Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study finds inhibitor for COPD lung destruction

Researchers at Brown and Yale implicates a specific mitochondrial protein, NLRX1, in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from exposure to cigarette smoke. The study shows that suppression of NLRX1 is a major cigarette-induced signature of lung destruction.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 4, 2015

Environmental tobacco smoke is associated with periodontitis in US non-smokers

A cross-sectional analysis of 3,255 US non-smokers found a significant association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and an increased risk of moderate/severe periodontitis. Serum cotinine levels were used to classify participants as exposed to ETS, with results showing a higher odds ratio among exposed individuals.

E-cigarette advertising makes one crave ... tobacco?

Researchers found that e-cigarette advertising with vaping visuals increased tobacco cravings in daily and former smokers. The study suggests that unregulated e-cigarette ad spending could lead to increased exposure to smoking cues, posing a public health risk. The findings are significant, considering the growing e-cigarette ad industry.

Bans don't help smokers quit

A Concordia University study found no significant change in home smoking habits after a Quebec ban. The presence of non-smokers and social networks were key factors in influencing quitting behavior, rather than the law itself.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMar 3, 2015

Study: High stress for new mothers increases secondhand smoke risk for infants

A recent study found that new mothers experiencing higher social stressors have a 2.5 times higher odds of having only partial or no restrictions on smoking in their home, exposing infants to secondhand smoke. The researchers identified statistically significant socio-demographic and socio-economic trends in home smoking rules, highlig...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2015

UI researchers link smoke from fires to tornado intensity

Researchers found that smoke from spring fires in Central America intensified conditions leading to severe tornadoes in the US. The study's results suggest a novel mechanism by which smoke affects tornado severity, and highlight the importance of considering atmospheric particles in weather prediction models.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 2, 2015

Peat fires -- a legacy of carbon up in smoke

A new study published in Nature Geoscience highlights the devastating impacts of peat fires, which can burn for days and weeks, producing severe air quality issues and triggering respiratory problems. The study finds that peat-rich regions will become more susceptible to drying and burning with a changing climate.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 6, 2015

E-cigarettes significantly reduce tobacco cravings

A new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that e-cigarettes significantly reduced tobacco cravings. In an 8-month study, participants who used e-cigs showed a significant decrease in tobacco cigarette use, with 21% quitting smoking altogether.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 19, 2014

Thirdhand smoke: Toxic airborne pollutants linger long after the smoke clears

A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers found that thirdhand smoke continues to have harmful health effects for many hours after a cigarette has been extinguished. The study, which assessed levels of volatile organic compounds and airborne particles, found that particulate matter accounted for 90% of the health damage.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 3, 2014