Tobacco

​A new study has found the vapor from electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, can cause as much DNA damage as smoke from tobacco cigarettes. The results surprised researchers, who concluded that e-cigarettes are "potentially as harmful as tobacco cigarettes."

Scientists at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia have discovered a gene in an ancient Australian native tobacco plant that they say is the key to growing crops in space.

The Emperador cigar chest from Imperiali Genève is a high-tech container that holds two dozen bespoke cigars and clocks in at a cool one million Swiss francs (US$1,048,000) – making this both one of the most expensive and technologically advanced cigar boxes in history.

Researchers have uncovered an enzyme found in nature they say could greatly improve on the effectiveness of smoking cessation aids by devouring nicotine in smokers before it can deliver its "reward" to the brain.

A metallic nanocoating derived from a virus of the tobacco plant could lead to more efficient steam production, improving the performance of steam turbines, air conditioning and electronics cooling systems.

Many people assume e-cigarettes are a healthier – or less unhealthy – option than regular cigarettes. While the long-term effects of e-cigarettes are still unknown, research out of Johns Hopkins University has found that e-cigs may deliver a false sense of security along with their nicotine hit.

If you're a smoker who's trying to quit, you may recall hearing about vaccines designed to cause the body's immune system to treat nicotine like a foreign invader. Scientists at the Scripps Institute are claiming that their vaccine should work better, by being more selective in what it targets.

FreshAir's AirGuard uses sophisticated polymer technology to detect and rat out illicit tobacco and marijuana smokers. Targeted at the hotel market, AirGuard could also be a big hit in workplaces, public housing, college dorms, jails and anywhere else where smoking is restricted.

Test farms are already up and running, with Boeing hoping to use local tobacco growing lands and expertise to produce sustainable biofuel without impacting food-bearing crops or encouraging smoking.

There are plenty of trackers to promote healthy habits, but how about a device that discourages a not so healthy one? Quitbit is a smart lighter designed to help rein in smoking addiction by keeping tabs on how often you light up.

Ever thought the glowing forests from the movie Avatar were pretty cool and wanted one yourself? Bioglow is the latest company to attempt to put such autoluminscent plants in homes with its aptly named Starlight Avatar.

What can you say about cigarette butts? They're unsightly, they don't biodegrade, plus they're highly toxic to aquatic organisms. It turns out, however, that they are good for something. The City of Vancouver has launched a pilot program, in which the butts will be recycled.