August 2026 Current Abstracts

NEW: Current abstracts will be updated the first Tuesday of each month. Next update October 6th.
Current Abstracts — August 2026
Monthly tobacco research digest  ·  Ontario Tobacco Research Unit
110
Articles
8
Reviews
4
Canadian
58
Open Access
16
In the News
📰 In the News — covered by news or Reddit🔓 Open Access — free full text🍁 Canadian — Canadian author or institutionSR — systematic review / meta-analysis
Generated 2026-08-25  ·
🔥 Hot Topic
Kong Jaehyung, Kang Heewon, Cheon Eunsil et al.. Epidemiology and health. 2026 Aug.

# Spotlight Summary

Korean researchers examined whether smokers’ intentions to quit differ depending on whether they use conventional cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), or both. Using data from over 40,000 adults, the study classified tobacco users into detailed subgroups based on their lifetime and current use patterns to better understand how these different products affect quitting behavior. Understanding quit intentions across tobacco use types is critical for public health planning, as it can help tailor cessation interventions and inform policies about newer products like HTPs that are growing in popularity but have unclear long-term implications for smoking cessation rates.

In the News 16

Research articles from this digest that have been covered by news media or discussed on Reddit.

▶ Browse 16 media-covered articles
Li Wei, Tran Thi Phuong Thao, Krishnan-Sarin Suchitra et al.. Sleep health. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.sleh.2026.07.006
Summary
Young adults who vaped nicotine, cannabis, or both were examined to understand how these vaping patterns affected their sleep duration and quality. The study found day-level associations between vaping behaviors and sleep outcomes, with implications for understanding how substance use relates to sleep health in this population.
Tan Mui Siew, Filippidis Filippos T, Li Charlotte Xin et al.. The Lancet regional health. Europe. 2026 Oct. doi:10.18332/tid/195379
Summary
Researchers tracked trends in waterpipe and e-cigarette use among young people across the European Union from 2012 to 2023 using repeated cross-sectional surveys. The study examines how the popularity of these alternative nicotine products has evolved over time and identifies key factors driving their use among youth, including product flavours, social influences, and perceptions that these products are less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
Alizadehgharib Sara, Östberg Anna-Karin, Lehrkinder Anna et al.. Clinical oral investigations. 2026 Aug. doi:10.3109/00016358309162303
Agbelie Chris-Mike E, Mojtahedi Zahra, Lee Tanya H et al.. Topics in stroke rehabilitation. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1080/10749357.2026.2722000
Summary
This research examined the relationship between smoking, depression, anxiety, and recovery outcomes in stroke patients using national health data from 2019-2023, with separate analysis by sex. The findings highlight that behavioral health factors like smoking and mental health conditions are common after stroke and significantly affect rehabilitation engagement and secondary prevention efforts, yet are often overlooked in standard physical therapy-based stroke care.
Vassey Julia, Unger Jennifer B, Galimov Artur. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntag184
Summary
Researchers analyzed how zero-nicotine e-cigarettes are marketed on TikTok and how social media users react to these products. The study found that marketing these devices with appealing flavors and claims of being non-addictive may appeal to youth, potentially encouraging them to start vaping or transition to nicotine-containing products, raising concerns for public health regulation.
Münzel Thomas, Kuntic Marin, Keaney John F et al.. Nature reviews. Cardiology. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1001/jama.286.4.436
Summary
This review examines how nicotine and tobacco products damage the heart and blood vessels, exploring the biological mechanisms behind these harmful effects. While smoking rates have declined in some wealthy countries, cardiovascular disease remains a major preventable health problem globally, with emerging nicotine-delivery systems (like e-cigarettes) presenting ongoing public health challenges that require continued attention and research.
Oyella Paula, Gilchrist Francis J, Talawila Da Camara Nishanthi et al.. Archives of disease in childhood. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2025-330125
SR
Summary
A systematic review examined the health and social impacts of vaping among children and young people by analyzing published literature through September 2025. The review screened over 14,000 articles and conducted a detailed assessment of 325 full-text studies to synthesize current evidence on how vaping affects this vulnerable population.
Akbayram Hatice Tuba, Temizkan Zekiye. Monaldi archives for chest disease = Archivio Monaldi per le malattie del torace. 2026 Aug. doi:10.4081/monaldi.2026.3828
Summary
Cancer-related worry may be an important psychological factor influencing smokers’ motivation to quit. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between how much smokers worry about developing cancer and their intention to quit smoking among Turkish adults, providing insight into emotional drivers that could be leveraged in cessation counseling and interventions.
Kim Jeong Soo, Kim Sun Mi, Ahn Hongsin et al.. Psychiatry investigation. 2026 Aug. doi:10.30773/pi.2025.0441
Summary
Korean adolescents who used e-cigarettes daily for longer durations reported higher anxiety symptoms compared to those who used cigarettes only or did not use tobacco products. The relationship between e-cigarette use duration and anxiety appeared to be partly explained by adolescents’ negative perceptions of their health, suggesting that both direct effects of use and psychological factors contribute to mental health outcomes in this population.
Kong Jaehyung, Kang Heewon, Cheon Eunsil et al.. Epidemiology and health. 2026 Aug. doi:10.4178/epih.e2026041
Summary
Korean researchers examined quit intentions among adults who use conventional cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), or both to better understand how these different tobacco products affect smoking cessation. The study found that use patterns and quit intentions vary significantly depending on whether people use cigarettes alone, HTPs alone, or both products together, with implications for how public health approaches tobacco cessation among different user groups.
Silva de Sousa André Luis, Torales Julio, López Ocampos Luis Clemente et al.. International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England). 2026 Aug. doi:10.1080/09540261.2026.2715059
Summary
Between 2019 and 2025, Paraguay’s Global Youth Tobacco Survey tracked changes in electronic cigarette use, conventional tobacco consumption, and related factors among adolescents aged 13-15 years. The study examined national trends across multiple indicators including e-cigarette adoption, smoking prevalence, secondhand smoke exposure, cessation attempts, advertising exposure, and youth knowledge and attitudes toward tobacco products.
Usman Muhammad, Mazhar Muhammad Uzair, Zafar Amna et al.. Oxford medical case reports. 2026 Aug. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6846e2
Summary
A postpartum patient presented with acute respiratory failure and bilateral lung infiltrates caused by e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of distinguishing EVALI from common postpartum complications and underscores the serious respiratory health risks of vaping, particularly in vulnerable populations during the perinatal period.
Phipps Daniel J, Knittle Keegan, Hagger Martin S et al.. Journal of health psychology. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1177/13591053261473711
Summary
Young Finnish people’s use of vaping products, nicotine pouches, and cigarettes was examined to identify the socio-structural factors and behavioral beliefs that predict each product’s use. The study compared how social influences, attitudes, and intentions differ across these three nicotine delivery methods among youth, providing insights into what drives young people toward different nicotine products as traditional cigarette smoking declines.
Piotrowski Adrian, Chand Reshika, Freeman Becky et al.. Tobacco induced diseases. 2026. doi:10.1136/tc-2025-059887
Summary
Australian young adults (18-24 years) represent the highest vaping users across all age groups, raising concerns about addiction and the need for targeted cessation support during a critical period when health behaviors become established. This qualitative study examined young adults’ perceptions of vaping addiction and their views on cessation strategies to inform appropriate interventions for this population.
Dahal Sitasnu, Yingst Jessica, Mazhar Laraib et al.. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntag176
Summary
This randomized controlled trial examined whether people who smoke and initially have no intention to quit can achieve long-term smoking abstinence if they reduce their cigarette consumption early when using e-cigarettes. The study investigates whether the patterns observed with nicotine replacement therapy—where early smoking reduction predicts later quit success—also apply to e-cigarette use for smoking reduction.
Satybaldiyeva Nora, Schleicher Nina C, Prochaska Judith J et al.. Addiction (Abingdon, England). 2026 Aug. doi:10.1111/add.70569
Summary
This study examined price comparisons between oral nicotine pouches (ONPs), particularly the leading Zyn brand, and cigarettes in the United States, where ONP sales tripled between 2021 and 2024. Understanding the relative pricing of these products is important for public health policy, as price differences may influence whether smokers switch to ONPs or how accessible these newer nicotine products are compared to traditional cigarettes.
Reviews & Meta-Analyses 8
▶ Browse 8 reviews
Cessation—Health Systems
Mahasneh Arwa M, Yusuf Huda, Mathur Manu Raj. International journal of dental hygiene. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1111/idh.70152
Summary
This scoping review examined smoking cessation services delivered by dental auxiliaries (such as dental hygienists and therapists) in primary healthcare settings, including the populations served and barriers and facilitators to implementation. The findings can help inform how dental teams can be better integrated into healthcare systems to provide evidence-based cessation support to adult smokers.
E-cigarettes—Health Effects
Zhao Ximeng, Jaime Salvador, Cooke William et al.. Journal of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and prevention. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-14043-2
Summary
This scoping review examined how e-cigarette use affects cardiorespiratory fitness and lung function in young adults, addressing a significant gap in understanding health impacts that matter to this population. The review synthesizes existing evidence on whether e-cigarette use impairs physical fitness and respiratory capacity, outcomes that are particularly important for youth considering their long-term health trajectories.
E-cigarettes—Youth/Adolescents
Oyella Paula, Gilchrist Francis J, Talawila Da Camara Nishanthi et al.. Archives of disease in childhood. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2025-330125
Summary
A systematic review examined the health and social impacts of vaping among children and young people by analyzing published literature through September 2025. The review screened over 14,000 articles and conducted a detailed assessment of 325 full-text studies to synthesize current evidence on how vaping affects this vulnerable population.
Epidemiology—Disparities
Fiori Nadia Spada, Peres de Carvalho Maitê, Szortyka Ana Laura Sica Cruzeiro et al.. Journal of agromedicine. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1080/1059924X.2026.2710332
Summary
Tobacco farm workers experience high rates of green tobacco sickness from absorbing nicotine through their skin during leaf harvesting. This scoping review examines urinary cotinine levels—a reliable marker of nicotine exposure—across studies, but identifies significant methodological inconsistencies that complicate comparisons and understanding of exposure patterns among this vulnerable occupational group.
Health Effects—Cardiovascular
Wijayanto Frengki Prabowo Saputro, Simanjuntak Artha Maressa Theodora, Aditya Muhammad Reva et al.. Journal of arrhythmia. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1002/joa3.70452
Summary
A meta-analysis examined whether smoking increases the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients who have undergone catheter ablation treatment. This research synthesizes evidence on smoking as a modifiable risk factor that could affect outcomes in cardiac rhythm management and informs potential intervention targets for improving treatment success rates.
Hassanpour Hossein, Nasiri Leila, Mojtahed Marzieh et al.. International journal of cardiology. Cardiovascular risk and prevention. 2026 Sep. doi:10.1016/j.ijcrp.2026.200695
Summary
This meta-analysis examined how cigarette smoking affects inflammatory markers related to heart and lung disease by synthesizing results from multiple studies. The research found that smoking causes chronic inflammation that contributes to cardiopulmonary disease, though individual studies had shown inconsistent results on specific inflammatory biomarkers. The findings provide a comprehensive evidence synthesis on the inflammatory mechanisms linking smoking to cardiovascular and respiratory disease.
Health Effects—Pregnancy/Perinatal
Abedin Farheenara, Das Madhuparna, Bishayi Aratrika et al.. Archives of women’s mental health. 2026 Aug. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1143328
Summary
This meta-analysis and genomics study examined the biological connections between smoking and postpartum depression (PPD), a common mental health condition after childbirth. The research aims to clarify how nicotine addiction and smoking behavior may influence PPD risk through neurobiological pathways, addressing a gap in current evidence about this relationship.
Policy—Marketing/Advertising
Puljević Cheneal, Meciar Isabel, Lai Germaine et al.. Tobacco control. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1136/tc-2025-059734
Summary
This scoping review examined public education and mass media campaigns across different countries that aimed to discourage the purchase and sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products. The review identified and summarized the characteristics of these campaigns to understand what approaches are being used internationally to combat illicit trade in tobacco and nicotine products. This research helps identify evidence-based messaging strategies and campaign features that may be effective in reducing demand for illicit tobacco and vaping products.
🍁 Canadian 4

