University Faculty Scholars Council (UFSC) Updates: Latest News and Insights from Academic Leaders

Hidden Risks of Vaping: Brazilian Research Uncovers Amphetamine Presence and Lung Damage

Florianópolis, Brazil – A concerning new study conducted by the Federal university of Santa Catarina is shedding light on the hidden dangers of electronic cigarettes, or “vapes.” Researchers have identified the presence of substances like amphetamine in vape samples and are documenting a worrying rise in associated lung injuries, especially among adolescents.

Innovative Research Methods Reveal Complex Chemical Composition

the research, originating from the Toxicological Research Laboratory, employs a novel methodology to analyze the vapor produced by electronic cigarettes. Led by professor Camila Marchioni, the team developed a technique to capture the vapor using coconut fiber, then extract and identify the contained molecules through chromatography. This allows scientists to pinpoint the specific compounds that users inhale, offering a more complete understanding of the health risks involved. Initial analyses center on the liquids used in vapes, which are often complex mixes of compounds including nicotine, cannabis, and various flavoring agents.

“There is significant chemical complexity in these devices, and more than 2,000 substances have been identified,” explained Professor marchioni. she further emphasized the illegal status of electronic cigarette sales in Brazil, highlighting the lack of quality control and the potential for unknown and harmful substances within these products.

Alarming Discovery: Amphetamine Found in Vape Samples

Recent collaborative work with the Santa Catarina Scientific Police revealed an especially troubling finding. Analysis of ten different vape samples uncovered the presence of amphetamine,a controlled substance,raising serious concerns about the unregulated nature of the industry. This discovery underscores the potential for illicit substances to be added to vape liquids without user knowledge.

Youth Vulnerability and Rising Lung Injuries

The study’s findings coincide with growing concern over increasing vape use among young people. An extension project involving educational lectures in local schools revealed that approximately 30% of students surveyed had already experimented with or were current users of electronic cigarettes. This prompted the research team to conduct a comprehensive review of published literature on the effects of vaping on adolescents.

The review, encompassing 58 reports from around the globe, specifically focused on Evali – a pulmonary injury associated with vaping – which began to escalate in the United States starting in 2019. Clinical reports consistently demonstrate significant respiratory involvement, often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, cough, nausea, and vomiting. On average, patients experiencing these complications had been vaping for just over a year and seven months.

“Generally speaking, the use of electronic cigarettes by young people shows early damage,” Professor Marchioni stated. “If we compare with conventional cigarettes, it takes longer for the person to have a compromised lung.” Imaging studies show diffuse lung impairment in over 65% of these cases, and lung biopsies reveal a condition called proliferative bronchiolitis with organization pneumonia, characterized by inflammation and structural remodeling of lung tissue.

Cannabis Connection Increases Risks

the research also points to a strong correlation between vape use and cannabis (THC) consumption. Nearly 70% of affected young people reported using cannabis concurrently with vaping. Furthermore, THC oil was identified in over 80% of analyzed vape devices. The addition of oils, like Vitamin E, to facilitate vaporization is considered a potential risk factor, potentially exacerbating lung reactions.

Risk Factor	Potential Health Effects
Nicotine	Addiction,cardiovascular issues,developmental harm in adolescents
Cannabis (THC)	Respiratory problems,cognitive impairment,potential for psychosis
Vitamin E Oil	Severe lung injury (Evali),potential for long-term respiratory damage
Amphetamine	Cardiovascular risks,neurological effects,potential for addiction

Did You Know? Evali,or E-cigarette or Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury,was first recognized by the CDC in 2019 and has led to thousands of hospitalizations and dozens of deaths in the United States.

Pro Tip: The best way to protect your health is to avoid vaping altogether. If you are struggling with nicotine addiction, seek help from a healthcare professional.

This research underscores the urgent need for public health warnings and stricter regulation of electronic cigarettes. The collaboration between the university and the Scientific Police aims to provide crucial data for informed policy decisions and to protect public health.

The Evolving Landscape of Vaping: A Long-term Health Concern

Vaping, initially marketed as a safer option to traditional cigarettes, is now recognized as a significant public health challenge. The long-term health effects of vaping remain largely unknown, but emerging research continues to identify a range of potential risks, from respiratory illnesses to cardiovascular problems. The unregulated nature of the vape industry,particularly in markets where sales are prohibited,exacerbates these concerns,as it allows for the proliferation of products with unknown and potentially hazardous ingredients.

Ongoing monitoring and research are crucial to understanding the full scope of the health risks associated with vaping and to developing effective strategies for prevention and treatment. educational initiatives aimed at youth are particularly vital, as young people are increasingly targeted by vape marketing and are more vulnerable to the addictive properties of nicotine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vaping

• What are the main risks associated with vaping? Vaping is linked to lung injury, cardiovascular problems, nicotine addiction, and exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
• is vaping a safe alternative to smoking? No, vaping is not considered a safe alternative to smoking. Both activities carry significant health risks.
• What is Evali? Evali stands for E-cigarette or Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury, a serious lung condition linked to vaping.
• Are electronic cigarettes regulated? Regulation of electronic cigarettes varies substantially by country and region, often leading to inconsistencies in product safety and quality.
• Does vaping expose users to harmful chemicals? Yes, vape aerosols can contain harmful chemicals, including nicotine, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds.
• Is cannabis vaping dangerous? Yes, cannabis vaping carries additional risks, including respiratory problems and potential for psychological effects.
• How can I quit vaping? There are resources available to help you quit vaping, including counseling, support groups, and medication.

