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Studies examine tobacco use in Native communities

Research in Native American communities reveals the importance of culturally responsive prevention and a deeper understanding of substance use. The studies show that prevention education can be more effective when tailored to the community's values and perspectives. Additionally, the research explores the co-use of commercial tobacco a...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAddictive Behaviors Reports·TypeSurvey·DateOct 1, 2026

Vapes help more people quit smoking than other methods

A new Cochrane review finds that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective in helping people quit smoking than conventional methods like nicotine gums and patches. The review of 80 randomized controlled trials involving 29,861 participants showed that e-cigarettes led to higher quit rates, resulting in about 4 more quitters per 100 people.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 25, 2026

Vanillin flavoring in e-cigarettes disrupts human embryonic stem cell development

A UC Riverside-led study suggests that vanillin flavoring in e-cigarettes may disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. Researchers found that high concentrations of vanillin can cause human embryonic stem cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmenta...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

What are nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches are a new form of nicotine delivery that has sparked concerns over safety and efficacy. Researchers warn of potential harms, side effects, and accidental use, as well as the risk of dependence on these products.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 30, 2026

Secondhand smoke can leave cancer-causing cadmium in the body

A study by Texas A&M University found that breathing in secondhand cigarette smoke significantly raises toxic cadmium levels in adults, increasing the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. The study also revealed disparities in cadmium exposure among racial minority groups and individuals with lower education or income.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBiological Trace Element Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2026

Nicotine e-cigarettes reduce harmful chemical exposure, help smokers quit

A new study found that switching to a nicotine e-cigarette reduces toxicant exposure and improves quitting rates, with the nicotine group having a higher chance of quitting entirely. The study's results suggest that nicotine e-cigarettes could serve as an effective off-ramp for smokers seeking to reduce their tobacco use.

SourcePenn State·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 19, 2026

Sex and all-cause mortality in the US, 1999 to 2019

A cohort study of 47,000 adults found that males had a 63% greater risk of all-cause mortality compared to females after adjusting for demographic and behavioral factors. The study suggests intrinsic biological factors, such as sex hormones or immune response, may contribute to these sex differences in mortality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 30, 2026

Veterans more likely than general population to use all types of tobacco products, including the most harmful

A new study reveals that Veterans are disproportionately using all commercial tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. The study found that Veterans had a higher risk for former and current tobacco use, as well as multiple product use, posing significant health risks.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeSurvey·DateOct 2, 2025

Frequent wildfires, heat intensify air quality issues in American megacities such as New York City

Research from Colorado State University reveals how wildfire smoke combines with existing particulate pollution to create secondary, often more toxic, pollution and contribute to ozone formation. The study found that 90% of aerosol pollution over NYC is sensitive to at least one aspect of global changes, such as high temperatures.

SourceColorado State University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateSep 30, 2025

Fire smoke exposure may alter the immune system, even in healthy individuals

A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that fire smoke exposure can alter the immune system on a cellular level, even in healthy individuals. Exposure to particulate matter, gases, and other compounds in fire smoke was linked to changes in immune cells, inflammation, and gene expression.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2025

New USC study links wildfire smoke exposure and heat stress to adverse birth outcomes

A recent USC study found associations between increased exposure to wildfire smoke and heat stress during preconception and the first trimester with the odds of having a small-for-gestational-age infant. Living in a climate-vulnerable neighborhood can increase these risks, particularly for women exposed to heat stress.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 18, 2025

New study highlights health risks of ultrasonic cigarettes

A new study by UC Riverside researchers reveals that ultrasonic cigarettes may pose significant health risks due to the presence of harmful metals in their liquids and aerosols. The study found elevated levels of metals like arsenic and selenium in u-cigarette products, which can lead to lung diseases, organ damage, and cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

Study suggests loss of lung capacity begins between the ages of 20 and 25

A study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that lung capacity develops in two phases: rapid growth during childhood and slower growth until peak lung function. Lung function starts to decline after the peak age, contrary to previous models. Persistent asthma and smoking affect lung function differently than thought.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2025

Nicotine pouch and e-cigarette use and co-use among U.S. youths

A cross-sectional study finds a doubling in nicotine pouch past-30-day use and an increase in pouch plus e-cigarette dual use, leading to decreased exclusive e-cigarette use among US 10th and 12th graders. Prioritizing surveillance, regulation, and prevention strategies is crucial for addressing pediatric nicotine pouch use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 30, 2025

Smoke from US wildfires, prescribed burns caused premature deaths, billions in health damages

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that smoke from US wildfires and prescribed burns caused $200 billion in health damages in 2017, resulting in 20,000 premature deaths. Senior citizens were disproportionately affected, with Native American and Black communities experiencing the greatest harms per capita.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 8, 2025

Exposure to wildfire smoke linked with worsening mental health conditions

A new study found that exposure to fine particulate air pollution from wildfire smoke was associated with increased visits to emergency departments for mental health conditions. The study suggests that wildfire smoke may play a direct role in worsening mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2025

Models show intensifying wildfires in a warming world due to changes in vegetation and humidity; only a minor role for lightning

A new study reveals that climate change is driving intensifying wildfires by altering vegetation and humidity levels, but not significantly impacting lightning strikes. The simulations predict a 14% increase in global area burned by fires annually with every degree of global warming.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 12, 2025