Leveraging Advanced AI Frameworks for Dual PPAR α/γ Agonist Discovery in Alzheimer's Disease.

In the United States, e-cigarettes are the most commonly used nicotine and tobacco product among young adults. Using e-cigarettes not only increases one’s exposure to harmful toxicants but may also increase the risk of transitioning to more harmful tobacco products in the future, such as combustible cigarettes. Young adults may be especially vulnerable to developing nicotine dependence, as they are experiencing a critical period of social and developmental transitions. Importantly, young adults who are not currently using e-cigarettes but are susceptible to using (i.e., lacking firm decision not to vape) are at an increased risk of future initiation. As such, it is essential to leverage available resources to reduce e-cigarette use in this population. A major driver of e-cigarette use among young adults is the aggressive marketing tactics employed by the tobacco industry. E-cigarette companies invest millions of dollars each year to target this demographic, increasing the likelihood of initiation and continued use. Through a range of appealing strategies – including discounts, showcasing flavored products, and human imagery – the e-cigarette industry has effectively captured young adults’ attention to its advertisements. More importantly, research has shown that industry advertisements frequently employ human models with young appearances, which tend to elicit the most attention from younger audiences. Therefore, removing human imagery from e-cigarette advertisements could reduce advertising appeal to make e-cigarettes less enticing, in turn decreasing young adults' interest in trying them. Restricting advertising features to reduce the appeal of a tobacco product is a feasible regulatory approach, as similar actions have been implemented in the past. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) holds authority over the marketing and sale of e-cigarettes, and research on regulating advertising features can provide firm scientific evidence to guide regulatory decisions. Beyond FDA oversight, identifying how restriction of an appealing advertisement feature impacts young adult behavior can support broader efforts, such as legal challenges and advocacy against the tobacco industry. A historical example includes the removal of Joe Camel, a cartoon mascot featured in Camel cigarette advertisements during the late 1980s, after research demonstrated its strong appeal to youth, causing a decline in youth smoking. More recently, settlements between Juul Labs and the state of North Carolina and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts resulted in Juul agreeing to discontinue advertising tactics known to attract youth and young adults, including stopping the use of advertisement models under the age of 35 years. These cases illustrate how research on e-cigarette advertising can influence FDA regulations, legal settlements, and public advocacy efforts, ultimately driving changes in industry marketing practices to protect public health.