Articles with Canadian authors or institutional affiliations.

▶ Browse 4 Canadian articles
E-cigarettes—Cessation
Stewart Makayla S, Hoyt Abigail E, Fernandez Sara et al.. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntag180
🍁 Canadian
Summary
This research examined how smoking cessation trials involving e-cigarettes report on dual use (simultaneous use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes), which is a common real-world pattern. The study identifies important gaps in how trial data are reported, suggesting that current evidence syntheses may not fully capture the complexity of e-cigarette use outcomes in cessation studies. Improved reporting standards for dual use outcomes could provide public health practitioners with more complete information about e-cigarette effectiveness for smoking cessation.
Sweeney Emmalise I, Borland Ron, Quah Anne C K et al.. Addictive behaviors. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2026.108827
🍁 Canadian 🔓 Open Access
Summary
This study examined whether adults who smoke with higher future time perspective (the tendency to consider long-term consequences of current actions) are more likely to initiate vaping, using data from 2020 and 2022 surveys across four countries. Understanding how forward-thinking smokers perceive and use vaping products could inform cessation strategies and help predict which smokers might transition to e-cigarettes as a potential harm reduction tool.
Epidemiology—Prevalence
Heckman Carolyn J, Ganz Ollie, Tomaino Marisa et al.. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntag183
🍁 Canadian
Summary
This national survey examined how common cigar relighting is among smokers—a practice where people extinguish a cigar and relight it later. Despite anecdotal evidence suggesting the practice may be widespread, very little research has documented this smoking behavior, making this one of the first rigorous studies to measure its prevalence and identify who is most likely to engage in it.
Health Effects—Cancer
Jolly Robert A, Noteboom Jessica, LeBlanc Danielle P M et al.. Chemical research in toxicology. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2024.105681
🍁 Canadian 🔓 Open Access
Summary
Researchers investigated how a cancer-causing chemical called NNK, which is found in tobacco products, affects the liver and lungs differently in rat models. The study examined the mutagenic (DNA-damaging) potential of this nitrosamine compound to better understand its role in tobacco-related cancer development.
All Articles by Category 110
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Cessation—Behavioural Interventions
Song Xiaojun, Meng Xiangzheng. Frontiers in psychology. 2026. doi:10.1186/s12889-024-20861-7
Summary
Research examined how physical activity relates to nicotine dependence among female college smokers, and whether this relationship works through increased confidence in refusing cigarettes and reduced identification as a smoker. Understanding these psychological pathways could help develop more effective smoking cessation interventions tailored to college-age women.
Akbayram Hatice Tuba, Temizkan Zekiye. Monaldi archives for chest disease = Archivio Monaldi per le malattie del torace. 2026 Aug. doi:10.4081/monaldi.2026.3828
Summary
Cancer-related worry may be an important psychological factor influencing smokers’ motivation to quit. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between how much smokers worry about developing cancer and their intention to quit smoking among Turkish adults, providing insight into emotional drivers that could be leveraged in cessation counseling and interventions.
Kaye Jesse T, Bolt Daniel M, Piper Megan E et al.. Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1007/s00213-005-0216-z
Summary
Researchers developed and validated the Wisconsin Smoking Withdrawal Scales Version 3 (WSWS3), a new tool to measure withdrawal symptoms experienced by people attempting to quit smoking without medication. The WSWS3 provides both brief and longer versions that can help clinicians and researchers better assess withdrawal severity, which is important for tailoring cessation treatments and understanding barriers to successful quitting.
Gu Dian, Chakravarty Deepalika, Cuby Jordan et al.. JAMA network open. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1186/s12889-024-17967-3
Summary
Contingency management (CM), an intervention that provides financial incentives for smoking cessation, was tested in a pilot randomized trial among people experiencing homelessness, a population with exceptionally high smoking rates (>70%). This study examined whether extended CM interventions could be effectively implemented and sustained in this vulnerable population, addressing a gap in research on longer-term incentive-based cessation approaches for homeless individuals.
Cessation—Digital/Mobile
Merl Nicolas B, Winterstein Jana T, Schramm Franziska et al.. European journal of cancer (Oxford, England : 1990). 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2026.116989
Summary
Researchers tested AI-generated virtual influencer videos on Instagram promoting smoking prevention, examining how different message approaches affected viewer engagement. Videos that highlighted short-term consequences of smoking (such as immediate health impacts or social effects) achieved greater reach and engagement compared to other messaging strategies. This finding suggests that framing prevention messages around immediate rather than long-term outcomes may be more effective for social media-based tobacco control campaigns.
Van Houten Rhodes, Grigoletto Isis, Medina Bruna Aparecida Santos et al.. Heart & lung : the journal of critical care. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102908
Summary
This pilot randomized trial compared two telecare approaches for smoking cessation in a low-middle-income country setting: synchronous (live) telecare versus a cell phone application. The study addresses a gap in evidence about which digital delivery methods are most effective for smoking cessation, particularly in regions where smoking rates are highest and access to traditional in-person interventions may be limited.
Smith Dana K, Severson Herbert H, Simmons Vani N. Tobacco prevention & cessation. 2026. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.67.3.382
Summary
Researchers tested a mobile app designed to help smokers quit by using cognitive dissonance—the psychological discomfort people feel when their beliefs and behaviors conflict. This pilot study evaluated whether the app could help people stop smoking by highlighting the gap between their desire for health and their smoking habit.
Cessation—Health Systems
Mahasneh Arwa M, Yusuf Huda, Mathur Manu Raj. International journal of dental hygiene. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1111/idh.70152
Summary
This scoping review examined smoking cessation services delivered by dental auxiliaries (such as dental hygienists and therapists) in primary healthcare settings, including the populations served and barriers and facilitators to implementation. The findings can help inform how dental teams can be better integrated into healthcare systems to provide evidence-based cessation support to adult smokers.
Varmazyari Shabnam, Bozorgi Pouya, Bastani Parvin et al.. PloS one. 2026. doi:10.3390/ijerph17051728
Summary
Dentists and patients in Iran’s primary care system were surveyed about their attitudes toward smoking cessation counseling provided by dentists. The study found notable differences between how dentists and patients view the role of dental professionals in delivering cessation support, highlighting important stakeholder perspectives for integrating smoking cessation into primary dental care.
Grønhaug Louise Muxoll, Frølund Jannie Christina, Løkke Anders et al.. Health psychology and behavioral medicine. 2026. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2024.1433269
Summary
This study examined how patients with COPD view smoking cessation support offered during hospital stays, recognizing that hospitalization is a critical window for intervention. Understanding patients’ perspectives on the usefulness and acceptability of cessation support during acute illness can help hospitals design more effective programs to help smokers quit when they are most motivated to change.
Wang Gang, Du Kecheng. Tobacco induced diseases. 2026. doi:10.1136/tc.2008.025411
Summary
Workplace environment and organizational structure can influence employees’ ability to quit smoking. This study examined whether workers at state-owned enterprises in China face greater challenges with smoking cessation compared to employees in other types of businesses, highlighting how enterprise ownership and workplace culture may impact cessation success.
Cessation—Pharmacotherapy
Zacharia Lefteris C, Ioannou Sotiris. Xenobiotica; the fate of foreign compounds in biological systems. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1080/00498254.2026.2720198
Summary
Researchers studied how blocking the CYP2A5 enzyme (the mouse equivalent of the human nicotine-metabolizing enzyme CYP2A6) affects nicotine metabolism and brain chemistry. Inhibiting this enzyme reduced circulating cotinine (a nicotine metabolite) and increased dopamine levels in the brain, suggesting that personalized approaches targeting individual differences in nicotine metabolism could potentially improve the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation.
He Aaron Wan Jia, Wong Grace Nga-Ting, Chan Sophia Siu Chee et al.. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntag178
Summary
Researchers examined how smokers in China used free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) samples when offered in outdoor smoking areas, and whether using these samples helped them quit smoking. The study identified which factors predict whether smokers will try the free NRT samples and whether those who use them are more likely to achieve tobacco abstinence.
Cessation—Pregnancy
Notley Caitlin, Belderson Pippa, Clark Lucy et al.. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 2026 Aug. doi:10.1136/bmj-2026-100242
Summary
BabyBreathe is an intervention combining interpersonal support and digital tools designed to help pregnant women who quit smoking stay smoke-free after giving birth. This multicentre randomized controlled trial evaluated whether BabyBreathe was effective at maintaining postpartum smoking cessation among 887 pregnant women receiving community health visiting services in the UK.
Groves Peyton, Laubacher Callie, Mickievicz Erin et al.. International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1002/ijgo.71274
Summary
