A recent study by USC researchers reveals that nicotine pouch usage among U.S. high school students nearly doubled from 2023 to 2024, with 5.4% of teens reporting use in 2024 compared to 3.0% in 2023. This rise, particularly among male, non-Hispanic white, and rural teens, highlights a growing public health concern, prompting calls from organizations like the American Heart Association for increased regulation. Experts emphasize the need for targeted prevention strategies as the long-term health effects of these products remain largely unknown.

About The Study: In this cross-sectional study, commercial nontobacco nicotine use in U.S. 10th and 12th graders shifted from 2023 to 2024, marked by a doubling in nicotine pouch past-30-day use, an increase in pouch plus e-cigarette dual use, and a decrease in exclusive e-cigarette use. Prioritizing surveillance, regulation, and prevention addressing pediatric nicotine pouch use warrants consideration.

About The Study: Exposure to high levels of smoke pollution was associated with an increase in hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in this cohort study. These findings underscore the need for interventions to mitigate the health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure.

A team of researchers led by Dr. Rod Bremner at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health in Toronto, has made a significant breakthrough in understanding cancer susceptibility. Their study, published in the latest issue of Nature, reveals that the total cell cycle length (Tc) is a critical predictor of susceptibility to cancer caused by oncogenic mutations.

Depression, schizophrenia and other mental health conditions affect 1 in 4 people in their lifetime, but mechanisms underlying these conditions are poorly understood. New research led by researchers at the University of Bristol has linked the body’s immune response with schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and bipolar disorder. The study demonstrates mental health conditions might be affected by the whole body as well as changes in the brain. The findings could pave the way for better treatments of some mental health conditions.

Simultaneous bariatric surgery and liver transplant for patients who are severely obese is safe and improves long-term health outcomes, according to a recent Mayo Clinic study. This combined approach offers a needed solution for these patients who are often denied a lifesaving liver transplant due to their weight.