What are your thoughts on the increasing prevalence of vaping among young people? Share your viewpoint in the comments below.

How does the new partnership with the NSF specifically benefit faculty in STEM education and sustainable energy research?

UFSC Initiatives for Research Grant Opportunities – Fall 2025

The University Faculty Scholars Council (UFSC) has been actively working to expand research funding opportunities for faculty across all disciplines. A key focus this quarter has been negotiating enhanced partnerships with external funding agencies and streamlining the internal grant submission process.

* New Partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF): The UFSC successfully secured a dedicated liaison within the NSF, facilitating direct interaction and early access to information regarding upcoming funding calls, particularly in areas like STEM education and sustainable energy research.

* Internal grant programme Revamp: Responding to faculty feedback, the UFSC has simplified the application process for internal seed grants. The new system, launching October 15th, 2025, features a unified online portal and reduced administrative burden. This aims to encourage more faculty to pursue pilot studies and preliminary data collection.

* Focus on Interdisciplinary Research: The UFSC is prioritizing funding for projects that bridge multiple departments and schools. A new “Cross-Disciplinary Catalyst Grant” will award up to $50,000 to teams demonstrating innovative collaborations.

Enhancing faculty Growth Programs

Beyond funding,the UFSC is committed to supporting faculty growth through targeted professional development. Recent initiatives include:

* Mentorship Program Expansion: The faculty mentorship program has been expanded to include both junior and senior faculty, with a focus on pairing mentors with mentees outside of their immediate departments. This fosters broader networking and knowledge sharing.

* Workshops on Grant Writing & Publication: Responding to a clear need identified in faculty surveys, the UFSC is hosting a series of workshops focused on improving grant writing skills and navigating the academic publishing landscape. These workshops will cover topics like crafting compelling research proposals, identifying appropriate journals, and understanding peer review processes.

* Leadership Training Opportunities: The UFSC is partnering with the university’s leadership development center to offer specialized training programs for faculty interested in taking on leadership roles within their departments or at the university level. This includes training in higher education governance and strategic planning.

Addressing Faculty Concerns: Recent UFSC Town Halls

The UFSC held two open town hall meetings in September 2025 to address faculty concerns and gather feedback. Key themes emerging from these discussions included:

1. Workload Equity: Faculty expressed concerns about uneven workload distribution across departments. the UFSC is working with deans to develop guidelines for more equitable workload assignments, considering research, teaching, and service responsibilities.
2. Promotion & tenure Process: Discussions centered on ensuring transparency and fairness in the promotion and tenure process. The UFSC is reviewing existing policies and procedures to identify areas for betterment.
3. Support for Early Career Faculty: Faculty highlighted the need for increased support for early-career scholars, particularly in navigating the challenges of establishing a research program and securing external funding. The UFSC is exploring options for providing dedicated mentorship and resources to this group.

UFSC & University-Wide Strategic Planning

The UFSC plays a crucial role in aligning faculty priorities with the university’s overall strategic plan. Currently, the council is actively involved in:

* Developing a University-Wide Research Agenda: The UFSC is leading an effort to identify key research areas where the university can establish a national and international reputation. This involves soliciting input from faculty across all disciplines and conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing research strengths.

* Advocating for Faculty Needs in Budget Allocation: The UFSC serves as a key advocate for faculty needs during the university’s annual budget allocation process. This includes advocating for increased funding for research, professional development, and faculty support services.

* promoting Academic Freedom & Integrity: The UFSC remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding principles of academic freedom and research integrity.It actively monitors policies and practices to ensure they align with these core values.

Practical Tips for Leveraging UFSC Resources

* Regularly Check the UFSC Website: The UFSC website ([website address would go here – placeholder]) is the central hub for information on funding opportunities, professional development programs, and council initiatives.

* Attend UFSC Events: Town halls, workshops, and networking events provide valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues and learn about the latest UFSC updates.

* Engage with UFSC Representatives: each department has a UFSC representative.Don’t hesitate to reach out to your representative with questions, concerns, or suggestions.

* Utilize the Mentorship Program: Whether you’re a junior or senior faculty member, the mentorship program can provide valuable guidance and support.

Case Study: Impact of Seed Grant Funding

Dr. Anya Sharma, Assistant Professor of Biology, received a UFSC seed grant in Spring 2024 to conduct preliminary research on a novel approach to cancer treatment.This funding enabled her to collect crucial pilot data, wich she afterward used to secure a $500,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Sharma credits the UFSC seed grant with being instrumental in launching her research program and establishing her as a