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Graphic warnings on cigarette labels led smokers to hide packs

A randomized clinical trial found that smokers who received cigarette packs with graphic warning labels hid their packs 38% more often. However, when they returned to regular packs without the labels, hiding behavior returned to baseline levels. The study suggests that graphic warnings may not be effective in reducing smoking behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 2, 2022

Preliminary study shows minimally invasive diagnostic biomarker strategy successful in detecting early esophageal cancer

A minimally invasive device combined with molecular biomarkers has shown a 90% success rate in detecting esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the predominant subtype of esophageal cancer. Early detection is crucial to improve survival rates, as symptoms often become apparent too late for effective treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGastroenterology·DateMay 18, 2022

Consensus approach proposed to protect human health from intentional and wild forest fires

Experts propose a consensus approach to address the impact of forest fires on human health. The method emphasizes controlled burns as a tool to reduce explosive wildfires and improve forest health. The approach also prioritizes inclusivity in decision-making, particularly for populations disproportionately affected by smoke exposure.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCurrent Environmental Health Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 2, 2022

A ‘greener’ alternative for red-colored smoke

Researchers at ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering have identified a less toxic dye called pigment red 254 (PR254) as a greener alternative to current anthraquinone dyes used in signal smokes. PR254 forms a red-colored smoke cloud more effectively and is thermally stable, making it suitable for use in heat-generating systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 19, 2022

Wildfire smoke exposure in early pregnancy affects infant monkey behavior

A new study found that infant monkeys conceived while their mothers were exposed to wildfire smoke showed increased inflammation, memory deficits, and a more passive temperament compared to those conceived later. The effects suggest that some component of wildfire smoke can act as a teratogen, affecting fetal development.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2022

Older wildfire smoke plumes can affect climate

A study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that aerosols carried in older wildfire smoke plumes can still affect climate. The research, led by Qi Zhang, discovered that particulate matter concentrations were low but oxidized organic aerosols from burning biomass were detected throughout the samples.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 23, 2022

Study finds that youth exposed to environmental tobacco smoke experienced significantly lower odds of wheezing when maintaining a higher quality diet

A study of over 7,000 adolescents found that consuming a high-quality diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, was associated with significantly lower wheezing odds among those exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. This suggests that targeted public health interventions focused on improving access to higher quality foods may be effectiv...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMar 21, 2022

Press release: Pre-clinical assessment of tobacco-free nicotine pouches demonstrates reduced in-vitro toxicity compared to combustible cigarette smoke in recent study

A recent study published in Applied In Vitro Toxicology found that tobacco-free nicotine pouches exhibit reduced levels of toxicants and biological activity compared to combustible cigarette smoke. The products, manufactured by Imperial Brands, showed substantially reduced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in three toxicological assays.

SourceImperial Brands·JournalApplied In Vitro Toxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

Marijuana vaping among youth who use e-cigarettes

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics has estimated that a significant proportion of e-cigarette users among youth ages 12 to 24 are also vaping cannabis. The study found an association between cannabis vaping and increased risk of mental health issues, highlighting the need for further research and prevention efforts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 7, 2022

Early humans placed the hearth at the optimal location in their cave – for maximum benefit and minimum smoke exposure

Researchers developed a software-based smoke dispersal simulation model to study prehistoric archaeology. They found that early humans placed their hearth at the optimal location in the cave, enabling maximum utilization of fire while minimizing smoke exposure. The study identified a 25sqm area as ideal for locating the hearth.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2022

Should e-cigarettes be licensed as medicines?

E-cigarette medicinal licensing may help smokers quit, but its effectiveness and societal risks are debated. Critics argue that licensed e-cigarettes could weaken sustainable cessation strategies and distract from other efforts to achieve the UK's smoke-free goal by 2030.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 12, 2022

Air pollution from wildfires, rising heat affected 68% of US West in one day

A recent study found that large wildfires and severe heat events worsen air pollution across the western United States, affecting 68% of the region's population in one day. The study revealed an increasing trend in days with high levels of both particulate matter and ozone, tied to rising temperatures and wildfires.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2022

Fatal heart attack or stroke could be first sign of CVD in some smokers

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that smoking may be the first sign of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in some individuals. The research, which analyzed data from nine long-term cohort studies, discovered that fatal or non-fatal heart attacks and strokes were more common among smokers, particula...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateNov 17, 2021

Is waking up to smoke a drag on people’s ability to quit smoking?

A recent study published in Behavioral Sleep Medicine found that people who wake up, smoke, and return to sleep are more likely driven by stress than nicotine addiction. To help these smokers quit, researchers recommend addressing their psychological distress and developing treatments that go beyond nicotine dependence.

SourcePenn State·JournalBehavioral Sleep Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2021

After California’s 3rd-largest wildfire, deer returned home while trees were ‘still smoldering’

Researchers tracked black-tailed deer before, during, and after the Mendocino Complex Fire, finding that all 18 deer survived. Despite burned areas with no vegetation, most deer returned home within hours, potentially due to their loyalty to habitat. However, some deer's body condition declined as they expanded their range.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2021

Marijuana vaping among adolescents

A review and meta-analysis of 17 studies found a significant increase in cannabis vaping among adolescents in the US and Canada. The study reported nearly 200,000 participants, with a doubling of reported vaping prevalence over the eight-year period.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 25, 2021

Smoke from nuclear war would devastate ozone layer, alter climate

A new study finds that massive columns of smoke from a nuclear war would destroy much of the ozone layer over a 15-year period, with peak ozone loss averaging about 75% worldwide. This would lead to devastating effects on human health and food supplies, as well as terrestrial ecosystems.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2021

Study examines smoking risk factors and prevention among transgender and gender expansive adults

Researchers identified six major themes associated with smoking risk and protective factors among TGE adults, including experience of stress, gender affirmation, and environmental cues. The study aims to design culturally sensitive messaging for smoking cessation through social media and inform further community-engaged research.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateOct 6, 2021

Dangers of smoking during pregnancy

Researchers at McGill University found that smoking during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and birth defects. The study, which examined over nine million deliveries, also discovered that smoking mildly decreases the risk of preeclampsia.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Perinatal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2021