Perinatal intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors often use nicotine and cannabis products and struggle to quit, yet healthcare providers typically do not address IPV and substance use together. This qualitative study explored barriers to evidence-based counseling and support from the perspectives of survivors and advocates, identifying critical gaps in integrated care approaches for this vulnerable population.
Cessation—Youth
Qi Weiqiang, Li Xiaodong, Luo Jian et al.. Psychiatry research. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2026.117397
Summary
College students with smoking addiction often experience emotional distress, impulsive behaviors, and other addictive behaviors that are shaped by early-life experiences and family relationships. This study used network analysis and latent profile analysis to examine how self-control and family support function as protective factors within the broader psychosocial risk environment for college student smokers, identifying how these interpersonal and behavioral factors interact to influence smoking addiction severity.
Little Melissa A, Pilehvari Asal, Mallawaarachchi Indika et al.. Drug and alcohol dependence. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2026.113298
Summary
UP2U Teacher is a brief, single-session school-based intervention designed to address tobacco and nicotine product use among high school students in response to the evolving landscape of available products. The preliminary evaluation assessed the short-term effectiveness of this intervention in reducing or preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use.
Yoo Changmin. Addictive behaviors. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2026.108830
Summary
A five-year longitudinal study of Korean adolescents identified distinct developmental patterns in smoking susceptibility over time rather than treating it as a single fixed measure. Understanding how susceptibility trajectories evolve during adolescence and their relationship to different tobacco product use can inform more targeted prevention and cessation strategies for youth in East Asian contexts.
E-cigarettes—Addiction/Dependence
Zahedi Sélène, Carrette Lieselot L G, China Lindsey et al.. Journal of neuroscience methods. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.jneumeth.2026.110884
Summary
Researchers developed a mouse model to study passive exposure to nicotine vapor, addressing inconsistencies in previous animal research on electronic cigarettes. The model successfully produced measurable nicotine levels (cotinine) in exposed mice and demonstrated withdrawal behaviors, providing a more reliable tool for understanding how nicotine dependence develops through secondhand vapor exposure.
Amlung Michael, Gelino Brett W, Strickland Justin C et al.. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntag181
Summary
Researchers validated a purchase task tool to measure how much people value oral nicotine pouches, using behavioral economics methods with adult pouch users recruited online. The study helps establish a reliable way to assess the reinforcing strength and addiction potential of these rapidly growing nicotine products, which may expose users to higher nicotine levels and cause oral health problems.
Goldenson Nicholas I, Oliveri Douglas R, Liang Qiwei et al.. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1037/pha0000873
Summary
Researchers compared how quickly nicotine enters the bloodstream from JUUL2 pods (18 mg/mL nicotine concentration) in four different flavors, versus traditional cigarettes and higher-nicotine ENDS pods (58 mg/mL). Understanding nicotine delivery rates from different ENDS products helps public health officials assess their potential for addiction and dependence among users.
E-cigarettes—Cessation
Stewart Makayla S, Hoyt Abigail E, Fernandez Sara et al.. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntag180
🍁 Canadian
Summary
This research examined how smoking cessation trials involving e-cigarettes report on dual use (simultaneous use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes), which is a common real-world pattern. The study identifies important gaps in how trial data are reported, suggesting that current evidence syntheses may not fully capture the complexity of e-cigarette use outcomes in cessation studies. Improved reporting standards for dual use outcomes could provide public health practitioners with more complete information about e-cigarette effectiveness for smoking cessation.
Sweeney Emmalise I, Borland Ron, Quah Anne C K et al.. Addictive behaviors. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2026.108827
🍁 Canadian 🔓 Open Access
Summary
This study examined whether adults who smoke with higher future time perspective (the tendency to consider long-term consequences of current actions) are more likely to initiate vaping, using data from 2020 and 2022 surveys across four countries. Understanding how forward-thinking smokers perceive and use vaping products could inform cessation strategies and help predict which smokers might transition to e-cigarettes as a potential harm reduction tool.
Turan Ayşe, Erhan Çiğdem, Çetinkaya Pelin Duru. Thoracic research and practice. 2026 Aug. doi:10.4274/ThoracResPract.2026.2026-3-2
Summary
This retrospective analysis examined trends in e-cigarette use among smokers attending cessation clinics in Türkiye between 2017 and 2023, a period when e-cigarettes faced legal restrictions. The study provides insights into how e-cigarette adoption patterns among individuals seeking smoking cessation support may reflect broader tobacco control effectiveness and policy enforcement in the country.
Piotrowski Adrian, Chand Reshika, Freeman Becky et al.. Tobacco induced diseases. 2026. doi:10.1136/tc-2025-059887
Summary
Australian young adults (18-24 years) represent the highest vaping users across all age groups, raising concerns about addiction and the need for targeted cessation support during a critical period when health behaviors become established. This qualitative study examined young adults’ perceptions of vaping addiction and their views on cessation strategies to inform appropriate interventions for this population.
Dahal Sitasnu, Yingst Jessica, Mazhar Laraib et al.. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntag176
Summary
This randomized controlled trial examined whether people who smoke and initially have no intention to quit can achieve long-term smoking abstinence if they reduce their cigarette consumption early when using e-cigarettes. The study investigates whether the patterns observed with nicotine replacement therapy—where early smoking reduction predicts later quit success—also apply to e-cigarette use for smoking reduction.
E-cigarettes—Co-use
Li Wei, Tran Thi Phuong Thao, Krishnan-Sarin Suchitra et al.. Sleep health. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.sleh.2026.07.006
Summary
Young adults who vaped nicotine, cannabis, or both were examined to understand how these vaping patterns affected their sleep duration and quality. The study found day-level associations between vaping behaviors and sleep outcomes, with implications for understanding how substance use relates to sleep health in this population.
Jankowski Emma E, Ennis Alysha C, Turk Grace et al.. JMIR formative research. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/joc/jqx009
Summary
Researchers developed tobacco risk communications targeting young adults who use both cigarettes and vapes, with a focus on LGBTQ+ populations who experience disproportionately high rates of dual use. The study used mixed methods to test whether comparative risk messages could effectively reduce dual use of these products among this vulnerable population.
Chung Grace S, Jimenez Elizabeth Y, Blair Cindy K et al.. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntag179
Summary
This study tracked cigarette smokers over 10 years to understand how many switched to e-cigarettes exclusively versus continuing to use both products (dual use). The research examined changes in nicotine dependence and smoking patterns among those who transitioned from cigarettes alone to either dual use or exclusive e-cigarette use, providing insights into real-world switching behaviour and the potential for e-cigarettes to reduce or replace cigarette smoking.
Freels Timothy G, Li Jennifer, Pavchinskiy Rebecca G et al.. Psychopharmacology. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1186/s12888-025-07629-y
Summary
Researchers used a preclinical model to investigate how chronic nicotine vaping affects alcohol consumption patterns. They found that nicotine vapor exposure increased binge-like alcohol drinking and was associated with reduced activity in brain regions responsible for decision-making and impulse control. These findings suggest that nicotine vaping may alter brain function in ways that promote heavier alcohol use, highlighting a potential mechanism underlying the observed link between vaping and increased alcohol consumption.
E-cigarettes—Health Effects
Florentino Samuel A, Bui Vu, Kaszluga Christopher J et al.. Foot & ankle specialist. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1177/19386400261478749
Summary
Researchers examined whether non-tobacco nicotine dependence (such as from e-cigarettes or vaping) affects surgical outcomes in patients undergoing Achilles tendon repair, similar to how tobacco use is known to harm recovery. The study found that non-tobacco nicotine dependence is associated with increased risk of perioperative complications and re-rupture following Achilles tendon repair surgery.
Nam Joon Kyung, Carlin Victoria E, Ditre Joseph W. Addictive behaviors. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2026.108839
Summary
Researchers examined whether pain and e-cigarette use influence each other over time in young adults using data from the PATH study (Waves 7 and 7.5). The study investigated bidirectional associations, meaning they explored whether pain severity predicts future e-cigarette use and whether e-cigarette use predicts future pain, helping clarify the temporal relationship between these two commonly co-occurring conditions in young adulthood.
Wong Christine S W, Teo Chao Tong, Teo Kevin S H et al.. Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d’anesthesie. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.05.016
Summary
This narrative review examines drug-laced vaping (DLV)—the use of vaping devices to inhale non-nicotine psychoactive substances like cannabinoids, opioids, and benzodiazepines—and the clinical challenges it presents for anesthesiologists. The review highlights that DLV poses particular perioperative risks because users may be unaware of substance exposure and these drugs often go undetected by standard toxicology screening, creating potential complications during surgical care.
Diaz Valerie J. Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.jopan.2026.06.006
