Study: Nicotine increasing in cigarettes

Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health say they have confirmed a study by the state that found nicotine levels in cigarettes increased from 1997 until 2005. The analysis, based on data submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health by cigarette manufacturers, found that increases in smoke nicotine yield per cigarette averaged 1.6 percent each year, for a total of about 11 percent over a seven-year period. ... Continue Reading

Single cells have ability to store memories, study shows

A study detailed in the upcoming February issue of Nature Neuroscience suggests that individual nerve cells located in the front part of the brain, called neurons, are able to hold memories on their own for up to a minute. ... Continue Reading

Excessive Drinking, Not Alcoholism, May Lead To Most Alcohol-related Problems

Most people realize that too much alcohol can lead to multiple health problems, injuries and violence. Numerous statistics support the accuracy of this perception. Many people also assume that a substantial proportion of people who drink to excess are probably alcoholics. This may not be accurate. A recent study of the general population in New Mexico reveals that, in fact, most alcohol-related problems may be due to excessive drinking -- especially binge drinking -- among persons who are not alcoholics. ... Continue Reading

Landmark Addiction Study Finds People Underestimate Power Of Drug Cravings

A novel experiment conducted by Carnegie Mellon University Professor George Loewenstein and colleagues may explain why people try a drug, such as heroin, for the first time despite ample evidence that it is addictive. The results of the study, which are being published in the Journal of Health Economics, reveal that even longtime addicts underestimate the influence that drug cravings have over their behavior. ... Continue Reading

Decline In Adult Smoking Rates Stall; Millions Of Nonsmoking Americans Remain Exposed To Secondhand Smoke

After years of progress in reducing adult smoking rates, a recent study issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the reduction in U.S. adult smoking rates may have stalled. Between 2004 and 2005, there was no observed change in U.S. adult smoking rates. According to an article in this week's issue of CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 20.9 percent-45.1 million people-in the United States are current smokers, the same rate as in 2004. ... Continue Reading

Researchers Track Personality Traits To Learn More About Alcoholism

A long-term research project at the University of Missouri-Columbia is producing valuable information about alcoholism and individuals who are affected by a family history of the disease. MU psychology researchers, now several years into a multi-year study, have discovered that individuals from alcoholic homes maintain personality traits that could eventually lead to alcohol dependency. ... Continue Reading

Landmark Addiction Study Finds People Underestimate Power Of Drug Cravings

A novel experiment conducted by Carnegie Mellon University Professor George Loewenstein and colleagues may explain why people try a drug, such as heroin, for the first time despite ample evidence that it is addictive. The results of the study, which are being published in the Journal of Health Economics, reveal that even longtime addicts underestimate the influence that drug cravings have over their behavior. ... Continue Reading