Study: Brain Damage Sheds Light on Urge to Smoke

From Science:

Cigarette smokers who suffer damage to a particular brain region often lose the urge to smoke, according to a new study. Although brain damage is hardly a recommended treatment for smokers who want to quit, researchers say the findings provide important insight into the biological basis of addictive behaviors.

Study: Reanalysis Confirms Rise In Nicotine Content

Via the Harvard School of Public Health:

A reanalysis of nicotine yield from major brand name cigarettes sold in Massachusetts from 1997 to 2005 has confirmed that manufacturers have steadily increased the levels of this agent in cigarettes ... (I)ncreases in smoke nicotine yield per cigarette averaged 1.6 percent each year, or about 11 percent over a seven-year period.

Link to the full report.