The first solid evidence that smoking causes cancer came in the 1950s, followed decades later by revelations that “second-hand” smoke also harms health. On Friday, scientists issued a warning about what they call “third-hand” smoke (THS) — the sticky residue from tobacco puffing that clings to walls and furniture. In mice, at least, exposure to these toxic leftovers causes lower infant weight and alters counts of blood cells associated with the body’s immune system, they reported in the Nature journal Scientific Reports.

The first solid evidence that smoking causes cancer came in the 1950s, followed decades later by revelations that “second-hand” smoke also harms health. In mice, at least, exposure to these toxic leftovers causes lower infant weight and alters counts of blood cells associated with the body’s immune system, they reported in the Nature journal Scientific Reports. “Evidence is mounting that the residue lingering on indoor surfaces could be just as harmful — if not more — than second-hand smoke,” said the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, which took part in the study.

Excluding genetic and behavioral factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, what can be done to help prevent cancer? What links can currently be established between cancer and diet? When Japanese people emigrate to Hawaii and start eating processed products, their cancer risk increases by a third.

An anti-inflammatory, Mediterranean-style diet — already beneficial to heart health — could help prevent fractures linked to reduced bone density in certain women, according to researchers in the USA. This study, which analyzed data from 160,191 women aged 50 to 79, is published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Numerous studies have previously identified health benefits associated with a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and unprocessed foods, such as reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, as well as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.