Summary
This narrative review examines the physiologic effects of e-cigarette use and provides guidance on anesthetic management for patients who vape. The review synthesizes evidence on how vaping affects the body and highlights important clinical considerations for healthcare providers managing these patients in perioperative settings.
Rivera Tanner C, Schweitzer Kelly S, Cornell Christina F et al.. JCI insight. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1172/jci.insight.198757
Summary
Researchers found that e-cigarette vaping causes injury to cells deep within the lungs and triggers a prolonged stress response in lung tissue. The study demonstrates that vaping also suppresses the immune system’s ability to fight viral infections, which may explain why e-cigarette users experience increased vulnerability to respiratory infections like COVID-19.
Zhao Ximeng, Jaime Salvador, Cooke William et al.. Journal of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and prevention. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-14043-2
Summary
This scoping review examined how e-cigarette use affects cardiorespiratory fitness and lung function in young adults, addressing a significant gap in understanding health impacts that matter to this population. The review synthesizes existing evidence on whether e-cigarette use impairs physical fitness and respiratory capacity, outcomes that are particularly important for youth considering their long-term health trajectories.
Mensah Boniface, Orhin Albert E, Akoto Natalie A Y et al.. Esophagus : official journal of the Japan Esophageal Society. 2026 Aug. doi:10.3390/toxics11100847
Summary
Researchers investigated whether e-cigarette use is associated with Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition of the esophagus lining. While traditional cigarette smoking is an established risk factor for Barrett’s esophagus, this study addresses growing concerns about potential esophageal damage from e-cigarette exposure and helps clarify the health risks of vaping.
E-cigarettes—Products/Marketing
Vassey Julia, Unger Jennifer B, Galimov Artur. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntag184
Summary
Researchers analyzed how zero-nicotine e-cigarettes are marketed on TikTok and how social media users react to these products. The study found that marketing these devices with appealing flavors and claims of being non-addictive may appeal to youth, potentially encouraging them to start vaping or transition to nicotine-containing products, raising concerns for public health regulation.
E-cigarettes—Youth/Adolescents
Ma Haijing, Reynolds-Tylus Tobias. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntag186
Summary
College students often overestimate how many of their peers vape, and this misperception drives higher vaping rates among this population. Personalized normative feedback interventions, which provide students with accurate information about actual vaping prevalence among their peers, show promise as a strategy to correct these inflated perceptions and potentially reduce vaping behavior in young adults.
Jad Mohammed A, Abuageelah Bandar M, Ahmed Iman A et al.. Journal of community health. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1177/109019817400200405
Summary
A cross-sectional survey examined e-cigarette perceptions and use among adolescents and adults in southern Saudi Arabia, where vaping has become increasingly popular due to social acceptability and online promotion. The research highlights concerns about nicotine dependence and population-level health risks, particularly among young people who have never smoked traditional cigarettes.
Oyella Paula, Gilchrist Francis J, Talawila Da Camara Nishanthi et al.. Archives of disease in childhood. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2025-330125
SR
Summary
A systematic review examined the health and social impacts of vaping among children and young people by analyzing published literature through September 2025. The review screened over 14,000 articles and conducted a detailed assessment of 325 full-text studies to synthesize current evidence on how vaping affects this vulnerable population.
Kim Jeong Soo, Kim Sun Mi, Ahn Hongsin et al.. Psychiatry investigation. 2026 Aug. doi:10.30773/pi.2025.0441
Summary
Korean adolescents who used e-cigarettes daily for longer durations reported higher anxiety symptoms compared to those who used cigarettes only or did not use tobacco products. The relationship between e-cigarette use duration and anxiety appeared to be partly explained by adolescents’ negative perceptions of their health, suggesting that both direct effects of use and psychological factors contribute to mental health outcomes in this population.
Silva de Sousa André Luis, Torales Julio, López Ocampos Luis Clemente et al.. International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England). 2026 Aug. doi:10.1080/09540261.2026.2715059
Summary
Between 2019 and 2025, Paraguay’s Global Youth Tobacco Survey tracked changes in electronic cigarette use, conventional tobacco consumption, and related factors among adolescents aged 13-15 years. The study examined national trends across multiple indicators including e-cigarette adoption, smoking prevalence, secondhand smoke exposure, cessation attempts, advertising exposure, and youth knowledge and attitudes toward tobacco products.
Phipps Daniel J, Knittle Keegan, Hagger Martin S et al.. Journal of health psychology. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1177/13591053261473711
Summary
Young Finnish people’s use of vaping products, nicotine pouches, and cigarettes was examined to identify the socio-structural factors and behavioral beliefs that predict each product’s use. The study compared how social influences, attitudes, and intentions differ across these three nicotine delivery methods among youth, providing insights into what drives young people toward different nicotine products as traditional cigarette smoking declines.
Warner Kenneth E, Sun Ruoyan, Brouwer Andrew F et al.. American journal of preventive medicine. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntac284
Summary
A computer modeling study estimated the lifetime mortality risks associated with vaping and smoking when started during adolescence. The research helps clarify whether youth vaping increases the risk of premature death and by how much, providing important evidence for understanding the long-term health consequences of early vaping initiation.
Epidemiology—Disparities
Kwon Keun Young, Sun Skylar Biyang, Kim Jinho. Addictive behaviors. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2026.108831
Summary
Research examined how changes in housing stability affect smoking, binge drinking, and marijuana use differently in young adults, with varying impacts by gender. The study found asymmetric effects, meaning that entering housing hardship and exiting it were associated with different patterns of substance use, suggesting that housing instability interventions may need to consider gender-specific responses to these transitions.
Fiori Nadia Spada, Peres de Carvalho Maitê, Szortyka Ana Laura Sica Cruzeiro et al.. Journal of agromedicine. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1080/1059924X.2026.2710332
SR
Summary
Tobacco farm workers experience high rates of green tobacco sickness from absorbing nicotine through their skin during leaf harvesting. This scoping review examines urinary cotinine levels—a reliable marker of nicotine exposure—across studies, but identifies significant methodological inconsistencies that complicate comparisons and understanding of exposure patterns among this vulnerable occupational group.
Epidemiology—Prevalence
Tan Mui Siew, Filippidis Filippos T, Li Charlotte Xin et al.. The Lancet regional health. Europe. 2026 Oct. doi:10.18332/tid/195379
Summary
Researchers tracked trends in waterpipe and e-cigarette use among young people across the European Union from 2012 to 2023 using repeated cross-sectional surveys. The study examines how the popularity of these alternative nicotine products has evolved over time and identifies key factors driving their use among youth, including product flavours, social influences, and perceptions that these products are less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
Heckman Carolyn J, Ganz Ollie, Tomaino Marisa et al.. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntag183
🍁 Canadian
Summary
This national survey examined how common cigar relighting is among smokers—a practice where people extinguish a cigar and relight it later. Despite anecdotal evidence suggesting the practice may be widespread, very little research has documented this smoking behavior, making this one of the first rigorous studies to measure its prevalence and identify who is most likely to engage in it.
Kong Jaehyung, Kang Heewon, Cheon Eunsil et al.. Epidemiology and health. 2026 Aug. doi:10.4178/epih.e2026041
Summary
Korean researchers examined quit intentions among adults who use conventional cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), or both to better understand how these different tobacco products affect smoking cessation. The study found that use patterns and quit intentions vary significantly depending on whether people use cigarettes alone, HTPs alone, or both products together, with implications for how public health approaches tobacco cessation among different user groups.
Salifu Yula, Salifu Torjim, Alhassan Amidu et al.. Tobacco use insights. 2026. doi:10.1177/1179173X261478963
Summary
Researchers examined the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use and its association with family structure and peer influences among undergraduate students at a university in Ghana. The study provides evidence on social and family-level factors that correlate with lifetime smokeless tobacco use among young adults in sub-Saharan Africa, addressing a significant gap in regional research on this growing public health concern.
Barrington-Trimis Jessica L, Kechter Afton, Knapp Jessica B et al.. Tobacco induced diseases. 2026. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116491
Summary
Researchers tracked smoking progression among youth in Southern California across five different cohorts between 1995 and 2014 to see how the rate at which young smokers continue smoking from 10th to 12th grade has changed over time. The study examined whether declining youth smoking initiation has been accompanied by changes in how quickly those who do start smoking progress to regular use during high school years.
Health Effects—Cancer
Aulia Anwar Putri, Novisari Soeroso Noni, Putra Tarigan Setia et al.. Experimental oncology. 2026 Aug. doi:10.15407/exp-oncology.2026.02.152
Summary
