Health

E-Cigarettes Found More Effective Than Patches and Gum for Quitting Smoking, Study Shows

Published

3 hours ago

March 31, 2026

E-cigarettes may help smokers quit more effectively than traditional methods such as patches and gum, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Oxford. The study, published in the journal Addiction, also highlights ongoing health concerns associated with vaping.

The researchers analyzed 14 systematic reviews conducted between 2014 and 2023 to evaluate the effectiveness of nicotine e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. Their findings suggest that e-cigarettes outperform conventional nicotine replacement therapies. One 2024 Cochrane review cited in the study found that for every 100 users, an additional two to five people quit smoking when using nicotine e-cigarettes compared to using patches or gum.

Angela Difeng Wu, senior researcher and lecturer at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at Oxford, said the evidence is “clear and consistent across all of the meta-analyses we consulted: e-cigarettes are effective at helping people stop smoking.” The team also developed an “Evidence and Gap Map” to highlight areas where further research is needed.

While e-cigarettes appear effective, the researchers noted that evidence on serious adverse events remains inconclusive. Most other side effects showed little or no difference between nicotine e-cigarettes and other cessation treatments. Experts caution that while vaping is less harmful than smoking combustible tobacco, it is not risk-free.

A February 2026 study found that e-cigarette users are exposed to carcinogenic chemicals, though at lower levels than smokers of traditional tobacco products. The long-term health impacts of e-cigarettes remain uncertain, partly because the products are relatively new and continue to evolve.

Despite their potential to reduce smoking, e-cigarettes have raised public health concerns, particularly among young people. The World Health Organization estimated in 2025 that over 100 million people worldwide use e-cigarettes, including at least 15 million children aged 13 to 15. In countries with available data, children are on average nine times more likely than adults to vape.

“E-cigarettes are fuelling a new wave of nicotine addiction,” said WHO’s Etienne Krug. “They are marketed as harm reduction but, in reality, are hooking kids on nicotine earlier and risk undermining decades of progress.”

The Oxford study emphasizes that uncertainties about e-cigarettes’ long-term effects and their role in smoking cessation continue to influence policy and clinical decision-making. Researchers stress that e-cigarettes should be considered as tools for current smokers attempting to quit, rather than products for non-smokers or young people.

The study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting nicotine e-cigarettes as an alternative to traditional cessation methods, while underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and regulation to prevent uptake among children and non-smokers.

Health

Economic Anxiety Rises as Iran Conflict Impacts Mental Health, Experts Say

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2026

Web Reporter

Growing economic uncertainty linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran is taking a toll on people’s mental health, with experts warning of increased anxiety and emotional strain across societies.

Psychiatrist Kazuhiro Tajima said the sense of instability caused by rising living costs and global tensions is leaving many individuals feeling overwhelmed. He noted that uncertainty often leads to a perceived loss of control, which can trigger anxiety and stress-related conditions.

“It is logical that in this situation of economic uncertainty, people experience a loss of control, and this can lead to anxiety problems,” Tajima explained.

The conflict has disrupted global markets and contributed to higher energy prices, adding pressure on household finances. Analysts say such economic strain is closely linked to emotional well-being, particularly when combined with constant exposure to troubling news.

Tajima advised limiting excessive consumption of crisis-related information while staying informed enough to understand developments. He stressed that maintaining social connections is essential during periods of instability, as isolation can worsen anxiety.

“Social interaction helps reduce the psychological impact of uncertainty,” he said, adding that strong relationships can act as a buffer against stress.

Another key recommendation is preserving daily routines. According to Tajima, people often abandon regular habits such as exercise or leisure activities during difficult times, even though these routines are important for mental balance.

“When routines disappear, individuals tend to focus more on their problems, which increases anxiety,” he said. “Maintaining normal activities, including sports and hobbies, helps people disconnect from constant worry.”

The psychiatrist also highlighted the importance of having a sense of purpose. Engaging in meaningful work or activities can help individuals cope with stress and maintain emotional stability.

In response to financial pressures, some communities are turning to alternative economic practices. Tajima pointed to a growing interest in digital barter systems, where people exchange skills and services instead of money. He said such initiatives can strengthen social ties while helping individuals feel productive and valued.

One example is a platform called Saco, developed by Tajima and a business partner, which allows users to trade services using time as a form of currency. The model is part of a broader trend toward collaborative economies that re-emerge during times of crisis.

Mental health professionals say the combination of geopolitical tension and economic challenges makes it more important than ever to prioritize emotional well-being. They warn that neglecting mental health can have long-term consequences for individuals and communities alike.

As the conflict continues to affect global stability, experts emphasize the need for resilience, urging people to stay connected, maintain routines, and adopt coping strategies that support both mental and social well-being.

