Cigarettes with ultralow nicotine levels are now being called the game-changer in the fight against smoking. If you are having trouble in quitting smoking, then, it is for you, that soon the Biden White House is expected to formally propose a plan that will order cigarette nicotine levels to be reduced, reports The Washington Post. For now though, it has been a failure, as these cigarettes, also known as VLN cigarettes that stands for very low nicotine are only available in 5,100 stores in 26 states. This is a very small fraction of the overall market for cigarettes. The company that makes it, 22nd Century, is struggling not because of the low supply, but also from the advocates who have long believed slashing nicotine levels altogether.

The Advent and ideation

Nicotine is a chemical that is produced naturally from tobacco that makes the cigarette and also keeps people hooked. While it is believed that it makes people alert, and get the "hit" to keep them going, it exposes the users to harmful substances, carcinogens, and increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other illness.

Ultralow-nicotine cigarettes, like the VLN brand, contain about 95% less nicotine than the regular cigarettes. The idea is quite simple: without the addictive grip of nicotine, smokers will find it easier to quit. Research too has shown some promise. For instance, the studies funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse revealed that very low nicotine cigarettes reduced addiction potential significantly without having users to increase their smoking frequency. However, the problem is, why would anyone choose for a low-nicotine that does not make them feel the same way, when the high-nicotine cigarette is right next to it, making them feel the same way, with the same alertness, sold at the same price.

“It’s very hard to imagine someone actively choosing to continue to use a low-nicotine product for the same price when a high-nicotine product is right next to it,” said Eric Donny, a Wake Forest University School of Medicine nicotine researcher.

No wonder, the experiment with low nicotine product by Philip Morris' Next cigarettes in the 1980s and Vector Tobacco's Quest brand in the early 2000s, flopped.

FDA's Role in the Push

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has supported the development of such products, even allowing VLN cigarettes to be marketed as lower-risk options. However, these products remain a niche market, available in only a fraction of U.S. stores.

Recently, the Biden administration has considered a bold step—mandating a dramatic reduction in nicotine levels for all cigarettes sold in the United States. Supporters believe this move could save millions of lives, while critics, including tobacco companies, warn of potential unintended consequences.

What Could Be The Challenges?

Resistance from Big Tobacco Companies: They could argue that slashing nicotine levels could backfire. Their claim is, smokers will turn to black markets or smoke more to satisfy their cravings, which may lead to greater exposure to harmful substances.

Consumer Reluctance: History is proof to the instances of smokers being hesitant to embrace the low-nicotine products.

Political Hurdle: It may face political roadblocks, as under the Trump administration, plans to cut nicotine were shelved.

Could Low-Nicotine Cigarettes Be The Solution?

Advocates believe that ultralow-nicotine cigarettes could be a game-changer, comparing them to decaf coffee or non-alcoholic beer—products that reduce harm while offering a similar experience.

Some experts warn that a black market for traditional cigarettes could undermine these efforts. They also stress the need for safer alternatives, such as vaping products, to support smokers transitioning away from traditional cigarettes.

India has achieved a significant milestone in its organ donation movement, with more than 5 lakh people pledging to donate their organs, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The achievement reflects growing public awareness of organ donation as a life-saving act that can offer hope and a second chance to patients awaiting transplants. It also marks a major step forward in the government's efforts to promote voluntary organ and tissue donation across the country.

Government Highlights Growing Awareness

In a statement, the Health Ministry said the milestone demonstrates increasing public participation and trust in the organ donation ecosystem.

"The Government of India remains steadfast in its commitment to bridging the gap between the demand and availability of organs and tissues through sustained awareness generation, enhanced institutional capacities, and strengthened transplantation systems."

The ministry added that efforts continue to ensure organ transplantation practices remain ethical, equitable, transparent, and patient-centric.

Also read: US Hospital Performs World's First HIV-to-HIV Lung Transplant, Offering Fresh Hope for HIV Patients

PM Modi's Appeals Boosted Organ Donation Movement

The organ donation campaign has gained momentum in recent years, aided by repeated appeals from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat.

In the 131st episode, the Prime Minister highlighted the growing awareness around organ donation and its impact on healthcare.

"Awareness about organ donation is steadily rising in India these days. This is helping those who are in need of it. It is also strengthening medical research in the country. Many organizations and individuals are doing extraordinary work in this direction," the Prime Minister said.

Read More: AI Cannot Replace Doctors, It Can Only Complement, Says Dr Santosh Sivaranjani

Organ Transplants Quadruple In A Decade

According to the latest government data, India has witnessed a fourfold increase in organ transplants over the last decade.

• 2013: Fewer than 5,000 organ transplants
• 2025: Nearly 20,000 organ transplants

Online Portal Simplifies Registration

To make the process more accessible, the government launched an Aadhaar-based online organ donation pledge portal in 2023.

The platform, notto.abdm.gov.in, allows citizens to register their organ donation pledge securely and transparently.

Officials say the portal has significantly streamlined the registration process and encouraged greater public participation.

How To Become An Organ Donor

According to the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), you can choose to be a donor while you are alive, or your family can give their permission after you pass away.

The Organ Retrieval Banking Organization (ORBO) helps coordinate this entire process. If you want to donate your organs after you die, you can pledge to be a donor now.

Steps to pledge organ donation:

1. Fill Out the Donor Form

• Obtain the organ donor form from ORBO or register online through the national portal.

• The form must be signed by two witnesses, including one close family member.

• Send the completed form to ORBO or complete the online registration process.

• Registered donors receive a donor card along with a registration number.