Researchers in North Sumatra identified smoking, environmental exposures, and chronic lung disease as major risk factors contributing to lung cancer incidence in the region. This region-specific analysis helps public health practitioners understand the key determinants needed to develop targeted prevention strategies in developing country contexts where lung cancer rates are rising.
Li Yunhao, Guo Yanyan, Wang Man Ping et al.. Cancer medicine. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1002/cam4.72198
Summary
Researchers used age-period-cohort analysis to examine how smoking has contributed to upper gastrointestinal cancers (including cancers of the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas) in China and globally, tracking trends over time and across different age groups. The study projected future smoking-related cancer burden to help identify which populations may be most affected and inform prevention strategies.
Jolly Robert A, Noteboom Jessica, LeBlanc Danielle P M et al.. Chemical research in toxicology. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2024.105681
🍁 Canadian 🔓 Open Access
Summary
Researchers investigated how a cancer-causing chemical called NNK, which is found in tobacco products, affects the liver and lungs differently in rat models. The study examined the mutagenic (DNA-damaging) potential of this nitrosamine compound to better understand its role in tobacco-related cancer development.
Cheng Guang, Stepanov Irina, Hatsukami Dorothy K et al.. Chemical research in toxicology. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6c00328
Summary
Researchers used advanced mass spectrometry techniques to identify and analyze DNA adducts (chemical modifications linked to cancer development) in the oral cells of smokeless tobacco users. This is the first study to apply this structure-specific method to examine how smokeless tobacco causes damage at the molecular level, providing new evidence about the biological mechanisms through which smokeless tobacco use leads to oral cavity, esophagus, and pancreatic cancers.
Wang Xintong, Tang Fang, Qin Jiayu et al.. PloS one. 2026. doi:10.1038/s43586-023-00284-1
Summary
Researchers used advanced genetic sequencing techniques to study how smoking cessation affects precancerous lung lesions in a mouse model. The study examined changes in gene expression and immune cell activity following cessation to better understand the biological mechanisms by which quitting smoking reduces lung cancer progression risk.
Zhang Yanwen, Chang Xiaojing, Cao Jie et al.. Thoracic cancer. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1111/1759-7714.70357
Summary
Researchers investigated how cigarette smoke extract contributes to the development and progression of non-small cell lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The study identified that cigarette smoke activates a protein called PRMT6, which triggers cellular changes that promote cancer cell growth and spread. Understanding this molecular mechanism could potentially inform new prevention or treatment strategies for smoking-related lung cancer.
Theuns Charlotte, Wessels-Balke Esther, Fousseni Clarke Queen et al.. European journal of cancer prevention : the official journal of the European Cancer Prevention Organisation (ECP). 2026 Aug. doi:10.1097/CEJ.0000000000001032
Summary
Smoking-related stigma acts as a significant barrier that discourages people who smoke or formerly smoked from participating in lung cancer screening programs. This rapid review synthesized evidence showing that stigma negatively affects both screening uptake rates and individuals’ intention to seek screening, highlighting an important social determinant that impacts cancer prevention behaviors in this population.
Health Effects—Cardiovascular
Wijayanto Frengki Prabowo Saputro, Simanjuntak Artha Maressa Theodora, Aditya Muhammad Reva et al.. Journal of arrhythmia. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1002/joa3.70452
Summary
A meta-analysis examined whether smoking increases the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients who have undergone catheter ablation treatment. This research synthesizes evidence on smoking as a modifiable risk factor that could affect outcomes in cardiac rhythm management and informs potential intervention targets for improving treatment success rates.
Fadlilah Siti, Sujianto Untung, Thato Ratsiri et al.. Nursing research. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1097/NNR.0000000000000943
Summary
Researchers examined how smoking behavior and heart health factors (such as blood pressure and cholesterol) contribute to diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a nerve damage condition affecting people with type 2 diabetes. This study helps clarify the combined pathways through which smoking and cardiometabolic factors increase the risk of this serious diabetes complication.
Salem Ahmed, Alsmarat Fanar, Al-Zerikat Lina et al.. Journal of public health research. 2026 Jul. doi:10.1007/S11845-026-04290-6
Summary
Researchers examined whether smoking status is associated with vitamin B12 levels in Jordanian adults, using plasma cotinine to objectively measure tobacco exposure across active smokers, passive smokers, and non-smokers. Vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to cardiovascular disease risk, making this investigation relevant to understanding smoking’s broader health impacts beyond direct lung damage.
Münzel Thomas, Kuntic Marin, Keaney John F et al.. Nature reviews. Cardiology. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1001/jama.286.4.436
Summary
This review examines how nicotine and tobacco products damage the heart and blood vessels, exploring the biological mechanisms behind these harmful effects. While smoking rates have declined in some wealthy countries, cardiovascular disease remains a major preventable health problem globally, with emerging nicotine-delivery systems (like e-cigarettes) presenting ongoing public health challenges that require continued attention and research.
Kim Hyo Kee, Kim Mi-Sook, Ahn Sanghyun et al.. JAMA network open. 2026 Aug. doi:10.2105/AJPH.84.7.1086
Summary
This research examined how smoking behavior changes after a peripheral artery disease diagnosis affect heart attacks, strokes, and limb complications. The study found that quitting smoking after diagnosis significantly reduces the risk of major cardiovascular and limb events compared to continuing to smoke, while reducing cigarette consumption without quitting provides intermediate benefits.
Hassanpour Hossein, Nasiri Leila, Mojtahed Marzieh et al.. International journal of cardiology. Cardiovascular risk and prevention. 2026 Sep. doi:10.1016/j.ijcrp.2026.200695
Summary
This meta-analysis examined how cigarette smoking affects inflammatory markers related to heart and lung disease by synthesizing results from multiple studies. The research found that smoking causes chronic inflammation that contributes to cardiopulmonary disease, though individual studies had shown inconsistent results on specific inflammatory biomarkers. The findings provide a comprehensive evidence synthesis on the inflammatory mechanisms linking smoking to cardiovascular and respiratory disease.
Zhai Shu-Mei, Zhang Han, Yang Xiao-Yan et al.. International journal of general medicine. 2026. doi:10.4103/JMU.JMU_107_20
Summary
Researchers examined whether age affects the relationship between current smoking and carotid artery plaque (a marker of cardiovascular disease) in over 9,000 non-diabetic adults. The study found that age modifies this association, suggesting that the cardiovascular impact of smoking may vary depending on a person’s age. These findings highlight the importance of considering age when assessing smoking-related cardiovascular risks.
Münzel Thomas, Daiber Andreas, Kuntic Marin et al.. Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift (1946). 2026 Aug. doi:10.1055/a-2791-2067
Summary
Nicotine itself—independent of how it is delivered—acts as a direct cardiovascular toxin and represents a significant heart disease risk factor that has been historically underestimated in tobacco control efforts. The research challenges the assumption that non-combustible nicotine products are safe alternatives, demonstrating that nicotine’s harmful effects on blood vessels occur through sympathetic nervous system activation regardless of whether it comes from cigarettes, vaping devices, or other delivery methods.
Bao Zhiwei, Yang Zhongli, Sun Ruixiang et al.. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntag174
Summary
Researchers investigated how smoking and aging together affect the composition of bacteria in the gut and their relationship to cardiovascular disease risk. The study examined whether smoking and age-related changes to the gut microbiome overlap in ways that might increase the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.
Xu Xiao-Dan, Ren Kun, Liu Xian et al.. Molecular nutrition & food research. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ajcn/76.3.588
Summary
Researchers investigated whether daidzein, a compound found in soy, could protect against heart disease caused by nicotine exposure. The study found that daidzein reduced nicotine-induced atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries) by blocking harmful processes in immune cells that normally accumulate in vessel walls, suggesting that dietary soy isoflavones may offer cardiovascular protection for tobacco users.
Health Effects—Mental Health
Agbelie Chris-Mike E, Mojtahedi Zahra, Lee Tanya H et al.. Topics in stroke rehabilitation. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1080/10749357.2026.2722000
Summary
This research examined the relationship between smoking, depression, anxiety, and recovery outcomes in stroke patients using national health data from 2019-2023, with separate analysis by sex. The findings highlight that behavioral health factors like smoking and mental health conditions are common after stroke and significantly affect rehabilitation engagement and secondary prevention efforts, yet are often overlooked in standard physical therapy-based stroke care.
Morvan Ronan, Patry Mathilde, Gaultier Aurélie et al.. Nutrition and health. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1177/02601060261480419
Summary
Researchers examined whether smoking and nicotine dependence are associated with intuitive eating (a flexible, internally-guided approach to eating) among adults in primary care settings. The study explores how smoking may affect appetite regulation and eating behaviors, contributing to understanding of the broader health impacts of tobacco use beyond respiratory and cardiovascular effects.
Zhu Yongkai, Gao Junling, Yang Shitong et al.. Journal of health psychology. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1177/13591053261475825