Health

Working From Home Linked to Higher Birth Rates, Study Finds Across 38 Countries

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2026

Web Reporter

A new international study has found that working from home may be contributing to higher birth rates, offering fresh insight into how flexible work arrangements are reshaping family life.

The research, conducted by Steven J. Davis and colleagues and published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, examined data from 38 countries, including several in Europe and North America. It found that couples who both work from home at least one day a week tend to have more children than those who work entirely on-site.

According to the study, lifetime fertility increases by an average of 0.32 children per woman when both partners work remotely at least part-time. In the United States, the effect is even stronger, rising to 0.45 children per woman.

Researchers define lifetime fertility as the total number of children a person has or plans to have. The study focused on adults aged between 20 and 45 who were actively employed. Among couples where neither partner works from home, the average number of children per woman stands at 2.26. This figure rises to 2.48 when only the woman works remotely and increases further to 2.58 when both partners do so.

The findings suggest that even limited access to remote work can influence family planning decisions. Analysts say the flexibility offered by working from home may make it easier for parents to balance careers with childcare responsibilities. This could encourage couples to have more children or to expand their families sooner than they otherwise would.

The report outlines several possible explanations. One is that remote work reduces the logistical challenges of raising children while maintaining employment. Another is that families who plan to have children may actively seek jobs that offer flexible arrangements. A third possibility is that the availability of such roles increases long-term confidence in balancing work and family life.

The study found consistent patterns both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating that the relationship between remote work and fertility is not limited to recent changes in working habits.

However, the impact varies significantly between countries. The share of workers who spend at least one day working from home ranges widely, from about 21 percent in Japan to nearly 60 percent in Vietnam. As a result, the overall effect on national birth rates depends largely on how common remote work is within each economy.

In the United States, researchers estimate that working from home could account for around 8.1 percent of total births, equivalent to roughly 291,000 births annually. While not the sole factor influencing fertility, the study suggests it plays a meaningful role alongside economic and social conditions.

The researchers caution against uniform policies mandating remote work, noting that preferences and job requirements differ widely. They warn that inflexible approaches could reduce productivity and job satisfaction.

Separate findings from the UK Parliament indicate that flexible working arrangements may also improve employment opportunities, particularly for parents, caregivers and people with disabilities.

Health

Experts Warn Digital Markets Act May Undermine Europe’s Tech Competitiveness

Published

2 days ago

March 29, 2026

Web Reporter

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), designed to regulate large technology firms, has drawn criticism from industry experts who say it risks stifling innovation and European competitiveness. Critics argue that while the DMA appears aimed at ensuring fair competition, its foundations are flawed and may produce unintended consequences for businesses and consumers.

“If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck,” noted commentators, pointing out that the DMA exhibits all the hallmarks of a restrictive regulatory framework, yet many insist on treating it differently. The legislation originally aimed to address the dominance of tech giants, but observers say it is now more focused on controlling market outcomes rather than promoting healthy competition.

Three years ago, then-Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager warned regulators about the challenges posed by emerging technologies like the metaverse and AI tools such as ChatGPT. She stressed the need to anticipate market changes, acknowledging that enforcement and legislation typically lag behind technological developments. Despite these early warnings, critics say Europe has continued to impose strict rules on firms without fully understanding market dynamics.

US Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew N. Ferguson recently criticized Europe’s regulatory approach, arguing that over-regulation has hindered the continent’s ability to compete globally. He highlighted that nearly every firm designated a “gatekeeper” under the DMA is American, pointing to a disconnect between regulatory actions and actual market dominance.

Analysts note that Europe has ceded control of digital infrastructure to US firms, applying regulatory frameworks designed for the telecommunications era to the modern tech landscape. This approach forces European companies to compete on established platforms rather than for market control, a strategy that is unlikely to succeed.

Examples cited include Microsoft’s limited success in social media, search, and large language model markets, despite significant resources. Additional concerns have arisen over the presumption of guilt in regulatory actions, such as warnings sent to platforms like X regarding content streaming. Critics argue these actions reflect misconceptions about how digital markets operate.

Experts suggest that addressing Europe’s tech challenges requires more than the DMA. They call for large-scale deregulation, accelerated enforcement of internal market rules, and structural reforms to support European firms’ competitiveness across the full digital ecosystem.

Observers warn that without bold institutional change, the EU risks perpetuating a system where regulation controls failure rather than fostering innovation and growth. The DMA, according to critics, may ultimately regulate failure rather than genuine competition, leaving European consumers and companies at a disadvantage in the global tech market.

The debate over the DMA underscores a broader tension in Europe between cautious regulatory oversight and the need to nurture innovation, with implications for the region’s position in the rapidly evolving digital economy.