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.

The Ebola outbreak continues to grow, with 2,344 confirmed cases and 930 deaths, according to the latest government update.

In its July 18 situation update, the Ministry of Health said response efforts have been strengthened across the five affected provinces: Haut-Uélé, Ituri, Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, and Tshopo.

“To date, 2,344 confirmed cases have been recorded, including 724 patients in isolation or hospitalization, 466 people recovered, and 930 deaths,” the Ministry said.

The case fatality rate stands at 39.7%, while the contact tracing rate has reached 85.8%. Ituri remains the epicentre of the outbreak and continues to intensify response efforts.

Health teams are continuing surveillance, case management, and contact tracing to contain the spread of the disease.

According to the ministry, surveillance and contact tracing systems remain fully mobilised, with 83 new confirmed cases reported nationwide. Case management has also improved, with 22 new recoveries recorded in the past 24 hours. Sud-Kivu and Tshopo remain stable, with no new affected health zones.

Canada, US Tighten Border Measures

Canada has temporarily denied entry to foreign nationals who have been in Congo within the previous 21 days as part of measures to reduce the risk of Ebola transmission.

"Limiting entry of foreign nationals who have been in (Congo) in the previous 21 days may reduce public health risks for Canadians," Canada's Public Health Agency said in a statement.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises against travel or trade restrictions during Ebola outbreaks, warning that such measures can increase stigma and hamper outbreak control. The global health agency also continues to assess the risk of international spread from the Congo outbreak as low.

Last week, the United States also introduced measures requiring travellers who had been in Congo within the previous 21 days to enter the country only through designated airports. Seven American aid workers who had been working in Congo are currently quarantining in Kenya.

Attacks on Health Workers Hampering Response

Authorities have recorded at least 12 attacks on health facilities and response teams since the outbreak began in mid-May, largely driven by misinformation and public skepticism. Many healthcare workers have also gone on strike over unpaid wages, AP News reported.

At least 36 health workers have died after becoming infected with Ebola. The WHO has also warned that 80% of new Ebola cases are emerging from unknown chains of transmission, indicating that the outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can trace infections.

Ebola Bundibugyo Outbreak

Ebola is a severe and often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever first identified in 1976. Since then, more than 30 outbreaks have been recorded, primarily in Central and West Africa.

The Ebola outbreak, declared in eastern Congo on May 15, is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a less common Ebola virus species for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment.

The Bundibugyo virus spreads through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a person infected with, or who has died from, the disease.

It can also spread through contact with contaminated objects such as clothing, bedding, needles, and medical equipment, as well as through infected animals, including bats and non-human primates. Historically, Bundibugyo virus outbreaks have recorded fatality rates ranging from 25% to 50%.

Symptoms To Watch For

Symptoms of Bundibugyo virus disease are similar to other forms of Ebola and include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising, usually in the later stages of illness.

A study suggests that Leqembi (lecanemab), one of the first amyloid-targeted treatments for Alzheimer's disease, may help people maintain their cognitive abilities for longer than previously thought.

Researchers reported at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 that more than 75% of patients with early Alzheimer's disease remained stable, while nearly 7% showed improvement after receiving Leqembi for an average period of 17 months.

Leqembi's Effect On Alzheimer's Patients

The findings come from the LEADER study, an ongoing observational study that evaluates the effectiveness of Leqembi outside the controlled environment of clinical trials.

The analysis included people with early Alzheimer's disease, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's and mild Alzheimer's dementia.

According to researchers:

• 75.9% of patients remained clinically stable
• 6.6% improved by one disease stage
• Nearly 83% were either stable or improved during treatment over an average follow-up of 17 months.

The study is based on how the drug performs in routine medical practice, offering insight into its real-world effectiveness.

Also read: Captain ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, ‘Miracle On The Hudson’ Pilot, Reveals Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Success In Earlier Clinical Trial

The drug clears amyloid-beta plaques, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers believe that reducing amyloids may control the progression of the disease when treatment begins early.

Commenting on the new findings, Dr. Michael Irizarry, Deputy Chief Clinical Officer and Senior Vice President at Eisai Inc., said: "These real-world data reinforce the meaningful impact that early diagnosis and treatment with LEQEMBI can have for people living with early Alzheimer's disease."

