Health
E-cigs using synthetic nicotine now under FDA oversight
NEWNow you can hearken to Fox Information articles!
U.S. regulators will quickly start cracking down on vaping firms utilizing a now-closed loophole, together with a line of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes which have change into youngsters’ best choice.
Below a legislation taking impact Thursday, the Meals and Drug Administration can regulate e-cigarettes and related merchandise that use artificial nicotine.
The motion targets Puff Bar and a number of other different vaping firms that lately switched their formulation to laboratory-made nicotine to skirt FDA oversight.
SECONDHAND MARIJUANA SMOKE FROM BONGS MORE DANGEROUS THAN CIGARETTE SMOKE: STUDY
The change “permits FDA to guard the general public well being from the harms of tobacco merchandise, whatever the supply of nicotine,” the company stated in an announcement Wednesday. Firms should register with the FDA and submit their merchandise for evaluation inside 30 days.
Puff Bar didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark Thursday.
The FDA’s motion doesn’t robotically ban Puff Bar and related merchandise. As a substitute, it brings them beneath the identical regulatory scheme as older e-cigarettes that derived their nicotine from tobacco.
“The artificial nicotine merchandise don’t essentially simply disappear on their very own,” Robin Koval, chief government of the Fact Initiative, an advocacy group that runs anti-tobacco adverts. “The FDA should determine how they need to implement the legislation and hopefully they may.”
The FDA has been reviewing purposes for an array of vaping units, formulation and flavors – rejecting greater than 1 million, normally due to their potential enchantment to children. Anti-tobacco advocates hope the company will shortly do the identical for any purposes submitted by Puff Bar and different producers.
US ADULT CIGARETTE SMOKING RATE FELL DURING FIRST YEAR OF PANDEMIC
Nicotine, the chemical that makes smoking and vaping addictive, happens naturally in tobacco vegetation.
The 2009 legislation that first gave the FDA oversight of cigarettes and associated merchandise solely referred to tobacco-based nicotine. That left a gap for synthetic nicotine, which is being utilized in e-cigarette liquids, nicotine pouches and different merchandise.
Final month, Congress handed language clarifying that the FDA can regulate any type of nicotine, whatever the supply.
After showing in 2019, Puff Bar has grown to change into the preferred e-cigarette amongst youngsters, by far, bought in flavors like blueberry, strawberry-banana and mango. Below FDA stress, the corporate stated it was halting gross sales in 2020, pulling its disposable vaping units out of comfort shops, gasoline stations and vape outlets.
Final February, the corporate introduced a “recent launch” of its colourful units utilizing artificial nicotine. In advertising language, the corporate stated its merchandise “don’t comprise tobacco or something derived from tobacco.” That put Puff Bar in a authorized grey space, as a result of federal, state and native restrictions practically all the time apply to tobacco-based merchandise, not nicotine itself.
AGING FASTER IN ADULTHOOD LINKED TO HEALTH CONDITIONS IN ADOLESCENCE
Stanford researchers final 12 months discovered artificial nicotine merchandise on the market through on-line platforms that prohibit tobacco gross sales, comparable to Amazon, eBay and Goal. Below the brand new legislation, artificial nicotine can be topic to the identical federal age restrict and gross sales restrictions as different tobacco merchandise.
Utilizing artificial nicotine is just not a brand new thought. Tobacco firms experimented with chemically derived nicotine as early because the Nineteen Sixties, however deemed it too costly for mass manufacturing. Manufacturing advances in recent times lastly made it a viable different to tobacco-derived nicotine.
A big authorities survey final 12 months confirmed Puff Bar had leapfrogged over better-known manufacturers to change into the best choice amongst excessive schoolers who vape. Juul, which is extensively blamed for initially sparking the teenager vaping pattern, was the fourth hottest model.
In 2020, the FDA restricted flavors in cartridge-based e-cigarettes like Juul’s to simply menthol and tobacco, that are typically most well-liked by adults. However the taste ban didn’t apply to disposable e-cigarettes like Puff Bar’s and different kinds of vaping units.
Anti-tobacco teams fear that the FDA is all the time one or two steps behind whichever merchandise are making inroads amongst youngsters.
“The lesson we will all take away from that is that when the FDA’s actions are incomplete and occur after the very fact – which has typically been the case with e-cigarettes – you’ll all the time be taking part in whack-a-mole and catch-up,” stated Koval.
Health
How Kathy Bates Lost 100 Lbs—Plus Her Tips for Sustainable Weight Loss
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Health
California fires and mental health toll: Celebrities and therapists offer tips
As Los Angeles battles the worst wildfires in the city’s history, thousands of people have been displaced or have seen their homes burn to the ground.
Around 130,000 people were ordered to evacuate and some 10,000 structures were destroyed, according to the Associated Press. At least 10 people have died as a result of the blazes.
The devastation of the fires has undoubtedly taken a grave toll on the psyches of those affected, experts agree.
