https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/smoking/ How smoking affects health. Read about the latest research on smoking, second-hand smoke, methods for quitting smoking and more. en-us Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:09 EDT Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:09 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/smoking/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260305223226.htm Most of our daily actions may happen without much thought. Researchers found that around 65% of everyday behaviors are triggered automatically by habit rather than conscious decisions. Many of these habits actually support our personal goals, helping us follow through on things like healthy routines. The key to lasting change, scientists say, is building new positive habits while disrupting the cues that trigger bad ones. Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:06:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260305223226.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251210223635.htm Researchers uncovered how shifting levels of a brain protein called KCC2 can reshape the way cues become linked with rewards, sometimes making habits form more quickly or more powerfully than expected. When this protein drops, dopamine neurons fire more intensely, strengthening new associations in ways that resemble how addictive behaviors take hold. Rat studies showed that even brief, synchronized bursts of neural activity can amplify reward learning, offering insight into why everyday triggers, like a morning routine, can provoke strong cravings. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 22:41:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251210223635.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251202052234.htm Researchers have solved the decades-old mystery behind how a common pregnancy drug lowers blood pressure. It turns out the medication blocks a fast-acting “oxygen alarm” inside cells. That same alarm helps brain tumors survive, meaning the drug unexpectedly weakens them, too. The discovery could inspire better treatments for both preeclampsia and brain cancer. Tue, 02 Dec 2025 23:15:16 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251202052234.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251115095932.htm Scientists found that people who use both cannabis and tobacco show a distinct brain pattern tied to mood and stress regulation. Their scans revealed higher levels of an enzyme that reduces a natural feel-good molecule in the brain. This imbalance may help explain why co-users experience more anxiety and struggle more when quitting. Sat, 15 Nov 2025 23:15:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251115095932.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251026021746.htm GLP-1 drugs, originally developed for diabetes and obesity, may also curb addictive behaviors by acting on reward circuits in the brain. Early trials show reductions in alcohol intake, opioid seeking, and nicotine use. Though more research is needed, scientists believe these drugs could open a powerful new front in addiction therapy. Sun, 26 Oct 2025 13:14:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251026021746.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002073959.htm Penn researchers found that psilocybin can calm brain circuits tied to pain and mood, easing both physical suffering and emotional distress in animal studies. The compound works in the anterior cingulate cortex, bypassing injury sites and offering a dual benefit for pain and depression. Unlike opioids, psilocybin is non-addictive and may provide relief lasting weeks. Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:10:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002073959.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250929054915.htm Researchers found that middle-aged adults, especially women, are far more likely to be addicted to ultra-processed foods than older generations. Marketing of diet-focused processed foods in the 1980s may have played a major role. Food addiction was linked to poor health, weight issues, and social isolation, highlighting long-term risks. Experts warn that children today could face even higher addiction rates in the future. Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:57:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250929054915.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040940.htm A massive global survey has revealed that people with eating disorders often turn to cannabis and psychedelics like magic mushrooms and LSD to ease their symptoms, rating them more effective than traditional medications. Surprisingly, common prescriptions like antidepressants were seen as helpful for overall mental health but fell short for eating disorder relief. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:42:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040940.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131636.htm Parental warmth and affection in early childhood can have life-long physical and mental health benefits for children, and new research points to an important underlying process: children's sense of social safety. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:16:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131636.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131547.htm A new study finds that chronic cannabis use -- whether it's smoked or consumed in edible form -- is associated with significant cardiovascular risks. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:15:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131547.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124229.htm The U.S. is facing a maternal health crisis with higher rates of maternal mortality than any other high-income country. Social and economic factors, including income, are recognized determinants of maternal morbidity and mortality. In addition, more than half of pregnancy-related deaths (deaths occurring during pregnancy or within one year after delivery) occur in the postpartum year. In what is believed to be the first review to summarize evidence on the effect of unconditional cash transfers (UCTs) on postpartum health outcomes in the U.S., researchers have found strong evidence that UCTs increase breastfeeding rates and result in little to no difference in postpartum mood. Tue, 27 May 2025 12:42:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124229.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124117.htm A new study reveals a concerning decline in self-reported mental health among mothers in the United States between 2016 and 2023. The study also found modest but measurable declines in self-reported physical health during the same period. Tue, 27 May 2025 12:41:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124117.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111245.htm Postpartum maternal mental health and mother-to-infant bonding are well-established as critical factors in a child's psychosocial development. However, few studies have explored the combined impact of postpartum maternal depression and early bonding experiences on emotional and behavioral difficulties during middle childhood. A new study reveals significant associations between postpartum depression, mother-to-infant bonding, and child difficulties. Notably, secure early bonding was found to partially buffer the long-term effects of postpartum depression on child outcomes. Wed, 14 May 2025 11:12:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111245.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220258.htm Ketamine addiction is linked to high levels of physical health problems and psychological consequences, with nearly half of those affected not seeking support or treatment, new research has revealed. