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July 21, 2025 by neurosciencenews.com

A study by Marshall University reveals that e-cigarette flavors like vanilla and cherry can trigger addictive behaviors in adolescent mice independently of nicotine, affecting the brain's dopamine system. Particularly, vanilla flavor alone reinforced these behaviors. Flavored vaping products, including nicotine-free ones, may encourage addiction-like patterns in teens. The research demonstrates how certain flavor additives influence the brain similarly to nicotine, potentially increasing dependence, especially in youth. The study, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, highlights the impact of flavor chemicals on the brain and suggests concerns about flavored e-cigarettes marketed as nicotine-free.

July 21, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

A study by Marshall University shows that e-cigarette flavors like vanilla and cherry can drive vaping behavior in adolescents, similar to nicotine. The research, using an EVSA assay on mice, found vanilla and benzaldehyde triggered reward-seeking responses. Even without nicotine, vanilla flavor alone led to addictive behavior. These flavored additives may affect the brain's dopamine system, potentially causing addiction-like behaviors in teens. The study highlights the impact of flavorings on nicotinic receptors, key in nicotine addiction. Lead investigator Henderson warns of the risks of flavored vapes marketed as nicotine-free.

July 21, 2025 by blogspot.com

Last week, I explained that a recent clinical trial of very low nicotine cigarettes for pregnant smokers was unethical because neither the intervention nor control groups were offered usual care: being instructed by a physician to quit smoking and being offered behavioral interventions, as specified by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. However, in addition to this ethical breach, there are several other aspects of the research which contribute to its impropriety.

July 21, 2025 by ktvu.com

The FDA authorized Juul to sell tobacco and menthol e-cigarettes, stating they are less harmful for adult smokers. Critics fear a reversal in reducing underage vaping. The agency emphasized the products are not safe or FDA-approved and warned against their use by non-smokers and youth. Juul CEO supports the decision, citing regulation for adult tobacco users. Opponents argue Juul should be banned due to its impact on youth vaping. The company's fruit flavors remain banned. E-cigarettes were once seen as a safer alternative to smoking, but studies suggest vaping may cause more lung inflammation than cigarettes.

July 21, 2025 by filtermag.org

Switching from smoking to vapes or heated tobacco products can lead to improved fitness levels in just four weeks, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Researchers at the University of Catania found significant increases in aerobic capacity among participants who made the switch, regardless of using e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products. These gains in fitness can motivate younger individuals to opt for safer nicotine alternatives. The study highlights the potential of smoke-free products as effective harm reduction tools, with improvements in cardiovascular efficiency seen as early as four weeks after quitting smoking. The findings suggest that both e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products can enhance cardiovascular fitness post-smoking cessation.

July 17, 2025 by reuters.com

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the sale of Juul Labs' e-cigarette device and refill cartridges in tobacco and menthol flavors, after years of struggle with heightened regulatory scrutiny, the agency and company said on Thursday. Juul, which was once a major player in the e-cigarette market before suffering a backlash after its flavored pods became popular among teens, has seen its fortunes dwindle amid lawsuits and plummeting sales.

July 17, 2025 by substack.com

The text discusses a white paper on Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) by Carl V. Phillips, highlighting the benefits of low-risk nicotine alternatives like vaping for reducing smoking rates. It criticizes U.S. policies hindering THR progress and emphasizes the need for targeted education and policy changes to support harm reduction, especially in Hispanic and minority communities. International examples show the positive impact of supportive environments on smoking reduction. Recommendations include ending misinformation campaigns, reducing barriers to low-risk products, and focusing on underserved populations. Overall, the paper advocates for government support of harm reduction to improve public health, particularly in marginalized communities.

July 17, 2025 by gfn.tv

GFN 2025 Keynote #3 - delivered by Maria Papaioannoy-Duic, hosted by Jagannath Sarangapani, response from Konstantinos Farsalinos. A consumer advocates’ approach, cutting through the noise to deliver factually accurate information about safer nicotine products is a constant struggle. Maria will present a ‘real-world how-to guide’, drawn from the lived experience of consumer advocates, identifying some useful tools to counter vaping and THR misinformation.

July 17, 2025 by gsthr.org

K·A·C's Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Program is open for its eighth cohort, with a deadline on July 31, 2025, offering mentoring, policy grounding, stipend, and 25 entry-level positions. The program aims to develop tobacco harm reduction leaders globally. Applicants must complete an online course before submitting project ideas. THRSP focuses on low and middle-income countries to reduce smoking-related deaths and enhance research and practice in harm reduction. Scholars undertake projects to improve understanding or communication in their regions. Past scholars have contributed research, networks, and media resources in the field.

July 16, 2025 by filtermag.org

The text recounts the author's father's life, battling smoking-related stigma and health issues. Despite tobacco control efforts leading to reduced smoking rates in Canada, stigma towards smokers remains. The father's health issues were wrongly attributed to his smoking history until a tumor was found and treated successfully. The author advocates for ending the stigma, promoting harm reduction, and providing dignity to current and former smokers. The focus is on healthcare equity, empathy, and honest harm reduction discussions. The narrative stresses the importance of not stigmatizing nicotine users and calls for tobacco control leaders to support harm reduction initiatives without repeating past mistakes.