Category: Science & Innovation

  • Australian Study Finds Vaping Triples Quit Rate for Smokers

    Australian Study Finds Vaping Triples Quit Rate for Smokers

    A clinical trial by Australia’s National Drug and Alcohol Research Center (NDARC) at the University of New South Wales found that nicotine vapes are significantly more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) like gum or lozenges in helping low-income adults quit smoking.

    The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, followed over 1,000 daily smokers receiving government financial assistance. Participants were randomly assigned vaping products or nicotine gum/lozenges for eight weeks, along with motivational text messages.

    At the six-month mark, 28.4% of vape users had successfully quit smoking compared to 9.6% of those using gum or lozenges. However, the study also noted that 58% of quitters were still using vapes after six months, underscoring the need for ongoing cessation support to eventually wean off vaping as well.

    Lead researcher Dr. Ryan Courtney said the study’s real-world design — allowing participants to choose their own vape devices and e-liquid flavors — contributed to the impressive quit rates.

  • South Korea Expands Use of Mobile ID for Tobacco Purchases

    South Korea Expands Use of Mobile ID for Tobacco Purchases

    In response to a growing number of young adults who carry only smartphones, the South Korean government is promoting the use of its certified mobile identification card for verifying age when purchasing alcohol and tobacco. The mobile ID holds the same legal status as a physical card, and officials say it could boost small business sales by making age verification easier and more accessible.

    The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and HiteJinro announced a campaign in Seoul’s Seocho district to raise awareness among retailers. The initiative includes 1.5 million bottles of Soju labeled with mobile ID promotion and guides for store owners on verifying ID authenticity using anti-counterfeiting features like animated backgrounds and tilt-responsive effects.

    Starting late July, mobile ID access will expand beyond Samsung Wallet to include platforms like KB Star Banking, Naver, NH AllOne Bank, Toss, and KakaoBank.

  • Haypp Partners to Age-Verify Online Sales

    Haypp Partners to Age-Verify Online Sales

    Haypp Group has partnered with Veratad Technologies, a global leader in identity verification, to implement a next-generation compliance system on Haypp’s U.S. e-commerce platforms, Nicokick.com and Northerner.com. The partnership integrates Veratad’s advanced real-time age and identity verification tools to strengthen youth access prevention and regulatory compliance, while maintaining a fast, seamless shopping experience for adult consumers.

    “Age and identity verification isn’t just a compliance checkbox — it’s a fundamental part of who we are as a brand and our ongoing commitment to being a responsible retailer,” said Peter Grafström, President of Haypp Group US. “With Veratad’s technology, we’ve strengthened our position as a trusted leader while launching a best-in-class solution at scale. This is just the beginning and we’re excited about what’s ahead.”

    Haypp operates in seven international markets and sees this move as a major step in its commitment to being a compliance-first, trusted retailer in a fast-changing industry.

  • Study: Nicotine Loop Inhibits Dopamine, Induces Anxiety in Mice

    Study: Nicotine Loop Inhibits Dopamine, Induces Anxiety in Mice

    A recent study published on Nature.com explored how nicotine and ethanol influence dopaminergic activity and anxiety-related behavior through electrophysiology, optogenetics, and behavioral assays in mice. Researchers in France extracted neuronal currents from patch-clamp recordings, identifying signals significantly above noise levels and assessing peak responses following nicotine puffs or optogenetic stimulation. Juxtacellular and whole-cell recorded neurons were post-hoc identified via TH immunohistochemistry to confirm their dopaminergic phenotype.

    Mice showed altered time spent in open arms or traveled distances depending on drug and light conditions. Neuronal firing responses to nicotine and ethanol were quantified in vivo, classifying neurons as excited or inhibited based on significant deviations from baseline, identified using bootstrapping and spike interval shuffling. Correlation analyses explored how ethanol and nicotine modulate overlapping VTA dopamine neuron populations.

    The results highlight the nuanced, bidirectional modulation of VTA dopamine neurons by nicotine and ethanol, with implications for understanding reward, anxiety, and substance co-use.

    Read the entire study here.

  • Study: Vape and Nicotine Replacements Help People Quit Smoking

    Study: Vape and Nicotine Replacements Help People Quit Smoking

    A new clinical trial led by Flinders University in Australia found that offering a variety of nicotine replacement therapies—including vapes—alongside behavioral support significantly helps people leaving rehab stay smoke-free.

    The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, tracked over 360 adults exiting detox programs. Participants received either 12 weeks of vapes or traditional nicotine therapies like patches and gum, plus Quitline counseling. After nine months, 10% of both groups remained smoke-free, deemed a success for a population with typically high-smoking and low-quit rates.

    Lead author Billie Bonevski said the findings highlight the need to integrate smoking cessation fully into addiction recovery, noting that the type of nicotine aid matters less than consistent support and choice.

  • Truth Initiative Warns Smoking Depictions Threaten Real Decline

    Truth Initiative Warns Smoking Depictions Threaten Real Decline

    According to Truth Initiative’s latest While You Were Streaming report, tobacco depictions in movies jumped by 70% in 2023, which was the first increase since 2020. Meanwhile, 70% of binge-watched shows popular with 15- to 24-year-olds featured tobacco use, according to the seventh-annual report.