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:02:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220258.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250401131012.htm A research group has uncovered a potential mechanism linking maternal inflammation to delayed neurodevelopment in infants. The research suggests the role of CD11c-positive microglia -- immune cells in the brain crucial for myelination -- during infant brain development. Their findings suggest new strategies to mitigate the long-term neurodevelopmental effects of maternal inflammation. Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:10:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250401131012.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326123310.htm Many youth have heart disease risk factors by their late teens, and preventing or addressing these risks early may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future, according to a new scientific statement. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:33:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326123310.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250318141840.htm Marijuana is now legal in many places, but is it safe? Two new studies add to mounting evidence that people who use cannabis are more likely to suffer a heart attack than people who do not use the drug, even among younger and otherwise healthy adults. The findings are from a retrospective study of over 4.6 million people and a meta-analysis of 12 previously published studies. Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:18:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250318141840.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250318141352.htm If a person hides their own hand and focuses on a rubber hand instead, they may perceive it as part of their own body under certain conditions. What sounds like a gimmick could one day be used to help patients who suffer from chronic pain: Researchers have shown that pain caused by heat is experienced as less severe thanks to the rubber hand illusion. Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:13:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250318141352.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250305134819.htm Researchers have developed a compound that relieves pain in mice but doesn't affect the brain, thereby avoiding mind-altering side effects and abuse potential. The custom-designed molecule, derived from cannabis, may provide an alternative to opioids for treating chronic pain. Wed, 05 Mar 2025 13:48:19 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250305134819.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250225122049.htm Identifying and treating risk factors for depression, anxiety and other psychological health conditions during pregnancy and postpartum may improve short- and long-term health outcomes for both mother and child, according to a new scientific statement. Tue, 25 Feb 2025 12:20:49 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250225122049.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219105932.htm Very early exposure to even a very small dose of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in infant mice can lead to cognitive decline later in life, according to new findings. This is significant because of emerging data in human studies showing an association between HSV and Alzheimer's disease in humans. Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:59:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219105932.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250206223911.htm Researchers have achieved total chemical synthesis of the psychoactive compound ibogaine and its analogs from pyridine. The discovery will make it easier to explore the therapeutic possibilities of ibogaine. Thu, 06 Feb 2025 22:39:11 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250206223911.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250204132227.htm Maternal stress could leave epigenetic imprints on genes in the placenta associated with cortisol -- a necessary hormone for fetal development -- and this would affect the baby's development from very early stages. The study suggests that a mother's emotional wellbeing during pregnancy is not only important for her, but could also influence the future health of her baby. Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:22:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250204132227.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250203142730.htm The risk of being admitted to the hospital with heart disease is twice as high the year after birth for mothers of twins compared to singleton births, according to new research. The risk is even higher in mothers of twins who had a high blood pressure condition during pregnancy. Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:27:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250203142730.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250123131843.htm Researchers analyzed cannabis smoking practices to assess whether in-home smoking was associated with cannabis detection in children. Thu, 23 Jan 2025 13:18:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250123131843.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250122130203.htm Maternal stress hormone levels during early pregnancy can have a lasting effect on the stress system of the offspring. The results of a long-term study on wild Assamese macaques in Thailand indicate that maternal stress in the first half of pregnancy is particularly relevant. Elevated stress hormones later during pregnancy or after birth did not have the same effects. The long-term study provides important insights into the influence of early life stages on the development of the stress system under natural environmental conditions. Wed, 22 Jan 2025 13:02:03 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250122130203.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241230131913.htm A study of nearly 10,000 adolescents has identified distinct differences in the brain structures of those who used substances before age 15 compared to those who did not. Many of these structural brain differences appeared to exist in childhood before any substance use, suggesting they may play a role in the risk of substance use initiation later in life, in tandem with genetic, environmental, and other neurological factors. Mon, 30 Dec 2024 13:19:13 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241230131913.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241219152414.htm Hand choice, an unconscious decision, is influenced by target-related information, but if these are non-informative, the choice will be approximately 50-50. In this equilibrium situation, non-target information may also aid in decision-making, but no research has demonstrated this. Now, researchers have investigated the effect of somatosensory stimulation on motor decisions in healthy participants. The results revealed that wrist stimulation significantly increased the likelihood of choosing the stimulated hand, highlighting its application in stroke rehabilitation. Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:24:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241219152414.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241216125906.htm A study is the first-of-its-kind to recognize American Sign Language (ASL) alphabet gestures using computer vision. Researchers developed a custom dataset of 29,820 static images of ASL hand gestures. Each image was annotated with 21 key landmarks on the hand, providing detailed spatial information about its structure and position. Combining MediaPipe and YOLOv8, a deep learning method they trained, with fine-tuning hyperparameters for the best accuracy, represents a groundbreaking and innovative approach that hasn't been explored in previous research. Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:59:06 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241216125906.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241211125052.htm Researchers have made a discovery regarding the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1) ion channel and its role in pain perception. The study reveals how solvent molecules can modulate pain signals, offering a potential pathway for a safer, non-addictive pain management approach. Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:50:52 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241211125052.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241210142027.htm Psychologists looked at individuals with damage to different parts of the prefrontal cortex to reveal how the brain evaluates uncertainty and guides split-second decisions. Tue, 10 Dec 2024 14:20:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241210142027.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241202123655.htm Increasing the levels of chemicals naturally produced in the body called endocannabinoids may thwart the highly addictive nature of opioids such as morphine and oxycodone while maintaining the drugs' ability to relieve pain, according to a new study. Endocannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body that regulate activities, such as learning and memory, emotions, sleep, immune response and appetite. Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:36:55 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241202123655.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241125145606.htm Research found that wildfire smoke is especially hazardous to people's memory health. An analysis of the health care records of 1.2 million Southern California residents found that higher long-term smoke exposure was associated with a significant increase in the odds that a person would be diagnosed with dementia. Mon, 25 Nov 2024 14:56:06 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241125145606.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241122185334.htm A new study reveals a troubling rise in severe maternal health issues and birth complications in Illinois from 2016 to 2023, closely linked to increases in chronic health conditions affecting pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, mental health disorders and especially obesity, which saw the largest increase in annual rates. Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:53:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241122185334.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241113160823.htm People with conditions or habits such as high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation, or smoking, not only have a higher risk of stroke, they may also have more severe strokes than people without these risk factors. Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:08:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241113160823.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241024145504.htm Individualistic reward-seeking strategies predict responses to nicotine among mice living in a micro-society, according to a new study. Thu, 24 Oct 2024 14:55:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241024145504.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241017112732.htm Researchers have developed a novel training protocol for brain-computer interfaces in a study with rhesus monkeys. The method enables precise control of prosthetic hands using signals from the brain alone. Researchers were able to show that the neural signals that control the different hand postures in the brain are primarily important for this control, and not, as previously assumed, signals that control the movement's velocity. The results are essential for improving the fine control of neural hand prostheses, which could give paralyzed patients back some or all of their mobility (Neuron). Thu, 17 Oct 2024 11:27:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241017112732.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241009121558.htm A new study has failed to find any strong links between drinking coffee during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental difficulties in children. Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:15:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241009121558.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241004171112.htm An estimated one in five Americans live with chronic pain and current treatment options leave much to be desired. Scientists are now using artificial intelligence (AI) for drug discovery in advanced pain management. The team's deep-learning framework identified multiple gut microbiome-derived metabolites and FDA-approved drugs that can be repurposed to select non-addictive, non-opioid options to treat chronic pain. Fri, 04 Oct 2024 17:11:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241004171112.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240916194024.htm The cumulative adversity index for people quantifies numerous measures of hardship, such as poverty and stress to understand health and longevity over the individual's lifespan. A similar tool could help scientists who study and want to conserve animal populations by identifying the most influential stressors to mitigate. Biologists have created the first cumulative adversity index for yellow-bellied marmots. They found that as in humans, adversity early on had lifelong consequences and reduced their life expectancy. Mon, 16 Sep 2024 19:40:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240916194024.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240916115535.htm Researchers follow the dramatic changes that occur in the brain throughout the course of pregnancy. Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:55:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240916115535.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240904184519.htm The heavy metal cadmium, which is found in the air, water, food and soil, is known to cause health problems. A new study has examined if thinking and memory skills were associated with cadmium exposure. They found no association when they looked at the group as a whole. However, when looking at Black and white people separately, it found cadmium may be tied to problems with thinking and memory skills in white people. The study found no such association in Black people. The study does not prove that cadmium causes memory problems in white people; it only shows an association. Wed, 04 Sep 2024 18:45:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240904184519.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240904130847.htm Bad behavior often occurs away from home, leading parents to blame and limit contact with peers. However, a new study shows that banning friendships can backfire, worsening behavior instead of improving it. When moms disapprove of their kids' friends in an effort to curb misbehavior, it often alienates the child from their peers, exacerbating the very issues they aimed to prevent. Meddling in friendships can harm a child's social standing and lead to greater adjustment difficulties. Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:08:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240904130847.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240709121705.htm New research has found a drug that treats insomnia works to prevent the addictive effects of the morphine opioids in mice while still providing effective pain relief. Tue, 09 Jul 2024 12:17:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240709121705.