Researchers have identified 35 genes associated with cannabis use. The study reports many of these genes are also associated with personality types, risk taking behavior, alcohol and tobacco use, and some psychiatric conditions.
Mitochondrial CYP2D6 may be a powerful target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease induced by MPTP.
Researchers have released data from the world's largest brain and body scanning study.
Children who were prenatally exposed to cannabis had a thicker prefrontal cortex than those who were not exposed to the drug while their mothers were pregnant.
Researchers have identified over 500 genetic variants which affect the use of, and addiction to, alcohol and tobacco.
Legalized recreational marijuana may spell bad news for the alcohol industry, but not tobacco. A new study reports in states where the recreational use of marijuana is legal, internet searchers for alcohol-related products dropped by 11%, but tobacco-related searchers increased by 8%.
While researchers report the risk of developing psychosis from cannabis use is relatively small, those who use the drug and already suffer from schizophrenia may notice their condition worsen.
Smokers may have reduced neuroimmune function compared to their non-smoking peers. Researchers report restoring the immune system may benefit smokers. Immune dysfunction is linked to cognitive dysfunction.
A new study reports teen alcohol and tobacco use has significantly decline recently, with more choosing to use marijuana. Since 2006, researchers say, less than 50% of teens try cigarettes or alcohol before trying cannabis for the first time.
Even prior to pregnancy, a mother's exposure to second hand smoke can have implications for the brain development of her offspring, including damage to areas of the brain associated with emotion, memory and learning.
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.
Smoking remodels the gene expression of lung cells so that the ACE2 gene is more highly expressed in goblet cells. The effects of smoking on ACE2 pulmonary expression indicates an increase in the overall entry points for coronavirus and increases the risk for viral binding and entry of COVID-19 into the lungs.
