Nicotine-Free Cigarettes

Japanese researchers are working on a method for producing tobacco without nicotine. They hope that cigarettes made with this tobacco will make it easier for smokers to quit. Instead of going cold turkey, they will be able to “enjoy” the ritual of lighting up – which for many is a big part of the habit – while gradually eliminating their addiction to the nicotine itself.

The scientists have found the gene responsible for bringing nicotine from the roots to the tobacco plant leaves. They are now experimenting with growing plants without this gene. There are some hurdles. For one, if all the nicotine stays in the roots, it might kill the plant before it can grow enough to be harvested.

(Source: The Daily Telegraph)

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