• Share your decision with family members and keep your donor card accessible so your wishes are known.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a red heat-health alert across the Midlands and southern England until June 25, warning that extreme temperatures could pose a risk to everyone's health—not just vulnerable groups.

The alert, the highest level in the UK's heat warning system, comes as temperatures continue to rise and authorities warn of potential health emergencies, travel disruption and strain on critical infrastructure.

"Red heat health alert issued for East of England, East Midlands, London, South East, South West, and West Midlands. An amber heat health alert was issued for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber," the agency said.

The UKHSA warned that many people struggle in hot weather and reminded the public that heat-related illnesses can become serious very quickly.

"Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions," the agency said in a post on X.

What Does A Red Heat Warning Mean?

A red warning is the most severe level of heat alert issued by UK authorities. It indicates:

• A high likelihood of risk to life
• Significant impacts on health services
• Potential power outages
• Disruption to road and rail networks
• Damage to property and infrastructure

The warning is scheduled to remain in force from 09:00 BST on June 24 until 21:00 BST on June 25. The Met Office has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel where possible and follow guidance from emergency services and local authorities.

This is only the second time such a warning has been issued since the UK's extreme heat warning system was introduced in 2021. The first red heat warning was issued during the record-breaking heatwave of July 2022.

As temperatures climb, several schools across western England have announced early closures due to concerns about pupils and staff spending prolonged periods in overheated classrooms, the BBC reported.

Also read: WHO Sounds Alarm on Europe's Extreme Heat: Here's How Hot It Could Get Across Countries

Symptoms Of Heat Exhaustion

The NHS says heat exhaustion usually improves if a person cools down within 30 minutes.

Common symptoms include:

• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Pale, clammy skin
• Muscle cramps in the arms, legs, or stomach
• High body temperature
• Intense thirst
• Irritability

Symptoms Of Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Warning signs include:

• Very high body temperature
• Hot skin with little or no sweating
• Rapid breathing
• Fast heartbeat
• Confusion or agitation
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

How to Prevent Heat Exhaustion And Heatstroke

Health officials recommend taking the following precautions during periods of extreme heat:

• Drink plenty of water and cold fluids throughout the day
• Increase fluid intake if exercising or spending time outdoors
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing
• Use a hat and sunglasses when outdoors
• Stay out of direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when temperatures are typically highest
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Reduce intense physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.

Check on Vulnerable People

Older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with long-term conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are at greater risk of heat-related illness.

The NHS urged people to regularly check on family members, neighbors and friends who may need assistance during extreme temperatures.

In a landmark medical achievement, NYU Langone Health in the United States has successfully carried out the world's first lung transplant from an HIV-positive donor to an HIV-positive recipient.

Researchers described the procedure carried out on 56-year-old Bertrand Nelson, living with HIV for nearly 26 years, as a "watershed moment for the HIV-positive community". They noted that the medical feat could significantly expand the pool of organ donors available to people living with HIV.

"While these transplants are still only allowable under certain research protocols, this marks an expansion of options for people in need of a lifesaving organ," said Sapna Mehta, Clinical Director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute.

A New Frontier in Organ Transplantation

Also read: HIV No Longer Barrier To Organ Transplants, Say Delhi Doctors After Successful Kidney Surgery

The transplant was performed under research protocols established through the 2013 HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act, which allows organs from HIV-positive donors to be transplanted into HIV-positive recipients in approved research settings.

According to the researchers, while HIV-positive donor transplants involving hearts and abdominal organs have been performed previously, this was the first time such a procedure was successfully carried out for the lungs.

"Transplantation of hearts and abdominal organs has been done before, but this has not been done in lung transplantation," said Mark A. Sonnick, transplant pulmonologist at NYU Langone Transplant Institute.

Approximately 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV. Thanks to modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), most people with HIV can now live long, healthy lives, have near-normal life expectancy, and are unable to transmit the virus when treatment is effective.

Bertrand Nelson Gets Dual-Organ Transplant

Nelson was diagnosed with both HIV and sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs, particularly the lungs, in 2000. At the time, doctors said the condition was in remission.

However, in 2021, Nelson contracted Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia that required weeks of hospitalization. The illness reactivated his sarcoidosis, which subsequently spread to his liver.

By 2024, his condition had deteriorated significantly. He required increasing amounts of oxygen to breathe and was referred to the NYU Langone Transplant Institute for evaluation for both lung and liver transplantation.

Following assessment under the HOPE Act research program, Nelson was approved for a dual-organ transplant.

On March 21, surgeons transplanted both a new set of lungs and a new liver during the same operation, making medical history.

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Life After Surgery

In a statement, NYU Langone said Nelson is doing well after the complex surgery.

"Nelson is now off oxygen for the first time in four years and getting back in shape after years of limited mobility," the statement read.

Nelson credited his mother, who will turn 82 in August, for her unwavering support throughout his health struggles.

"I want to be well for her," Nelson said. "I want her to see me thriving."

Hope for People Living With HIV

Nelson hopes his experience will encourage others and draw attention to the need for greater access to organ transplantation within the HIV community.

"There are so many others who need access to this level of care, and the more organs that become available, the better the odds of finding the right match and living a long life," he said.

Can People With HIV Get A Transplant?

As per the US National Institutes of Health, people with HIV can successfully donate or receive transplanted organs with reasonable success rates.

However, health care providers must consider and monitor potential drug interactions, kidney and liver function, and HIV viral suppression in people with HIV receiving a transplant. Further, the NIH advised HIV positive patients to continue taking all prescribed HIV medicines before and after transplant.