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Secondhand smoke ups heart disease in unique group of female nonsmokers -- Amish women

Researchers found that Amish women exposed to secondhand smoke had a greater risk for cardiovascular disease, while men exposed to secondhand smoke tended to have a higher body mass index (BMI). The study, conducted in a Pennsylvania Amish community, used a novel method to track exposure and avoided recall bias. Small amounts of second...

For young adults, cigarettes more pleasurable with alcohol than with pot

A recent study by UCSF found that young adults experience greater pleasure from smoking cigarettes while under the influence of alcohol compared to marijuana. The study, which used self-reported data from 500 participants aged 18-25, suggests that co-use of cigarettes and alcohol may be more pleasurable than co-use with marijuana.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateApr 18, 2017

New study on smoking bans finds decrease in smoke exposure in public and private places

A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research reveals that comprehensive smoking bans significantly decrease overall secondhand smoke exposure across all settings. Exposure to secondhand smoke was found to drop from 72% in 2006 to 45% in 2011, even outside workplaces and hospitality areas covered by the legislation.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateFeb 26, 2017

E-cigarettes safer than smoking says long-term study

A recent study has found that e-cigarette users have significantly lower levels of toxic chemicals and carcinogens in their body compared to smokers. The study also suggests that quitting smoking altogether is the best way to minimize exposure to toxins, rather than using e-cigarettes alongside traditional cigarettes.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2017

New study compares the effects of direct exposure to cigarette smoke or e-cigarette vapor

Researchers compared the effects of direct exposure to cigarette smoke or e-cigarette vapor on reconstituted lung tissue, finding changes in gene expression levels and increased inflammation. The study utilized a 3D airway culture system and next-generation sequencing technologies to evaluate the biological effects.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalApplied In Vitro Toxicology·DateFeb 6, 2017

Beware: Children can passively 'smoke' marijuana, too

A new study detected traces of THC, a primary psychoactive chemical in marijuana, in the urine of children exposed to secondary marijuana smoke. Higher concentrations were found in non-white children compared to white children. Researchers call for further investigation into secondhand marijuana smoke exposure as a potential health risk.

SourceSpringer·JournalPediatric Research·DateDec 7, 2016

E-cig vapor does not induce genetic mutations associated with cigarette smoke exposure

In a lab-based test using the Ames assay, scientists found that e-cigarette vapour did not cause DNA mutations in bacteria, unlike tobacco smoke. The results suggest that e-cigarettes may be less harmful than cigarettes, supporting growing evidence of their potential as a safer alternative.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalMutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis·DateNov 4, 2016

Mimicking life-like cigarette smoke exposure in human lung airway chips

Researchers have developed a device that mimics the effects of cigarette smoke on human lungs, providing new insights into how non-smokers and COPD patients respond to smoke. The device enables the comparison of physiological responses in healthy individuals and COPD patients before and after exposure to cigarette smoke.

Smoking bans persuade light users to give up the habit

A new study shows that smoking bans in cities and states lead to a significant reduction in the number of young people who start or continue smoking cigarettes. The study found that light smokers are more likely to give up cigarettes after a ban is implemented, while heavier smokers were not affected by the ban.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateOct 5, 2016

The great evolutionary smoke out: An advantage for modern humans?

A team of Penn State researchers identified a genetic mutation in modern humans that increased their tolerance to toxic smoke and fire. This mutation, found only in humans, may have given ancient humans an edge over Neandertals, who were more susceptible to respiratory problems and cellular toxicity.