STEVE GUTTENBERG CALLS LA WILDFIRES ‘GREAT EQUALIZER,’ URGES PEOPLE TO LEAN ON ONE ANOTHER
Fox News Digital spoke with celebrities and mental health experts, who offered the following guidance for the people impacted.
Recognize your feelings
For those who have experienced a loss from the fires, common reactions include shock, disbelief and confusion, according to David Kessler, a grief counselor in Los Angeles and founder of Grief.com.
“I call it grief brain,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Your mind is trying to comprehend what happened, and it’s a hard thing for it to do, because this is unimaginable that your house, your safety, is suddenly gone.”
Not all grief is related to death, Kessler noted, as there are many different types of losses.
“I always say grief is a change you didn’t want — and certainly a fire is a change we didn’t want,” he added.
WHAT IS PTSD? SYMPTOMS THAT CAN EMERGE AFTER EXPERIENCING A TRAUMATIC EVENT
It’s important to “self-validate” the reality of the loss, he said.
“People might give you toxic positivity of, ‘well, at least no one died,’” he said. “And while that’s true, the reality is you still have lost your home. Don’t let anyone minimize that.”
“The loss of a home is devastating and it can take years to recover.”
“I think we’re going to deal with a lot of depression after this, a lot of sadness.”
Actor Steve Guttenberg, who lives in Pacific Palisades, California, where fires erupted on Tuesday, shared how the disaster has impacted his own mental health.
“I’ve seen so much tragedy the last three or four days that I’ve got to be careful to … keep a hold of my mind,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“And I think that we’re going to deal with a lot of depression after this, a lot of sadness. And it’s going to be really tough because this is like nothing you’ve ever seen.”
Gutenberg noted that while it’s “very normal” to be down, he is trying not to let himself “go down that hole.”
“But I’m pretty sad about this,” he added.
HOW TO COPE WITH ‘COLLECTIVE GRIEF’ WHEN MASS TRAGEDY STRIKES
Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist in Manhattan and Washington, D.C., noted that the grief following the Los Angeles fires is “profound.”
“It’s not just about the physical loss of homes or belongings — it’s also about the sense of safety and normalcy that has been lost,” he told Fox News Digital.
“It’s important for people to feel emotions and not ignore them. This is a normal reaction to such overwhelming loss and tragedy.”
Reach out for support
Guttenberg emphasized the importance of maintaining connections with others and drawing support from the community during a disaster of this magnitude.
“We’re social animals — we need people,” he said. “So I’m reaching out to my friends. There’s no way to meet right now because it’s so dangerous — so the best thing you cn do … is call and reach out and maybe you can drive somewhere.”
Most of the people in town have evacuated, he pointed out. “There’s probably 10% of the population left here. Or less.”
Kessler reiterated that connection is critical after this type of trauma. “We need to be taken care of. We need other people around us. People equal safety,” he said.
“We need other people around us. People equal safety.”
Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church outside Seattle, Washington, agreed that it’s essential to avoid isolating yourself after a loss.
“We need God and we need each other. Community is vital,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Family, friends and neighbors care about you. God sends His love through these people. Reject isolation. Don’t shut down and don’t shut people out.”
Take action
“In times of crisis such as this, regaining even small amounts of control can be grounding,” Alpert said.
He recommends creating a plan for what’s next, whether it’s finding temporary housing, accessing local resources or starting the process of rebuilding.
“Taking action — no matter how small — can help you move forward.”
Kessler agreed, noting that people who are in the area but did not experience loss may feel a sense of relief mixed with guilt.
“If you do have survivor’s guilt, I always say the best thing is to take action,” he advised.
In the longer term, advocacy efforts can be a powerful tool in dealing with trauma, Alpert noted.
MIKE POSNER REVEALS HOW FAITH REDIRECTED HIS LIFE, OFFERS ADVICE ON SPENDING HOLIDAYS WITH FAMILY
“Working to improve fire prevention policies, supporting relief efforts or helping neighbors rebuild can provide a sense of purpose and empowerment during this difficult time,” he said.
Some people may be angry about the systems that failed to prevent the fires in the first place, Alpert acknowledged, and this anger can be a “powerful motivator.”
“Taking action — no matter how small — can help you move forward.”
“Use that energy to demand better, but don’t get stuck on the anger,” he advised.
“By holding leaders accountable for the policies — or lack thereof — that contributed to this devastation, and by asking the right questions and demanding answers, you might start to feel better.”
Seek professional help as needed
“The L.A. fires no doubt will not just leave physical scars, but deep emotional ones, too,” Alpert said.
“For many people, the fear, panic and helplessness experienced during the fires don’t just disappear — they linger, creating flashbacks, anxiety and difficulty functioning.”
In many cases, this can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of this condition can include vivid memories of the fires, nightmares, hypervigilance or avoidance of anything that reminds someone of the event, Alpert said.
“It’s important to see this not as weakness, but rather, the mind’s and body’s way of trying to cope with extreme stress.”
