South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Feb. 26, 2008) - If that smoker next to you seems more relaxed than you, you might be right. University of Florida veterinary researchers say smokers reduce stress because nicotine appears to mask the brain's awareness of outside stimuli, thereby reducing anxiety, " Smoking may kill, but the stress-reducing effects of nicotine on the brain are probably one reason why the habit is so prominent among college students," said Paul Davenport, Ph.D., a professor in the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine's department of physiological sciences. Davenport is studying the effects of nicotine withdrawal on brain activity and cough in one of four projects UF veterinary researchers have been working on as post of a $1 million grant from the Florida Department of Health's James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program. To view the full article, click on the following link: Nicotine Reduces Stress.