, study shows

Head and neck cancer patients exposed to secondhand smoke during chemotherapy have reduced treatment effectiveness. Secondhand smoke alters protein expression, restricting chemotherapy's ability to kill cancer cells. This raises concerns about cancer prognosis and the importance of smoking cessation.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeNews article·DateFeb 27, 2024
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Study finds menthol cigarette ban would lead a lot of people to quit smoking

A study finds that banning menthol cigarettes would likely lead to a significant reduction in smoking rates, particularly among young people and racial/ethnic minorities. The review of 78 studies reveals that almost a quarter of menthol cigarette smokers quit smoking altogether after a ban.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 21, 2024

Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine researcher finds correlation between hookah use and postpartum depression

A recent study published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics found a correlation between hookah use and increased symptoms of postpartum depression. Pregnant women who used hookahs before or during pregnancy were more likely to experience depressive symptoms, particularly among mothers from historically marginaliz...

SourceOhio University·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2024
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Quitting smoking at any age brings big health benefits, fast: study

A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of death from vascular disease and cancer. Former smokers can expect to live up to six years longer after quitting, with benefits seen within just three years.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNEJM Evidence·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2024

Many hookah manufacturers have not complied with FDA-mandated nicotine warning labels

A recent study found that only half of hookah packages included the required nicotine warnings, two years after federal regulation was implemented. The study led by Boston University School of Public Health researcher Dr. Jennifer Ross highlights the importance of warning labels in communicating health risks to consumers.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Asthma rates climb for high school students as cannabis use increases

High school students who use cannabis are more likely to develop asthma, with prevalence increasing with frequency of use. The study, published in Pediatric Pulmonology, analyzed data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System and found a significant association between cannabis use and asthma.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPediatric Pulmonology·DateJan 29, 2024
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.