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Cells communicate in a dynamic code

Caltech scientists have discovered that cells can transmit multiple messages through the Notch signaling pathway by encoding them rhythmically over time. This discovery reveals that cellular messaging is closer to sending smoke signals than texting, and cells use temporal patterns to differentiate between similar ligands.

Pregnant women in NC exposed to less secondhand nicotine after 'smoking ban'

A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that pregnant women in North Carolina experienced reduced secondhand smoke exposure since the passage of the 'smoking ban' in 2009. Despite overall reductions, racial and socioeconomic disparities persisted among African-American, unmarried, and less-educated women.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJan 16, 2018

Do less harm: E-cigarettes a safer option than smoking

A new study suggests that e-cigarettes can reduce premature deaths and life years lost compared to smoking, making them a promising alternative for smoking cessation. The authors argue that harm minimization is essential and that nicotine replacement therapies like gum or patches are more appealing but less effective.

SourceNew York University·JournalAnnual Review of Public Health·DateJan 11, 2018

Certain popular cigars deliver more nicotine than cigarettes

Researchers at Penn State found that popular cigar brands deliver more nicotine than commonly used cigarettes. The study suggests that small cigars, often perceived as safer alternatives, are just as addictive and harmful. The researchers plan to explore further comparisons between the toxins released by cigars and cigarettes.

SourcePenn State·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateNov 22, 2017

Children's exposure to secondhand smoke may be vastly underestimated by parents

A new study suggests that parents who smoke mistakenly rely on their own physical senses to gauge the presence of tobacco smoke in the air, leading to misconceptions about when and where children are exposed. This lack of awareness can result in inadequate measures being taken to protect children from secondhand smoke.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateNov 15, 2017

Smoking may cause inflammatory bowel disease

A new study reveals that cigarette smoke triggers colitis, an inflammation of the colon, in mice exposed to cigarette smoke. The researchers identified CD4+ T cells and a pro-inflammatory protein as the immune cells responsible for this effect. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for Crohn's disease.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateOct 31, 2017

UBC researchers create definitive method to detect wildfire tainted wine grapes

Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus have created a definitive method to detect wildfire-tainted wine grapes, providing accurate and quick results. The new test detects volatile phenols present in the fruit prior to wine production, helping wine producers and grape growers manage the impact of smoke exposure on wine flavor.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 24, 2017

Study casts doubt on warming implications of brown carbon aerosol from wildfires

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that brown carbon aerosol from wildfires loses its ability to absorb sunlight the longer it remains in the atmosphere, leading to a significant reduction in warming effects. This finding challenges current climate models and could impact air quality management districts.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateOct 11, 2017

Too little is known about wildfire smoke

A review by UC Davis graduate students highlights the need for research on wildfire smoke's composition and its impact on human health. The study found that current scientific evidence is insufficient, and pesticides and fire-suppression chemicals used in California contribute to the toxic effects of wildfire smoke.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCurrent Topics in Toxicology·DateOct 3, 2017

How forest fires spoil wine

Glycosylation of smoke-derived volatiles in grapevine is catalyzed by a promiscuous resveratrol/guaiacol glucosyltransferase, leading to undesirable aromas in wine. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon and potential counter-measures for vintners.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2017

Cosmetic surgery may help patients quit smoking

A long-term follow-up study found that many patients who received instructions to stop smoking before cosmetic surgery were more likely to quit or reduce their cigarette use. The study suggests that targeted messaging with specific examples of the negative effects of smoking may be an effective way to encourage smokers to quit.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateAug 29, 2017

Where there's fire, there's smoke -- and social media

A Colorado State University study shows a strong correlation between Facebook posts about visible smoke and commonly used datasets for estimating smoke exposure. The researchers found that Facebook was a better tool than satellite data in pinpointing smoke exposure, with daily maps of Facebook posts matching standard smoke monitoring s...

SourceColorado State University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateAug 2, 2017