The company said the results provide encouraging evidence that the benefits observed in clinical trials are translating into everyday clinical practice.

Also read: WHO's New Dementia Guidelines Prioritize Healthy Habits, Warn Against Supplements

Careful Monitoring Still Needed

Despite the encouraging results, experts say that Leqembi is not appropriate for everyone with Alzheimer's disease. The treatment is suitable for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease with confirmed amyloid pathology.

Patients receiving Leqembi require regular monitoring because the drug can cause amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which may involve brain swelling or bleeding.

While many cases are asymptomatic, some can be serious, making MRI monitor an important part of treatment.

Why Amyloid Clearance Matters?

For years, amyloid plaques have been at the center of Alzheimer’s research. These protein clumps build up between neurons and are believed to interfere with communication and trigger inflammation, eventually killing brain cells.

While there’s still debate over whether amyloid is a cause or symptom of Alzheimer’s, clearing these plaques remains one of the leading therapeutic targets.

The latest real-world evidence presented at AAIC 2026 strengthens confidence in Leqembi as a treatment that may help slow the progression of early Alzheimer's disease.

While the therapy does not reverse the condition or cure dementia, keeping patients clinically stable for longer could translate into more time with preserved independence and daily functioning.

Unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer is considered highly preventable through a combination of HPV vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment of precancerous lesions.

India has recorded a significant decline in cervical cancer burden, with new cases falling by 37% over the past decade, according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP).

Experts say widespread screening, awareness, and increasing uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine have contributed to the milestone.

Cervical Cancer Cases Drop In India

The latest estimates show that the number of new cervical cancer cases has dropped from approximately 1.27 lakh annually to around 79,000, marking a major public health milestone in the fight against one of the most common cancers affecting Indian women.

"Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can largely be prevented through timely screening and vaccination," Dr. Amitabh Shankar, Head of Preventive Oncology at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS, was quoted as saying.

He attributed the decline to improved awareness, wider availability of screening services, and the gradual expansion of HPV vaccination.

Also read: Minimally Invasive Focal Therapy For Prostate Cancer Promises Fewer Side Effects Than Surgery Or Radiotherapy

Positive Impact Of Screening And HPV Vaccination

According to experts, early detection through routine cervical cancer screening allows precancerous changes to be identified and treated before they develop into cancer.

At the same time, HPV vaccination protects against high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus, the leading cause of cervical cancer.

The report suggests that increased access to healthcare services, government-led awareness initiatives, and preventive programs have played an important role in reducing the cases of cervical cancer.

Despite the progress, specialists caution that cervical cancer continues to be a major health concern in India, particularly in rural and underserved regions where screening coverage and HPV vaccination remain limited.

They emphasize that expanding HPV vaccination among eligible adolescents, strengthening population-based screening programs, and improving early diagnosis will be essential to prevent it.

Also read: KRAS-Targeted Vaccine Shows Promise In Fighting Pancreatic Cancer, Triggers Strong Immune Response In Early Trial

About HPV Vaccine

The human papillomavirus causes more than 200 known infections. While some types lead to benign skin warts, others are responsible for severe health threats, such as cervical, throat, anal, and penile cancers.

The HPV vaccine provides strong protection against the most lethal strains, avoiding long-term health complications. It helps the immune system recognize and fight off high-risk strains of the virus before they cause harm. It protects against:

• Genital warts
• Cervical cancer
• Vaginal, vulvar, anal, and penile cancers
• Mouth, throat, head, and neck cancers linked to HPV

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervix is located in the pelvic cavity, about 3 to 6 inches inside the vaginal canal. It serves as the entrance to the uterus to the vagina. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), almost all cervial cancer are linked to human papillomaviruses (HPV) which are transmitted through sexual contact

Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer has no symptoms in the early days and therefore, is hard to detect until it has spread. Early-stage cervical cancer symptoms include:

• Vaginal bleeding after sex
• Vaginal bleeding post-menopause
• Vaginal bleeding between periods or unusually heavy/long periods
• Watery vaginal discharge with a strong odour or containing blood
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

• Persistent early-stage symptoms
• Painful or difficult bowel movements or rectal bleeding
• Painful or difficult urination or blood in the urine
• Persistent dull backache
• Swelling of the legs
• Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen