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·June 30, 2019·1 min read

Smoking cigarettes linked to negative personality changes

Using the Big Five model of personality traits, researchers found smokers were more likely to experience an increase in neuroticism over time. Quitting smoking did not have an impact on altering the negative personality traits.

This shows a young person surrounded by smoke

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 5, 2019·2 min read

Tobacco increases risk of schizophrenia and psychosis

Meta-analysis finds a two-fold increased risk of developing schizophrenia and psychosis amongst those who smoke tobacco. Researchers speculate nicotine is most likely responsible for the link. They suggest future research looks at the link between e-cigarettes and a possible increased risk of psychosis in young adults, the largest consumer group for the products.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 31, 2019·4 min read

Novel study links fetal exposure to nicotine and sudden infant death syndrome

In utero exposure to nicotine could increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, researchers report. The findings raise concerns about both smoking and the use of nicotine replacement therapies during pregnancy.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 27, 2019·3 min read

Smoking and Alcohol: Double Trouble for the Brain

A new study reports those with alcohol addiction who also smoke may be at an increased risk of neural damage. The study revealed higher levels of oxidative stress in the hippocampus, and a a decrease in neurotrophic factor in the striatum and frontal cortex in rats exposed to both alcohol and tobacco.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 26, 2019·4 min read

Smoking During Pregnancy Increases ADHD Risk 3 Fold

A new study links prenatal smoking with a significantly increased risk of a child developing ADHD later in life. The study found higher cotinine levels in the mother's blood during pregnancy increased the risk of her child being diagnosed with ADHD three fold.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Visual Neuroscience

·February 18, 2019·3 min read

Heavy Smoking Can Damage Vision

A new study reports those who smoke 20 or more cigarettes a day have a reduced ability to discriminate contrast and colors compared to non smokers.

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·January 25, 2019·4 min read

Tobacco Use in Adolescence Tied to Paranoia, Due Largely to Shared Genetic Influences

Researchers have discovered a link between teenage tobacco use and an increased risk of psychotic experiences, such as paranoia and hallucinations. They report this may be due, in part, to some shared genetic influences.

Featured Genetics

·January 15, 2019·4 min read

Hundreds of Genes Affecting Tobacco and Alcohol Use Identified

Researchers have identified over 500 genetic variants which affect the use of, and addiction to, alcohol and tobacco.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·January 11, 2019·4 min read

Binge Eating and Smoking Linked to Bullying and Abuse

Study reports people who experience bullying or abuse have a lower quality of life comparable to those living with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or depression. The study also reports those who are abused are more likely to develop harmful behaviors such as smoking or binge eating.

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·January 8, 2019·4 min read

Different Brain Areas Linked to Smoking and Drinking Behaviors

A new study reveals researchers have identified areas of the brain which are different in those who regularly smoke and drink alcohol. Researchers discovered the medial orbitofrontal cortex, an area of the brain implicated in reward, has higher functional connectivity in drinkers. In those who smoke, the lateral orbiotfrontal cortex, an area of the brain linked to impulsive behavior, has lower functional connectivity. The study suggests nicotine may increase overall brain connectivity, which may lead to increased smoking behaviors.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 7, 2019·3 min read

Brain Imaging Predicts Response to Public Health Campaign

A new neuroimaging study helps researchers predict the response people will have to public health campaigns. The study may help epidemiologists design campaigns to help change people's attitudes and behaviors.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 2, 2019·5 min read

Higher Levels of Nicotine May Help Smokers Quit

Researchers report allowing smokers to dictate their nicotine intake while trying to quit makes them more likely to succeed. Results suggest most smokers who use nicotine replacement medications can tolerate doses that are four times higher than normally recommended.