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240626173602.htm Adults who continuously played organized sports through their youth have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression than those who never played or those who dropped out, a new study finds. And those who dropped out of sports had poorer mental health than those who never played at all. Wed, 26 Jun 2024 17:36:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240626173602.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240610140213.htm Immune activation in a pregnant woman can occur in response to metabolic diseases like obesity, infections in pregnancy, exposure to pollution and environmental toxins, or even stress and can have negative effects on fetal brain immune cells (microglia). It's not possible to monitor microglia within the fetal brain, but new research indicates that macrophages in the placenta can act as an indicator of these cells' health. Mon, 10 Jun 2024 14:02:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240610140213.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240605162444.htm For many parents, it can feel like curbing kids' screen use is a losing battle. But new research has found the parenting practices that work best to curb screen time and addictive screen behavior: restricting screens in bedrooms and at mealtimes and modeling healthy practices at home. Wed, 05 Jun 2024 16:24:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240605162444.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240604184214.htm Researchers conducted a survey to study how mental health relates to methods people use to quit smoking, also known as smoking cessation aids. While the number of adults who smoke cigarettes has declined globally, people with mental health conditions are more likely to smoke and to do so more heavily. Because of these differences in tobacco use, the researchers theorized that the effectiveness of smoking cessation aids may be altered in individuals with a mental health condition. However, in their findings, they report that smoking cessation aids are actually equally effective for people with and without a history of mental health conditions. Tue, 04 Jun 2024 18:42:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240604184214.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240604184208.htm Adolescents with an internet addiction undergo changes in the brain that could lead to additional addictive behavior and tendencies, finds a new study. Tue, 04 Jun 2024 18:42:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240604184208.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240530182212.htm During pregnancy, the effects of therapeutical doses of amphetamine have been investigated on birth outcomes in humans. However, a thorough investigation of the mechanisms underlying the long-term effects of embryonal exposure to addictive doses of amphetamine remains largely unexplored. Using a tiny worm, researchers have revealed the underlying mechanisms of embryonal exposure to methamphetamine (Meth) and amphetamines, a psychostimulant used to treat a variety of brain dysfunctions. Thu, 30 May 2024 18:22:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240530182212.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240508113120.htm Despite the high prevalence of substance abuse and its often devastating outcomes, especially among disadvantaged populations, few Americans receive treatment for substance use disorders. However, the rise of mobile health technologies can make treatments more accessible. Wed, 08 May 2024 11:31:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240508113120.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240501125745.htm Using multiple nicotine products can be associated with higher levels of nicotine dependence among youth and increased mortality in adults, compared with the use of one product alone. Researchers have now uncovered factors that contribute to adolescents using multiple nicotine products. These findings, they say, will help inform efforts to prevent escalation from single to multiple product use. Wed, 01 May 2024 12:57:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240501125745.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240426165051.htm Researchers have discovered in a preclinical model that cytokines, proteins that control immune response, circulating in maternal blood during pregnancy may mitigate an offspring's risk for psychiatric conditions. The findings are surprising because circulating maternal cytokines are at such low levels that they were not implicated in fetal brain development and offspring behavior before. Fri, 26 Apr 2024 16:50:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240426165051.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240418165147.htm Researchers have uncovered a mechanism in the brain that allows cocaine and morphine to take over natural reward processing systems. Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:51:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240418165147.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240307165123.htm The COVID vaccine is safe to administer during pregnancy, researchers report in an important finding on the safety of the vaccine in infants -- despite widespread fear and misinformation. Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:51:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240307165123.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240305134228.htm Although several studies have linked smoking during pregnancy with neurodevelopmental disorders, the results of behavioral experiments in mice prenatally exposed to nicotine have been inconsistent. In a recent study, scientists from Japan developed a deep learning-based framework to automatically observe and classify mice behavior in such experiments, producing more accurate and unbiased results. They show that prenatal exposure to nicotine could increase the risk of autism spectrum- and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders in newborns. Tue, 05 Mar 2024 13:42:28 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240305134228.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240301134801.htm Results from a new US nationwide cohort study show that, despite strong recommendations in favor of consuming omega-3 fatty acids for optimal pregnancy outcomes and offspring health, 25% of participants reported rarely, or never eating fish during pregnancy, with fewer taking omega-3 supplements. Fri, 01 Mar 2024 13:48:01 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240301134801.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240229124517.htm Children prenatally exposed to anesthesia for maternal surgery during pregnancy were significantly more likely than unexposed children to receive a diagnosis of a disruptive or internalizing behavioral disorder including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral disorders, developmental speech or language disorders and autism, according to a new study. Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:45:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240229124517.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240228115352.htm More frequent use of cannabis was associated with higher odds of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, finds new study. Wed, 28 Feb 2024 11:53:52 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240228115352.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240221160316.htm Researchers culled years of data demonstrating that maternal mental illness is an under-recognized contributor to the death of new mothers. They are calling for urgent action to address this public health crisis. Wed, 21 Feb 2024 16:03:16 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240221160316.htm