Summary
A large international study of over 685,000 adults examined how smoking and functional disability might explain the link between loneliness and early death. The research suggests that loneliness increases mortality risk, and smoking and disability may be important pathways through which this occurs, highlighting the interconnected nature of social isolation, health behaviors, and health outcomes.
Tirado Camila, Cobb-Amey Caroline, Perrin Paul et al.. Translational issues in psychological science. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107627
Summary
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are an established risk factor for cigarette dependence among Latine adults in the US, a population experiencing disproportionate health inequities and early-life adversity. This research examines how trauma exposure and psychological factors like compassion influence cigarette dependence in this vulnerable population, with implications for tailoring cessation approaches that address underlying trauma.
Health Effects—Pregnancy/Perinatal
Habibi Danial, Zaki-Dizaji Majid, Saeedinia Reza et al.. Medicine. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000050289
Summary
Researchers used Mendelian randomization—a method that uses genetic variants to investigate causal relationships—to examine whether smoking directly causes primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), a condition characterized by early loss of ovarian function. The study addresses whether smoking accelerates depletion of the egg supply and contributes to premature menopause, moving beyond observational data to establish a causal link between smoking exposure and reproductive health outcomes in women.
Zeng Xuemin, Ren Dapeng, Liu Ran et al.. Community dental health. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1177/0265539X261476516
Summary
A Mendelian randomization study examined whether maternal smoking during pregnancy causes cleft lip and palate in offspring, overcoming limitations of previous observational research that cannot definitively prove causation. Using genetic analysis to establish causal relationships, this research provides evidence about the direct effects of maternal smoking on this serious congenital condition.
Abedin Farheenara, Das Madhuparna, Bishayi Aratrika et al.. Archives of women’s mental health. 2026 Aug. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1143328
Summary
This meta-analysis and genomics study examined the biological connections between smoking and postpartum depression (PPD), a common mental health condition after childbirth. The research aims to clarify how nicotine addiction and smoking behavior may influence PPD risk through neurobiological pathways, addressing a gap in current evidence about this relationship.
Usman Muhammad, Mazhar Muhammad Uzair, Zafar Amna et al.. Oxford medical case reports. 2026 Aug. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6846e2
Summary
A postpartum patient presented with acute respiratory failure and bilateral lung infiltrates caused by e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of distinguishing EVALI from common postpartum complications and underscores the serious respiratory health risks of vaping, particularly in vulnerable populations during the perinatal period.
Etemadi Shabnam, Talbot Prue. Human reproduction (Oxford, England). 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/humrep/deag126
Summary
Researchers examined whether vanillin, a common flavoring chemical in e-cigarettes, could harm fetal development by studying its effects on human embryonic stem cells at exposure levels relevant to pregnant people who vape. At nanomolar concentrations, vanillin activated TRPV4 channels and disrupted the cells’ pluripotency (ability to develop into multiple cell types), instead promoting differentiation toward endodermal tissues, suggesting potential developmental risks during critical early pregnancy stages.
Health Effects—Respiratory
Grgurević Lovorka, Hrkač Stela, Novak Ruđer et al.. Thoracic cancer. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1111/1759-7714.70382
Summary
This illustrative review examines how cigarette smoking damages lung tissue at the molecular level, leading to three major respiratory conditions: emphysema, lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis. By identifying both shared and distinct biological pathways triggered by smoking exposure, the review provides insights into why smokers develop different types of lung disease and may inform prevention and treatment strategies.
Liu Yu, Xie Wenjuan, Zhou Qijun et al.. The journal of physiological sciences : JPS. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.jphyss.2026.100095
Summary
Researchers investigated how Jinshui Liujun Decoction (JSLJD), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, affects cigarette smoke-induced changes in small airways—a key problem in COPD. The study found that JSLJD may help prevent the structural remodeling of small airways caused by smoking by targeting specific molecular pathways involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for smoke-exposed individuals.
Lin Chia-Chen, Lin Po-Jen, Hsu Yu-Tien et al.. Journal of global health. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/aje/kwac035
Summary
Researchers in Tuvalu examined how smoking and secondhand smoke exposure relate to obesity and obstructive sleep apnoea risk in the population. The study provides evidence on the health consequences of tobacco use in a Pacific Island nation where both smoking and secondhand smoke exposure remain highly prevalent public health concerns.
Hendrickx Diana M, Koppelman Gerard H, Vonk Judith M et al.. Environmental epidemiology (Philadelphia, Pa.). 2026 Oct. doi:10.1097/EE9.0000000000000523
Summary
Researchers examined how smoking and indoor environmental exposures affect lung function development in young adults, a critical period when lungs reach their maximum capacity. The study explores whether early-life smoking and exposure to indoor pollutants reduce peak lung function, which could increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease later in life.
Dolar Andraž, Kononenko Veno, Perc Valentina et al.. Environmental toxicology. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1002/tox.70184
Summary
Researchers compared microplastics released from conventional cigarette butts and heated tobacco devices to understand their potential health impacts, including how environmental exposure to UV light affects these particles. The study examined the toxicological effects of these microplastics to better understand the environmental and health risks posed by different tobacco product waste.
Bartlett Laura G, Azizbayli Yasmin, Tatler Amanda L et al.. Frontiers in toxicology. 2026. doi:10.3390/ijms20184472
Summary
Researchers developed a refined intranasal cigarette smoke extract exposure method in mice to better model how chronic cigarette smoke causes COPD while minimizing animal stress and welfare concerns compared to conventional smoking models. This improved research approach allows scientists to study the immune system changes and lung damage that occur with cigarette smoke exposure, potentially leading to better understanding of COPD development and progression.
Bozaba Mehmet Fuat, Atalay Caner, Kasnak Gökhan et al.. Clinical oral investigations. 2026 Aug. doi:10.3899/jrheum.211115
Summary
Researchers examined whether three biomarkers (HIF-1α, MMP-8, and MMP-9) found in saliva could help diagnose severe periodontitis (gum disease) and whether smoking affects their levels. Heavy cigarette smoking was found to modify these biomarker levels in ways that correlate with more severe forms of periodontitis, suggesting smoking may worsen gum disease through measurable biological changes.
Soni, Sharma Shalini, Srivastava Atul et al.. Biochemical pharmacology. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2026.118355
Summary
Researchers investigated how naltrexone, an opioid antagonist medication, may help reduce airway damage and remodeling in cigarette smoke-induced COPD by affecting nerve signaling and inflammation in the lungs. The study examined the role of neuroimmune interactions—the communication between nerve fibers and immune cells in densely innervated airways—as a potential mechanism underlying COPD progression and obstruction. This research suggests that targeting neurological pathways involved in airway inflammation could represent a novel therapeutic approach to limit structural damage in COPD.
Chaffee B W, Lieuw K, Zhang H et al.. JDR clinical and translational research. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1177/23800844261469532
Summary
Researchers examined whether oral nicotine pouches are associated with periodontal (gum) disease and changes to the oral microbiome in a sample of firefighters. The study evaluated clinical measures of gum health and salivary microbiome composition to determine if nicotine pouch use poses risks to oral health, addressing a gap in evidence about these increasingly popular products.
Shin Gisung, Siddiquee Ali Tanweer, Thomas Robert J et al.. Annals of the American Thoracic Society. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/annalsats/aaoag243
Summary
Researchers examined whether smoking is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common breathing disorder during sleep, using data from middle-aged adults followed over many years. The study found no significant association between smoking and OSA development, suggesting that the previously unclear relationship between these two conditions may depend on factors like the study population and how measurements were taken.
Yazici Nurdan, Tavli Ömerül Faruk, Eroğlu Özkan Esra et al.. Chemistry & biodiversity. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1002/jbt.70212
Summary
Researchers examined whether extracts from Hypericum orientale L. (a plant used in traditional medicine) could protect lung cells from damage caused by cigarette smoke exposure. The study evaluated the plant’s chemical composition and its ability to reduce toxicity and fight respiratory infections in bronchial cells exposed to cigarette smoke.
Indigenous—Tobacco
Soares Érica Novaes, Dos Santos Costa Ana Carla, de Jesus Ferrolho Gabriel et al.. Journal of environmental science and public health. 2026 Sep. doi:10.26502/jesph.96120229
Summary
This research examines the historical and traditional use of tobacco among Indigenous peoples in Brazil and explores potential therapeutic applications of nicotine for treating Parkinson’s disease, a neurological condition that has doubled in global prevalence over the past 25 years. The study investigates ethnic variations in Parkinson’s disease outcomes and considers how ethnographic knowledge of tobacco use could inform new medical approaches to managing this increasingly common disorder.
