Articles tagged with Tobacco
A new study from Texas A&M University finds an association between vaping and asthma in US adolescents who have never smoked conventional tobacco products. The study highlights the need for strategies to tackle e-cigarette use and its adverse health effects.
A recent study found that 51% of people in the US have been recently exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke, but less than half reported being exposed. The researchers detected nicotine levels in the blood of those who were exposed, highlighting a significant gap in awareness about secondhand smoke.
North Carolina State University researchers successfully transferred an important gene from one compartment of a plant cell to another, producing tobacco plants that lack pollen and viable seeds. The findings could lead to better ways of producing hybrid seeds to maximize crop productivity.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that people who use both tobacco and cannabis are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than those who use tobacco only or neither substance. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 US adults and found a significant association between co-use and poor mental health outcomes.
A comprehensive global analysis found that these stop-smoking aids are nearly twice as effective as single forms of NRT. Dual forms of NRT, such as combining a patch with gum or a lozenge, were found to be nearly as effective as nicotine e-cigarettes and prescription medications.
A study of nearly 500,000 participants found that smoking shortens telomere length in white blood cells, a indicator of aging and cell regeneration. The more cigarettes smoked, the stronger the shortening effect, suggesting a link between smoking and accelerated aging.
Research shows that tobacco-owned food brands have selectively disseminated hyperpalatable foods, making them hard to resist. This study found that these foods are high in fat, sugar, sodium, or refined carbohydrates, leading to increased risk of obesity and related health consequences.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health detected significant levels of metals in the blood and urine of marijuana users, suggesting that marijuana is a source of lead and cadmium exposure. Measurements reported by participants showed higher lead levels in blood and urine among exclusive marijuana users compare...
Research from Aarhus University suggests that smoking may increase the risk of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia by 250 percent. The study analyzed genetic data from over half a million people and found that certain genetic variants linked to smoking also contribute to mental illness.
Research found that e-cigarette manufacturers use psychographic targeting to appeal to new users based on lifestyles and attitudes, particularly among low-risk young adults. The study suggests that stricter marketing regulations are needed to reduce exposure to these advertisements and minimize the risk of initiation.
A new study finds that integrating longitudinal tobacco cessation care into lung cancer screening improves quit rates and enhances the benefits of screenings. Researchers recommend incorporating behavioral treatment and medication into the screening process to help smokers quit.
Researchers found that genetically modified tobacco mutants, impaired in their defenses, outperformed wild-type plants in years with low herbivore pressure. The mutants' prioritization of growth and reproduction over defense allowed them to thrive in environments with limited insect damage.
A new study from Texas A&M University finds a correlation between secondhand smoke exposure and higher blood lead levels in children. The research suggests that education and mitigation efforts can further protect kids and adolescents from lead exposure, building on past success of lead removal initiatives.
Researchers found that young vapers are at risk of respiratory symptoms such as bronchitic symptoms and shortness of breath, even if they or others around them smoke cigarettes or cannabis. The study also highlights the need for regulatory oversight of vaping products.
A recent commentary highlights the misconception that vaping is worse for adults who smoke. Experts emphasize the importance of educating adults about relative risks while preventing youth use. For those who can't quit with medications or counseling, transitioning to e-cigarettes may be a less harmful route.
Adults increasingly perceive daily cannabis smoking as safer than tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure, despite existing science suggesting otherwise. This survey study of 5,035 adults found a significant shift in perceptions over four years.
Researchers found that carpets are a stubborn reservoir of thirdhand smoke contaminants, and ozonation is only partially effective at removing them. Replacing carpets may be the best solution to eliminate these pollutants.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that most vapers believe a 'Swap-to-Stop' scheme providing free e-cigarettes would have helped them quit smoking. However, some respondents prefer to purchase e-cigarettes commercially due to personal preference for specific products.
A UBCO researcher says Canada is falling behind in developing effective intervention programs to stop young people from beginning to vape. The study analyzed government-funded campaigns and found that many relied on telling teens about physical health harms, which may not be enough to prevent vaping uptake.
The conference will focus on optimizing patient care in the Latin America region, discussing strategies to improve heart health and address rising cardiovascular disease rates. Key topics include cardiac rehabilitation, heart failure management, and practical approaches for clinicians.
