Vaping has increased in popularity in recent years. The slimline electronic devices are almost a fashion accessory now - they come in so many different shapes, sizes, and colors. While most people assume vaping isn't as bad for you as smoking a cigarette, new evidence suggests it could have some worrying side effects. Conducted by the University of California, Riverside, the study looks at the impact vaping has on brain function.

Researchers discovered that nicotine from vapes breaks down brain cells faster than expected. Using stem cells from mice, the team exposed them to e-liquids to see what would happen. They quickly learned that nicotine damages cells much more quickly than traditional cigarettes. Considering the number of teens and young people who vape, that's worrying to know. Essentially, brain cells are being killed off at an accelerated rate.

Dr. Atena Zahedi, the lead study author, explains that it's all down to "nicotine stress". Neural stem cells get damaged and could eventually die altogether before they've reached their full potential. When vapes and e-cigarettes were first introduced, many smokers thought their prayers had been answered. Gone were the days of yellow fingers and tar clogging up your lungs. Smoking had finally been made safer.

Unfortunately, much like when cigarettes were first introduced to the commercial market, it was too early to know health risks. Some even thought cigarettes were good for you. Of course, that wasn't the case. As the years roll by doctors are learning more and more about the consequences of vaping. It doesn't look like it's as good as everyone first thought.  We now know that vaping seems to have the same effect on the cardiovascular system as their lightable buddies. What's more, some liquids contain a higher concentration of nicotine in them, making them even more addictive.

Instagram is littered with snaps of influencers puffing on vapes, and there are a variety of flavors out there. Mint, blueberry, even bubblegum, all appeal to younger users. Nicotine as a drug is more accessible than ever before - and more fashionable than ever, too. Let's hope the results of this study help professionals find a way to curb the trend.

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