    “While youth vaping is down, on-screen tobacco imagery threatens to undo that progress,” said Dr. Jessica Rath, senior vice president of the Truth Initiative Schroeder Institute. “Young people deserve content and on-screen resources that support their well-being — not imagery that makes them more likely to start smoking or vaping.”

    Widespread tobacco imagery, often portrayed as edgy, rebellious, or cool, risks normalizing nicotine use and slowing the current positive momentum in prevention,” the report said. “In 2023 alone, nearly 17 million young people were exposed to streaming shows that featured tobacco. Research from Truth Initiative shows that the more young people see tobacco imagery while binge-watching, the more likely they are to report intentions to vape or smoke in the future.”

  • Haypp Survey Tracks UK Nicotine Pouch Explosion

    Haypp Survey Tracks UK Nicotine Pouch Explosion

    According to research by Haypp, the UK nicotine pouch market grew 95% between 2023 and 2024, spurred by the recent ban on disposable vapes. The perceived social acceptability of pouches compared to other products also appears to be a factor driving the market growth, as 78% of nicotine pouch users surveyed believed that nicotine pouches were socially acceptable, compared to 30% who felt vapes were socially acceptable, and 13% who believed cigarettes were socially acceptable. 

    According to survey respondents, the main advantages of pouches compared to other nicotine products are that they are discreet (68%), they feel healthier (64%), and they do not affect others (54%). 

    Based on survey responses, the typical first-time user of nicotine pouches is 33 years old. Only 3% of those surveyed report having started using nicotine pouches before the age of 18. The research also found 57% of UK nicotine pouch users say they began using pouches as a way to quit smoking and 27% to transition from other nicotine products, primarily vapes.

    “These results suggest that while the nicotine pouch market is growing rapidly, users are typically a more mature demographic that value the more discreet nature of the product,” Markus Lindblad, director of Haypp, said. “It is also notable that many people have started using pouches to transition away from vaping. This could become an important trend in the UK’s drive to go smoke-free while introducing ever stricter regulations on vaping.”

  • Study: (Non-FDA-Approved) Vapes Emit More Toxic Metals Than Cigarettes

    Study: (Non-FDA-Approved) Vapes Emit More Toxic Metals Than Cigarettes

    A study from UC Davis, published in ACS Central Science, raised alarms about the safety of popular disposable e-cigarettes, revealing that some devices emit higher levels of toxic metals—notably lead, nickel, and antimony—than traditional cigarettes. Tests confirmed that toxic metals stemmed from leaded bronze components and degrading heating coils, with early detection of antimony even in unused e-liquids.

    Researchers tested seven disposable devices across three major brands—Elfbar, Flum Pebble, and Esco, which are not FDA-authorized for use in the U.S. but are widely sold by retailers—simulating 500–1,500 puffs per device. The report said one device released more lead in a single day’s use than nearly 20 packs of cigarettes. Four of the devices emitted nickel and lead at levels surpassing safety thresholds for neurological and respiratory damage. Two exceeded cancer risk limits due to antimony content.

  • Study: Nicotine Pouches “Game-Changer” for Women Quitting Smoking

    Study: Nicotine Pouches “Game-Changer” for Women Quitting Smoking

    New research from Smoke Free Sweden reveals oral nicotine pouches are a game-changer in Sweden’s path to becoming the world’s first smoke-free nation – and are driving unprecedented success among women. The report, Power in a Pouch, launched today (June 17) in Strasbourg, shows since their introduction in 2016, tobacco-free pouches have helped to accelerate the decline in smoking for both genders, with a nearly 200% rise in quit rates among women. Sweden’s smoking rate is now 5.3%, just above the 5% smoke-free benchmark. Male lung cancer deaths are 61% below the EU average; total cancer deaths, 34% lower.

    “The evidence is crystal clear: nicotine pouches are the most effective way to help smokers – especially women – quit,” said report co-author Dr. Marewa Glover, a behavioral scientist from New Zealand. “Health data and women’s testimonials show pouches are safe, socially acceptable, and fit modern lifestyles. They’re pragmatic, effective, and our best hope for a smoke-free future.”

  • blu Vapes Help Smokers Cut Down, New Studies Find

    blu Vapes Help Smokers Cut Down, New Studies Find

    New research from Imperial Brands shows that its vape product, blu, is helping adult smokers reduce or quit smoking—even among those who had no plans to stop.

    Two behavioral studies tracked smokers who started using blu and found cigarette use dropped by nearly 30% within a week. At a six-month follow-up, up to 40% had significantly reduced or stopped smoking altogether. Flavors played a key role in the switch, with nearly 29% of users preferring fruit flavors, and 60% saying they’d keep using blu because of the flavor options.

    “This is potentially very positive news for public health,” said Elizabeth Clarke, Imperial’s Scientific Substantiation Lead.

    The findings will be presented at the Global Forum on Nicotine 2025 in Warsaw this week and submitted for academic publication later this year.