“While the fires were devastating, they don’t diminish your strength or character.”
As you seek help, it’s also important to understand that PTSD doesn’t define you, he added.
“It’s a part of your experience, not your identity. While the fires were devastating, they didn’t diminish your strength or character.”
Lean on your faith
For those who have experienced traumatic grief, Kessler emphasized the importance of faith and spirituality.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“They help ground us in a world full of fear,” he said. “And when we’ve lost everything, it can feel like our faith is the one thing we have to hold onto.”
During a time of crisis, Guttenberg said it’s important to “rely on anything that you believe in.”
“If you believe in your mom and dad, you rely on them, your brothers and sisters, your friends, your family. God, the universe.”
Above all, he added, “Just remember, you’re not alone. God is always with you. Jesus is always with you. You’ve got to hang on to that.”
Find ways to exercise gratitude
During times of hardship, it’s important to recognize the good things that are still in your life, Pastor Bradley said.
“It’s easy to be consumed with what you no longer have,” he told Fox News Digital.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
“You need to be intentional to take inventory of the blessings in your life. For example, you might lose a home or business, but you still have family.”
This mindset will help you keep a healthy perspective and protect gratitude, Bradley added.
Health
Scientists May Be Able to Make Grapefruits Compatible With Medications They Currently Interfere With
You may be among the millions of people who have seen a surprisingly specific warning like this on the labels of drugs you take:
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication.
Such warnings are issued for dozens of substances, including docetaxel, a cancer drug; erythromycin, an antibiotic; and some statins, the cholesterol-lowering drugs prescribed to more than a third of American adults over 40.
The problem is a set of molecules, furanocoumarins. High levels of furanocoumarins interfere with human liver enzymes, among other processes. In their presence, medications can build up to unhealthy levels in the body. And grapefruits and some related citrus fruits are full of them.
But there is no such warning for other kinds of citrus, such as mandarins and other oranges. Citrus researchers at the Volcani Center in Israel reported Wednesday in the journal The New Phytologist that, by crossing mandarins and grapefruit, they’ve uncovered genes that produce furanocoumarins in some citrus fruits. It’s a finding that opens the possibility of creating grapefruit that doesn’t require a warning label.
Scientists had worked out the compounds’ structures and pieced together a basic flowchart of how they are made years ago, said Yoram Eyal, a professor at the Volcani Center. But the precise identities of enzymes catalyzing the process — the proteins that snip off a branch here, or add a piece there — remained mysterious. He and his colleagues knew that one way to identify them was to breed citrus high in furanocoumarins with those without. If the offspring of such a cross had varying levels of the substances, it should be possible, by digging into their genetics, to pinpoint the genes for the proteins.
“We were afraid to approach it, because it’s very time-consuming and it takes many years,” he said, noting how involved it can be to grow new trees from seeds and assess their genetics. “But finally, we decided we have to dive in.”
When they examined the offspring of a mandarin and a grapefruit, the researchers saw something remarkable. Fifty percent of the young plants had high levels of furanocourmains, and 50 percent had none. That particular signature meant something very specific, in terms of how the ability to make these substances is inherited.
“We saw there was only one gene that could have controlled it,” said Livnat Goldenberg, a Volcani Center researcher who is the lead author of the new study.
The researchers soon identified the gene controlling the production of furanocoumarins in leaves and fruit, which produces an enzyme called 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase, or 2OGD for short. Mandarins, it turns out, have a mutated form of this gene that keeps the enzyme from functioning properly. This version cropped up in all the mandarin and orange varieties the researchers checked, explaining why they do not cause the same problems as grapefruit in people taking prescription medications. In these plants, furanocoumarin production is paused.
With gene editing technology, it should be possible to alter the gene in grapefruit as well, Dr. Eyal suggests. The team at the Volcani Center is now exploring that project.
Looking at how widespread this mutated version is in mandarins and some other citrus, the scientists speculate that some gene nearby on the genome must play an important role in a highly prized trait. A long-ago citrus breeder, selecting for some unknown quality, must have unwittingly spread this furanocoumarin-busting version of the gene to an ancestor of modern varieties of mandarins and oranges.
All these years later, that person’s work is coming to light, under the gaze of geneticists, who may, someday, put grapefruit back on the menu.
-
Sports1 week ago
The top out-of-contract players available as free transfers: Kimmich, De Bruyne, Van Dijk…
-
Politics1 week ago
New Orleans attacker had 'remote detonator' for explosives in French Quarter, Biden says
-
Politics1 week ago
Carter's judicial picks reshaped the federal bench across the country
-
Politics7 days ago
Who Are the Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
-
Health6 days ago
Ozempic ‘microdosing’ is the new weight-loss trend: Should you try it?
-
World1 week ago
South Korea extends Boeing 737-800 inspections as Jeju Air wreckage lifted
-
News1 week ago
21 states are getting minimum wage bumps in 2025
-
Technology2 days ago
Meta is highlighting a splintering global approach to online speech