Booth Kade, Collis Felicity, Maddox Raglan et al.. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntag182
Summary
This cross-sectional study compared characteristics of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who vape, smoke commercial tobacco, or use both products among participants in the Which Way? Quit Pack study who wanted to quit. The research identifies distinct profiles and needs across these tobacco use patterns within Indigenous populations, which can inform tailored cessation approaches for this group.
Policy—Marketing/Advertising
Jongenelis Michelle I, Li Runze, Cook Gemma et al.. American journal of health promotion : AJHP. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1177/08901171261483783
Summary
Researchers examined vaping prevention advertisements to determine whether they incorporated evidence-based communication strategies. This analysis provides insights into current advertising approaches and identifies gaps where public health campaigns could strengthen their effectiveness in reducing youth vaping through better-informed messaging strategies.
Li Ming Milano, Zhang Tony Huiquan, Zhao Xinshu. Health communication. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1080/10410236.2026.2715767
Summary
Using social media for health information was associated with greater support for tobacco control policies among people with a family history of cancer, with cancer worry playing a key role in this relationship. The strength of this association varied depending on whether individuals were smokers or non-smokers, suggesting that smoking status influences how health-related social media exposure affects policy support.
Puljević Cheneal, Meciar Isabel, Lai Germaine et al.. Tobacco control. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1136/tc-2025-059734
SR
Summary
This scoping review examined public education and mass media campaigns across different countries that aimed to discourage the purchase and sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products. The review identified and summarized the characteristics of these campaigns to understand what approaches are being used internationally to combat illicit trade in tobacco and nicotine products. This research helps identify evidence-based messaging strategies and campaign features that may be effective in reducing demand for illicit tobacco and vaping products.
Policy—Regulation
D’Souza-Rushton Gail C, Bordner Candace R, Allen Sophia I et al.. Tobacco use insights. 2026. doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-057190
Summary
Long-term adult e-cigarette users were interviewed about their beliefs and attitudes toward FDA regulation of e-cigarettes. This qualitative study provides insights into how current users view regulatory approaches to e-cigarettes, which can inform policy discussions about balancing product regulation with user perspectives.
Chakraborty Rishika, Wang Yan, Yang Y Tony et al.. Journal of public health management and practice : JPHMP. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2011-050145
Summary
This study examined how state laws that prevent local governments from enacting their own youth tobacco access regulations affect cigarette purchasing patterns and spending across US counties from 2004-2021. The research provides evidence on whether state preemption of local tobacco control laws influences cigarette consumption and expenditures, offering insights into the effectiveness of local versus state-level regulatory approaches to youth tobacco access.
Policy—Taxation/Pricing
Minh Hoang Van, Anh Tran Tuan, Tuyet Hanh Tran Thi et al.. Tobacco use insights. 2026. doi:10.1002/app5.222
Summary
This research examined how cigarette affordability affects smoking intensity in Vietnam between 2020 and 2024, a period when rapid economic growth has outpaced increases in excise taxes. The study compared the relative impact of absolute cigarette expenditure versus affordability measures on smoking consumption patterns across different demographic groups, providing evidence on whether pricing policies are keeping pace with economic changes to reduce tobacco use.
Satybaldiyeva Nora, Schleicher Nina C, Prochaska Judith J et al.. Addiction (Abingdon, England). 2026 Aug. doi:10.1111/add.70569
Summary
This study examined price comparisons between oral nicotine pouches (ONPs), particularly the leading Zyn brand, and cigarettes in the United States, where ONP sales tripled between 2021 and 2024. Understanding the relative pricing of these products is important for public health policy, as price differences may influence whether smokers switch to ONPs or how accessible these newer nicotine products are compared to traditional cigarettes.
Protection—Secondhand/Thirdhand Smoke
Larcombe Alexander N. Pediatric research. 2026 Aug. doi:10.20517/jeea.2024.27
Summary
E-cigarette aerosol leaves residues on indoor surfaces (third-hand e-cigarette aerosol) that can be re-emitted, ingested, or absorbed, posing potential risks to infants and children. Despite the common perception that e-cigarettes are safer than tobacco and acceptable to use around children, these residual deposits may pose developmental risks to the lungs of young people. The findings suggest that ‘vape-free’ environments should be treated with similar precaution as smoke-free environments to protect children’s respiratory health.
Other / Uncategorized
Ihara Daisuke, Kato Yuna, Tabuchi Akiko. Drug discoveries & therapeutics. 2026 Aug. doi:10.5582/ddt.2026.01034
Summary
Researchers examined how nicotine affects gene expression in the mouse brain when kainate receptors are activated, finding that nicotine selectively blocked the production of certain genes (Arc and junB) while leaving others (c-fos and egr1) unchanged. This suggests nicotine has complex, selective effects on how different genes are expressed in brain cells, which may help explain some of nicotine’s neurological impacts at the molecular level.
Schriemer Daniel, Lovejoy Travis I, Pal Natassja et al.. Substance use & misuse. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1080/10826084.2026.2715771
Summary
Researchers examined whether the ASSIST screening tool’s standard cutoff scores for identifying moderate cannabis use risk are appropriate for U.S. military veterans with chronic pain who use cannabis medically. The study aimed to establish more suitable risk thresholds for this specific population, as the established cutoffs may not accurately reflect problematic use patterns among medical cannabis users.
Alizadehgharib Sara, Östberg Anna-Karin, Lehrkinder Anna et al.. Clinical oral investigations. 2026 Aug. doi:10.3109/00016358309162303
Jannis Hansa, Hiltrud Merzenich, Ingo Langner et al.. International journal of hygiene and environmental health. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.ijheh.2026.114890
Summary
This study re-analyzed data from German workers occupationally exposed to titanium dioxide dust to clarify whether this workplace exposure increases lung cancer mortality risk. The research provides new insights by accounting for smoking status, an important factor that was missing from previous analyses of this worker population.
Poletti Sarah, Stack Margaret, Hoh Eunha et al.. ACS ES&T water. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1136/tc-2022-057795
Summary
Cigarette butts, particularly their cellulose acetate filters, release toxic tobacco-derived chemicals into aquatic environments. Researchers found that both unsmoked and machine-smoked cigarette filters leach harmful compounds into water, raising concerns about water pollution from discarded cigarettes. This research highlights an often-overlooked environmental health pathway through which tobacco product waste contaminates water systems.
Ahmad Munib, Ullah Uzair, Ateeq Muhammad et al.. Journal of environmental management. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130629
Summary
Researchers evaluated how different cigar tobacco varieties respond to salty soil conditions, examining the physiological and cellular mechanisms that allow some plants to tolerate high salinity. This agricultural research aims to identify salt-tolerant tobacco varieties that could support sustainable cultivation in saline environments, addressing soil salinity as a threat to tobacco crop productivity globally.
Dao Matthew Q, Kim Anika Y, Wang Sarah et al.. Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.burns.2026.108175
Liu Shasha, Yuan Yawen, Yu Xin et al.. Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1021/acs.langmuir.6c02074
Summary
Researchers used computer simulations to study how nicotine and cotinine (nicotine’s breakdown product) interact with cell membranes at the molecular level. The study provides detailed information about how these alkaloids penetrate and affect membrane structures, which could help explain their toxic effects on cells. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how nicotine and its metabolites affect human biology.
Zhang Xuesong, Cao Yixue, Wang Jilong et al.. Analytical chemistry. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1021/acs.analchem.6c03846
Summary
Researchers developed an advanced mass spectrometry technique that can detect nicotine and caffeine in individual hair samples with spatial mapping capabilities. This method shows potential as a tool for verifying substance use and monitoring medication adherence, though the technique still requires further refinement to overcome current limitations.
Schulc Martin, Stoklasa Josef, Krása Antonín et al.. Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1016/j.apradiso.2026.112850
Summary
Cigarette ash samples from five countries (Albania, India, Egypt, Malaysia, and Vietnam) were analyzed using neutron activation analysis to measure the presence and concentration of essential and toxic trace elements. This research provides data on the elemental composition of cigarette ash, which may have implications for understanding smoke exposure and environmental contamination from cigarette consumption across different regions.
Tang Qi, He Ziliang, Wang Shihan et al.. Applied and environmental microbiology. 2026 Aug. doi:10.1128/aem.01130-26
Summary
Researchers studied how two regulatory proteins (NdpR and NdpR2) work together to control nicotine degradation in a bacterium called Sphingomonas melonis TY. The findings reveal a hierarchical control system where NdpR directly regulates NdpR2, establishing a multi-layered cascade that coordinates the breakdown of nicotine. While focused on bacterial genetics, this research contributes to understanding nicotine metabolism at the molecular level.
News Articles 15

