Research

Why is ammonia added to cigarettes?

Researchers in the Department of Biological Sciences are reviewing evidence that ammonia make cigarettes more addictive.

The review, for the Department of Health, poses the question: 'Should ammonia be allowed to be added to tobacco products?'

Researcher Alison Cox explained that, while the health dangers from smoking are well known, many people do not realise the clever engineering of tobacco products that could enhance their addiction, or even increase health risks.

Ammonia and ammonium compounds are included in over 4000 ingredients of cigarettes. Alison said: 'The controversy surrounding them is whether their inclusion is, as they are now listed, for flavouring or, as described in earlier documentation, to increase the pH of the cigarette smoke.'

She explained that this increases the amount of unprotonated nicotine - the more harmful form of nicotine - in the smoke. Alkaline conditions, created by the presence of ammonia, are thought to increase the amount of unprotonated nicotine.

This is felt by the smoker as an increased 'kick' when the smoke is first inhaled (a short, sharp, scratchy feeling in the back of the throat). This feeling can become what the smoker looks for in smoking, and could therefore increase the level of nicotine addiction.

However, the reliability of smoke pH is one of several areas of debate. For those interested in the thinking of the tobacco industry, secret documents have now been disclosed because of litigation in the United States. Sources for this subject and others are available in the Minnesota Trial Exhibits at www.tobacco.neu.edu/mn_trial/

Maths in all languages

University Professor, Peter Higgins, is successfully taking the story of mathematics around the world thanks to soaring sales of two of his maths books and increasing numbers of foreign translations.

His book, Mathematics for the Curious, was first published in English in 1998 and has sold just over 8,200 copies since publication, a figure which it is hoped will soon be eclipsed by sales of the recently translated Italian version. As well as translation, the book also underwent extensive re-design for the Italian market with a larger print and more engaging cover. It has sold approximately 4,000 copies so far. A Spanish version of the book, which has a less inviting cover, has not been greeted with such success at the sales counter but the speed with which its Italian counterpart has flown off the shelves has meant that Ukrainian, Japanese, Portuguese and Polish versions are all in the pipeline.

A second book by Professor Higgins, Mathematics for the Imagination, published this year, has also met with surprising sales having sold over 3,330 copies in the first month. It is anticipated that this too will be translated for the continental and worldwide markets. Mathematics for the Imagination allows its reader to discover the mathematical world which surrounds us all: from the Great Pyramid of Cheops to the intricate floor tiles in the Alhambra Palace. It is an accessible and entertaining guide written for anyone who is curious about the mathematics behind real-life questions.

Professor Higgins said: 'I wanted Mathematics for the Imagination to be easy to read so it is full of pictures, history and biography. The story of mathematics is a big one and it is much easier for people to appreciate than they realise. I hope the translations of these books will give a greater insight to a greater number of people.'

Also in the printed November edition of Wyvern:

• Get ready for a robot invasion
• New social science data service
• ISER aids Bosnia survey