Research Highlights Archive

Tobacco Control Saves Lives and Billions of Dollars

On May 12, 2011, Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) researchers ead a Legislative Briefing at the California State Capital.  Research findings conclusively showed the benefits of California’s tobacco control program and what declining support for tobacco control costs the state in lives and dollars. >Read more

Lung Cancer Early Detection

Leading research team producing a panel of biomarkers that will form the basis of a specific and sensitive non-invasive blood and salivary test for the detection of early lung cancer. >Read more

Thirdhand Smoke Exposure and Health Effects

The term Thirdhand Smoke (THS) refers to tobacco smoke toxins and contamination that persist long after a cigarette has been smoked, and may adversely affect human health. >Read more

Richmond’s Smoking Ban: Ensuring Impact

Dr. Valerie Yerger at the University of California, San Francisco received a TRDRP grant to evaluate a new citywide ordinance that bans smoking in multi-unit housing in Richmond, California. >Read more

How does Secondhand Smoke Cause Lung Cancer?

Exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) has been linked to lung cancer development. However, the extent to which lung cancer development can be influenced by SHS exposure. >Read more

Harm Reduction Cigarettes: More Toxic?

Dr. Sabrina Lin at the University of California, Riverside has previously shown that sidestream cigarette smoke from three different brands of harm reduction cigarettes (Marlboro Lights, Advance Lights, and Quest Lights) is consistently more potent than sidestream smoke from a conventional brand (Marlboro Red).

Now in a new study funded by TRDRP, Dr. Lin will provide further insight into why harm reduction cigarettes may be more toxic than conventional brands, providing evidence critical to countering tobacco industry marketing claims. >Read more

Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease or COPD

Individuals afflicted with COPD  periodically suffer attacks of inflammation and narrowing of the small airways in response to certain triggers.Exposure to smoke and nicotine affects specific immune cells in the lungs and therefore directly causes these attacks. >Read more

Smoking and Lung Cancer

Cigarette smoking is associated with many respiratory diseases characterized by lung injury. Tzippora Goldkorn at UC Davis hypothesized that a common cause for pulmonary diseases is enhanced cell death causing the overall tissue damage characteristic of COPD. > Read More