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Category: Science & Innovation

  • FDA Releases Wave 8 PATH Study Data

    FDA Releases Wave 8 PATH Study Data

    New Wave 8 Restricted-Use Files from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study are now available from FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products and NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse. The PATH Study is a household-based, nationally representative, longitudinal study of adults and youth (12-17 years old) in the United States. The study was launched in 2011 to inform FDA’s regulatory activities under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

    These Wave 8 files contain data collected between January 2024 and December 2024, including questionnaire data, location characteristics data, and state identifier data. The PATH Study Restricted-Use Files have been updated to include tobacco product Universal Product Code data and Ever/Never reference data for all participants with updated Master Linkage Files. Researchers are encouraged to submit a request to obtain access.

    In addition to these newly released data files, researchers may also request access to all currently available Biomarker Restricted-Use Files. Data and documentation from the Public-Use Files are also available for download with updated Master Linkage Files.

    Questions about the collection, content, weighting, documentation, or structure of PATH Study data may be submitted to PATHDataUserQuestions@Westat.com.

  • Researchers Map Final Steps of Nicotine Biosynthesis

    Researchers Map Final Steps of Nicotine Biosynthesis

    Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences identified the complete biochemical pathway responsible for nicotine formation in wild tobacco, publishing the findings in Cell. Led by Prof. Li Dapeng, the work clarifies long-unknown steps in nicotine’s biosynthesis and provides new insight into how plants build complex alkaloids, with potential implications for synthetic biology and controlled production of high-value natural compounds.

    Working in Nicotiana attenuata, the researchers uncovered a five-enzyme “dynamic metabolon” that coordinates the final assembly, stabilization, and transport of nicotine inside plant cells. Using multi-omics analysis, the group identified key enzymes and a transporter that enable a tightly controlled glycosylation and deglycosylation process, allowing the plant to safely produce and store nicotine without self-toxicity.

  • Acupuncture Featured as Cessation Tool  

    Acupuncture Featured as Cessation Tool  

    Acupuncture for smoking cessation was highlighted as a promising non-pharmacological intervention at the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Development Forum, where experts promoted acupoint stimulation as a way to reduce nicotine cravings without medication. The forum, focused on standardizing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technologies and strengthening primary healthcare, brought together specialists from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao to discuss scalable TCM practices.

    Paulo do Lago Comandante, chairman of the Macau Association of Researchers, Practitioners and Promoters of Chinese Medicine, said such techniques are “simple, convenient, affordable, and effective,” and can help integrate TCM more deeply into frontline care. Speakers framed acupuncture-based cessation support as part of a broader push to formalize and expand TCM methods across community health systems in the Greater Bay Area.

  • Dutch Study: Supermarket Sales Ban Dropped Smoking 1%

    Dutch Study: Supermarket Sales Ban Dropped Smoking 1%

    A study by SEO Economic Research estimates that the Netherlands’ ban on tobacco sales in supermarkets, mini-markets, and night shops from July 1, 2024, led to 23,000 fewer smokers by year-end, about a 1% drop nationwide. The reduction in outlets cut the number of tobacco sales points within 250 meters of homes by half, with 47% of those who quit living in vulnerable neighborhoods, suggesting the measure helped narrow health disparities.

    Researchers found smoking likelihood falls 6% when no outlet is within 250 meters, while overall outlet numbers dropped 60%, forcing consumers to travel 1.5 times farther on average. The findings were welcomed by KWF Kankerbestrijding, which is urging further reductions in retail availability amid growth in standalone tobacco specialty shops.

  • KMI Study Examines Lung Risks and Smoking Habits

    KMI Study Examines Lung Risks and Smoking Habits

    A large health data analysis by the Korea Medical Institute (KMI) examined the effects of traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and dual use and their impact on higher rates of metabolic syndrome and declining lung function. The study, part of KMI’s “Health Big Data Series,” analyzed medical check-up data from about 3 million individuals screened at eight centers across South Korea and compared health outcomes by smoking type and cumulative exposure measured in pack-years, a metric defined by the National Cancer Institute.

    Among men, metabolic syndrome prevalence increased from 21.5% in non-smokers to 29.9% in current smokers, reaching 31.2% among conventional cigarette users and 30.8% among dual users. Among women, overall prevalence was 10.7% among non-smokers and 12.6% among current smokers. By smoking type, the rate reached 15.8% among conventional cigarette users and 12.1% among dual users.

    Risks also rose with cumulative exposure, climbing to 36% among men with more than 20 pack-years of smoking and 22% for women. Lung function impairment was recorded in 23.4% of men and 21.5% of women, rising sharply among heavy smokers. The study also found smoking patterns shifting, with the share of male lifetime non-smokers rising from 36.7% in 2022 to 39.7% in 2025, while e-cigarette-only use increased from 7.8% to 10%. Researchers noted the findings are based on anonymized screening data and may not fully represent the national population.