A Mount Sinai study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that cigarette smokers are more likely to experience tobacco dependence compared to those who use smokeless tobacco or multiple products. The researchers identified three distinct groups of tobacco users and suggested tailored cessation programs for each group.
A large US veterans' study found that men and women who adopt eight healthy habits, such as regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, and positive social relationships, can expect to live up to 21 additional years. The study's findings support the role of lifestyle factors in preventing chronic diseases and promoting healthy aging.
Researchers from CHOP and Penn found that cancer patients who continued to smoke after diagnosis were more likely to receive tobacco treatment when nudges were directed at clinicians through electronic health records. This study strengthens the case for using behavioral economics to improve outcomes for cancer patients.
The proportion of smokers buying duty-free tobacco rose from 5% to 16% between 2019 and 2022, but black market sales stayed relatively constant. This trend was more noticeable among higher social grades, where cheaper products were a key factor in smoking cessation attempts.
Research reveals e-cigarettes carry potential health risks, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Long-term studies are needed to fully understand the effects of e-cigarette use on the heart and lungs.
A Phase 3 study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found cytisinicline to be effective in reducing nicotine dependence and cravings, with impressive results. The medication was also well-tolerated, with no serious side effects reported, offering a new potential treatment option for smoking cessation.
A new study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that restricting sweet flavorings and cooling agents in e-cigarettes could significantly reduce youth vaping rates. Nearly 39% of survey respondents would quit using their e-cigarettes if tobacco-flavored e-liquids were the only options available.
Smoke-free legislation associated with significant reductions in morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular disease and respiratory system disease. Accelerating the implementation of smoke-free laws is crucial for protecting populations against smoking-related harm.
Researchers found that cigarette smoke and HPV interact to heighten the risk of head and neck cancer by increasing oxidative stress and DNA damage. The study's results pave the way for novel strategies in prevention and treatment.
Researchers at Penn State found a significant association between salivary cotinine and heavy metals such as copper, zinc, lead, in children exposed to tobacco smoke. The study suggests that environmental tobacco smoke exposure may be a source of increased children's exposure to heavy metals.
A randomized trial will be conducted to test whether sticking with the initial medication or switching to a different one increases quitting success. The study aims to provide guidance for clinicians on handling relapses and may explore the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as an alternative to traditional cigarettes.
The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a $50 million initiative to improve cancer outcomes in persistent poverty areas. The Persistent Poverty Initiative aims to build research capacity, foster cancer prevention research, and promote community-based programs to address the cumulative effects of poverty on cancer outcomes.
Significant reductions in nicotine dependence were found among U.S. adults with cigarette use from 2006 to 2019, particularly among those 50 years and older. Tobacco cessation strategies tailored to age and comorbidities are needed for this population.
A 37-year study in Finland found that evening types have a slightly increased risk of dying compared to morning types, primarily linked to smoking and drinking habits. The study tracked nearly 23,000 twins and found that lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption and smoking status, play a significant role in mortality rates.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that TV medical dramas prompted middle schoolers to engage in discussion about vaping dangers after viewing clips featuring fictional adolescents with vaping-associated lung disease. The study suggests using entertainment television as a tool for dialogue about the health effects of e-cigarette use.
A MU study found that providing educational information about naltrexone to healthcare professionals increases patient prescriptions for the drug. The study resulted in a 36% increase in patients leaving the facility with a prescription for naltrexone, suggesting better-informed decisions by healthcare professionals.
Research highlights chronic exposure to contaminant metals as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Monitoring environmental metal levels and testing individuals can help implement public health initiatives.
Chronic exposure to low levels of contaminant metals through household items, air, water, soil, and food increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Monitoring environmental metal levels and testing for exposure are key steps to implement public health initiatives.
A new analysis of secret industry documents reveals that the chemical industry knew about the dangers of PFAS but failed to disclose this information to the public and regulators. The study examines how the industry used tactics to delay public awareness and regulations, with devastating consequences for human health and the environment.
A Vanderbilt study found that enhanced treatment support doubles the odds of quitting among fast nicotine metabolizers. Providing personalized coaching on nicotine replacement therapy reduces the abstinence disparity with slow metabolizers.
