- Smoking can raise the risk of dementia in later life.
- Researchers found signals that travel from lungs to brain.
- Certain lung cells send tiny particles after nicotine exposure.
- These particles change how brain cells use iron and energy.
- The changes are similar to those seen in dementia patients.
- Scientists made many lung cells in the laboratory to study them.
- They gave nicotine to the cells to see the effect.
- More research is needed before doctors can use this knowledge.
Difficult words
- dementia — A brain disease that affects memory and thinking
- researcher — A person who studies science or dataResearchers
- particle — A very small piece of matter or substanceparticles
- nicotine — A chemical in tobacco that affects the body
- iron — A metal the body uses for blood and health
- laboratory — A room where scientists do tests and experiments
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you know anyone who smokes?
- Have you ever visited a laboratory?
- What helps protect the lungs?
Related articles
High-fat diet lets gut bacteria reach mouse brains
Emory University researchers found that a short high-fat diet can let live gut bacteria travel to the brain in mice. The bacteria moved along the vagus nerve; returning to a normal diet reduced this effect and researchers call for more study.
Most young users still smoke nicotine, tobacco or cannabis
A 2022–23 study of people aged 12–34 found most young Americans who use nicotine, tobacco or cannabis still smoke one or more combustible products. The research groups users by their usual product patterns and urges targeted prevention.
New drug pair helps fight rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis
Scientists paired rifampicin with a probe called AAP-SO2 that binds bacterial RNA polymerase at a different site and slows transcription. The pair killed resistant mutants in culture and was especially effective in a rabbit model.