Recent tobacco and vaping coverage from news sources.

▶ Browse 15 news articles

RFK Jr. praises nicotine as tech companies hand it to workersBoing Boing2026-08-03

The conspiracy theorist overseeing U.S. health policy wants to rehabilitate nicotine.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called nicotine pouches “probab…

Is Gen Z actually smoking more? An investigationScientific American2026-08-07

Smoking in movies and TV is up, and “cigfluencers” have become a thing, but lags in data make it unclear if the vibe shift has any reality to it…

Vaping Is an AddictionPsychology Today2026-08-20

Learn why it’s hard to quit vaping and which treatments are most effective. Plus, a look at how families, schools, and communities can support recovery and protect young people.…

Smoking was supposed to be fading away. Why are young people embracing it again?Scientific American2026-08-07

Smoking rates remain low, but experts say social media, stress and shifting attitudes could be fueling a cigarette revival…

Vapes could lead to health harms in children, doctors warnBBC News2026-08-20

A Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has published a report with concerns vaping is a gateway to smoking…

‘Bad Smoke’ protest song stands up to tobacco industryABC News (AU)2026-08-06

Smoking is the most preventable cause of death for First Nations people. This protest song by Tackling Indigenous Smoking Workers and ARIA-winning artists wants to change that.…

Australia divided over how to tackle illegal tobacco crisisABC News (AU)2026-08-09

After decades as a world leader in tobacco control, Australia now finds itself in troubled waters. But those trying to find solutions are far from on the same page.…

Yani Neko Pulled From Streaming in Hong Kong for Violating Anti-Smoking LawSankakucomplex.com2026-08-20

Yani Neko has been removed from a streaming service in Hong Kong after health authorities determined its smoking depictions could constitute prohibited tobacco promotion. On August…

Yani Neko Pulled From Streaming in Hong Kong for Violating Anti-Smoking LawSankakucomplex.com2026-08-20

Yani Neko has been removed from a streaming service in Hong Kong after health authorities determined its smoking depictions could constitute prohibited tobacco promotion. On August…

One Nation wants to cut the tobacco tax. Would that curb the illicit cigarette market?The Conversation Africa2026-08-19

A 75% cut in tobacco tax won’t make cigarettes as cheap as you might think. Here’s what really helps smokers in a cost of living crisis.…

A Neighbor Switched to Vaping After He Complained About Smoking—but It’s Still Ruining His HealthTwistedsifter.com2026-08-16

This guy’s living situation is causing him a lot of stress…
The post A Neighbor Switched to Vaping After He Complained About Smoking—but It’s Still Ruining His Health appeared fi…

Josh Homme Defies $10,000 Smoking Fine at Ford FieldConsequence.net2026-08-10

The Queens of the Stone Age frontman also blasted overpriced drinks, scalpers, corporations, and Flock cameras during his rant.
Josh Homme Defies $10,000 Smoking Fine at Ford Field…

New law could see young people barred from buying vapes and cigarettesThe Irish Times2026-08-09

Government considering ban for anyone born after certain date…

Nicotine pouches can be marketed as ‘lower risk’ than cigarettes. Is that dangerous?NPR2026-08-05

The FDA allowed some Zyn nicotine pouches to be marketed as “lower risk” than cigarettes. Public health experts agree they can help current smokers, but worry young people may beco…

Pauline Hanson reveals her bold plan to make cigarettes cheaper in Australia: ‘Labor’s policy is failing’Dailymail.com2026-08-18

One Nation has unveiled their plan to smash illegal tobacco gangs.…
Ontario Tobacco Research Unit
Current Abstracts is a monthly research digest produced by OTRU  ·  otru.org
Automated literature search via PubMed  ·  AI-assisted categorization and summarization  ·  Hot Topics identified via Reddit community engagement  ·  Editorial review recommended before publication.

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