A Rutgers study found that about half of adult smokers and young adult nonsmokers think e-cigarettes contain fewer or the same level of harmful chemicals as cigarettes. The study also discovered an association between perceived low levels of harm in e-cigarettes and increased interest in using them.
A recent study analyzing US FDA PATH data found a correlation between current tobacco use and symptom burden among adult cancer survivors. However, symptoms were not related to the desire to quit smoking. The findings suggest that better management of cancer symptoms may help survivors quit smoking.
A recent study found that youth are unaware of the sources of nicotine in e-cigarettes and are misled by industry language, increasing appeal. The study's findings suggest that describing synthetic nicotine as 'tobacco-free' can increase intentions to purchase e-cigarettes among youth.
Researchers discover that senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) can induce neuroendocrine transdifferentiation (NED) in breast cancer epithelial cells, promoting tumor progression and aging-related features. SASP's dual role in cancer involves both antitumoral and tumorigenic effects.
Research published in BMJ Open suggests a strong association between environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. PAH exposure was found to account for most of smoking's impact on this disease risk, with one specific compound, 1-hydroxynaphthalene, showing a strong association.
A new study found that quitting smoking before a lung cancer diagnosis is associated with higher survival rates. Former smokers who stopped smoking years before their diagnosis had significantly longer survival than current and former smokers diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer.
A new study finds that restricting flavored e-cigarettes to tobacco flavor only can significantly decrease their use among teens and young adults. The majority of current users would discontinue use if the product became available in tobacco version only.
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that cigarette filters contain thousands of toxic chemicals and microplastic fibers, which are lethal to aquatic larvae. The researchers urge a complete ban on filters to prevent hazardous waste from entering the environment.
A video-based smoking cessation program developed by a University of Massachusetts Amherst researcher has helped nearly 40% of HIV-positive smokers in Nepal quit tobacco. The program, which includes 11 video sessions and is accessible via smartphone app, was found to be highly effective in promoting abstinence among participants.
A systematic review found that physical activity interventions can reduce symptoms and improve outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders. The study examined 26 studies and concluded that physical activity may be an effective adjunct to traditional treatments, reducing or ceasing usage in approximately 75% of cases.
Concurrent vaping in early teen smokers may lead to persistent and heavier smoking in late teens, according to two UK and US studies. The 'entrenchment hypothesis' suggests e-cigarettes deepen early patterns of smoking, increasing the risk of continued tobacco use.
A new AI stop smoking app, Quit Sense, detected triggers and provided support to help smokers manage urges to smoke in specific locations. The study found that four times more people who used the app quit smoking six months later compared to those only offered online NHS support.
A study in Auckland, New Zealand has detected methamphetamine and other substances in the air for the first time in Oceania. The largest concentration of methamphetamine was found to be 104 picograms per cubic meter, highlighting the need for better air quality monitoring.
Researchers developed a biologically inspired 'vaping robot' to mimic human breathing patterns and tested commercially available e-liquids containing menthol. The study found that menthol vapers took shallower breaths and had poorer lung function compared to non-menthol smokers, regardless of age or smoking history.
Researchers from George Mason University found that anti-tobacco campaigns on Facebook discussing the risks of second-hand smoking to pets received the most user engagement. The studies analyzed factors influencing effective antismoking campaigns and user interaction.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University recorded and analyzed plant sounds emitted under stress, identifying specific identifiable sounds. The study suggests that plants may communicate with other plants and animals through these sounds.
A new study by UC Health shows that electronic referrals to the California quitline can help patients give up tobacco. The study found that patients referred by healthcare providers had similar quit rates as those who called the quitline seeking help.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly declined tobacco assessment rates in community health centers between March and May 2020. Assessments remained 33.5% lower than pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the need for adapted procedures to support tobacco cessation efforts.
A new study found that Hispanic, Black, and low-socioeconomic status smokers are less likely to use e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking tool and more likely to believe e-cigarettes pose greater harm than cigarettes. This perception may prevent e-cigarette uptake among these populations, exacerbating racial and health disparities in smoking.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that users of heated tobacco products had a higher rate of COVID-19 infections and severe cases requiring hospitalization or oxygen. Researchers analyzed data from 30,130 participants and discovered a significant association between heated tobacco product use and increased risk of SARS-CoV...