  • Tech Hopes to Get Zimbabwean Tobacco Farmers Paid in Minutes

    Tech Hopes to Get Zimbabwean Tobacco Farmers Paid in Minutes

    Tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe are now expected to receive payment within 30 minutes of concluding sales as the 2026 marketing season opens March 4, a major technological advancement for the sector. Traditionally, growers faced delays of up to two days or more under Statutory Instrument 77 of 2022, but a fully integrated digital system linking the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) platform to auction floors allows real-time tracking of every bale, instant dispute resolution, and rapid electronic payment confirmation. Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos said the system sets a new benchmark for agricultural efficiency, encouraging more farmers to participate, including in dryer regions of Matabeleland. Operators at the Tobacco Sales Floor (TSF), Premier Tobacco Auction Floor (PTAF), and Ethical Sales Floor (ESF) confirmed readiness, with upgraded logistics, bank integrations, and biometric systems to curb side marketing and enhance traceability, while TIMB strengthened online monitoring to ensure transparency and smooth operations throughout the season.

  • Haypp Releases New Guidance on Nicotine Pouches

    Haypp Releases New Guidance on Nicotine Pouches

    Online nicotine retailer Haypp has voluntarily adopted a 20 mg per pouch cap across its e-commerce platforms and is urging the UK government to formalize that as the limit as it develops a regulatory framework under its Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The company, which serves more than 1.1 million customers globally, says proportionate limits would protect consumers while preserving nicotine pouches as a viable reduced-risk alternative to cigarettes. Dr. Marina Murphy, Haypp’s senior director of scientific affairs, said a 20 mg maximum provides a nicotine experience comparable to smoking without enabling “ultra-strength” products to proliferate, with some reportedly containing up to 150 mg per pouch.

  • UK Awards Contract for Vaping Duty Stamps Program

    UK Awards Contract for Vaping Duty Stamps Program

    SICPA, a Swiss private technology company that specializes in digital sovereignty and secure public services, announced that it, along with partner Cartor Security Printers, received the contract from His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs to deliver a secure tax stamp and track-and-trace system for vape products in the UK.

    Selected following a multistage procurement process launched in July 2025, the consortium secured a five-year contract, with an option for a one-year extension, after a detailed technical and financial evaluation. The system will be introduced in phases, beginning with a transitional duty stamp in April, followed by an enhanced stamp integrated with a full track-and-trace solution from October.

    Cartor will produce the tax stamps with core physical security features, while SICPA will add advanced material and digital protections, manage coding and the T&T platform, and oversee stakeholder registration, stamp ordering and payments, and compliance monitoring across the vape supply chain. Digital market intelligence tools, enforcement audit devices, and consumer verification applications will further support the detection of fraud and counterfeit activity.

  • Study Warns Gen Z Getting Misinformation on Smoking, Vaping

    Study Warns Gen Z Getting Misinformation on Smoking, Vaping

    Declining smoking rates in the UK have been partly attributed to smokers switching to vaping, with daily smoking falling from 20.2% in 2011 to 9.1% in 2024, according to NHS data. However, growing misperceptions about the relative risks of vaping may be undermining that progress, particularly among younger adults. A long-term study by University College London found that the proportion of smokers who believed e-cigarettes were less harmful than cigarettes dropped from 44% in 2014 to 27% in 2023, while a majority came to believe vaping is as harmful or more harmful than smoking. Separate research from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) reported that 56% of adults and 63% of young people now hold that view.

    Markus Lindblad, head of external affairs at Haypp, argues that sustained negative media coverage and online misinformation are contributing to confusion about relative risk, potentially discouraging smokers from switching to alternatives. He contends that for Gen Z—who may have had less exposure to traditional anti-smoking campaigns—frequent warnings about vaping, combined with less visible messaging about the harms of combustible tobacco, may distort perceptions. Public health bodies including the Royal College of Physicians have previously called for clearer communication to address false beliefs about nicotine alternatives, while continuing to support enforcement measures to curb youth uptake.

    “For Gen Z, who may not have had the same exposure to anti-smoking information as previous generations, they are encountering negative information about vapes far more frequently than negative information about cigarettes,” Lindblad said. “It is unsurprising, then, that their understanding of the relative risk between vapes and cigarettes is inaccurate.”

  • Imperial Partners with Capgemini to Boost Technology

    Imperial Partners with Capgemini to Boost Technology

    Imperial Brands announced a long-term global partnership with technology and consulting firm Capgemini to support its 2030 strategy focused on strengthening consumer engagement, improving sales execution, and becoming a “more agile, data-driven business.” The collaboration will provide access to advanced analytics, AI tools, and technology services, with initial plans including consultations on transferring finance, procurement, and supply chain teams in Poland to Capgemini.

    Imperial said the partnership is designed to accelerate innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and support its transformation into a “stronger challenger brand,” with further updates expected at its half-year results in May.

    “Our approach is about getting ever closer to our consumers and customers, focusing on our biggest opportunities and investing for agility,” said Lukas Paravicini, CEO of Imperial Brands. “Our new partnership with Capgemini will accelerate our development. It will deliver a step-up in our consumer insights and sales execution, improve our innovation capabilities, and free our people to focus on the activities which create most value.”