KARACHI – Gold prices in Pakistan registered massive gains in line with upward trend in international markets on July 2, 2025.
According to the Saraffa Association, the price of 24-karat gold per tola surged to 356,800 after an increase of Rs6,600 while the rate for 10 grams stood at Rs305,898.
Gold prices hold significant importance in Pakistan due to cultural, economic, and investment reasons. Gold is traditionally used in weddings, festivals, and as a form of savings, especially by women. Fluctuations in gold prices directly impact jewelry demand and the overall retail market.
Economically, many Pakistanis invest in gold as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation. In times of financial uncertainty, gold acts as a safe haven. Moreover, changes in international gold rates affect local prices, influencing import costs and trade balance. Therefore, monitoring gold prices is crucial for investors, consumers, and policymakers in Pakistan.
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan
City
Gold Price
Silver Rate
Karachi
356,800
Rs3,878
Lahore
356,800
Rs3,878
Islamabad
356,800
Rs3,878
Peshawar
356,800
Rs3,878
Quetta
356,800
Rs3,878
Sialkot
356,800
Rs3,878
Hyderabad
356,800
Rs3,878
Faisalabad
356,800
Rs3,878
Gold Price Movement This Week
May 28: Rs349,300
May 27: Rs347,900
May 26: Rs351,500
May 24: Rs354,100
May 23: Rs351,000
May 22: Rs347,500
May 21: Rs349,400
Meanwhile, the silver rates remained constant as one tola priced at Rs3,782.
Market experts attribute the ongoing volatility to uncertain trends in global bullion trading and the fluctuating value of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar.
Gold rally breaks negative streak in Pakistan amid tweaks; Check New Prices
LAHORE: On the direction of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, special measures have been taken for the first time to monitor and prevent fake news for establishing law and order during Muharram-ul-Haram.
A new system has been implemented and a special Control Room has been established in this regard.
The CM directed to launch strict legal action against the dissemination of fake news on the social media during Muharram-ul-Haram.
On the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, tracing of people who are involved in disseminating controversial contents on the social media accounts has been launched and a strict legal action is being taken. Dozens of controversial social media accounts have been blocked across Punjab on the report of the Special Branch.
On the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a Cyber Patrol Unit will perform its duties for the first time in the province during Ashura.
A special portal of PITB has also been activated for monitoring and reporting objectionable social media contents.
The special cell will monitor 24/7 social media contents pertaining to religious hatred and sectarianism.
After reporting controversial content on the portal, the account is blocked and the whereabouts of the account holder is traced. The Chief Minister directed to initiate special measures to ensure a complete ban on the promotion and publication of contents based on religious hatred and speeches. She also directed to ensure a complete ban on the usage of drone cameras under any circumstance.
She directed to carry out the deployment of a Quick Response Force to ensure complete security of Muharram processions and gatherings. Iron pipes will be installed on all sides for security purposes during the Muharram processions. Special cameras will be installed at the entrance gate of every procession during the Ashura so that the visitors can be identified by their faces.
The CM directed to deploy female police officers and personnel for the security of female mourners in the gatherings and processions. She highlighted, “The Karbala incident imparts us a lesson to adopt peace and tolerance. All possible steps will be taken to ensure peace and order during the Ashura.” She asserted, “In the context of the current global situation, the holy month of Muharram is extremely sensitive and there is absolutely no room for committing negligence by the relevant stakeholders in the performance of their duties.”
Atopalm, a skin care brand specialising in sensitive skin, recently introduced a new product called Mild & Soothing Feminine Cleanser, which is aimed at providing gentle care for the Y-zone in hot and humid weather.
According to the brand, the summer season is a time when women need to take extra care, as the skin around the intimate area becomes more sensitive and can easily feel uncomfortable.
The product has completed a gynaecological skin test to ensure that “all women can use it safely” on a daily basis. Based on results of the test, it is suitable for use on the vulva area, with its skin safety grade being rated as “very good”.
Its key ingredient is AMPamide, Neopharma’s proprietary ingredient that has been proven to soothe and alleviate inflammation, to help manage skin irritated by friction and humidity.
In addition, it contains plant-based cleansing ingredients derived from coconut and corn, and a synbiotic formula combining probiotics and prebiotics that helps maintain Y-zone skin health.
“The hypoallergenic, weakly acidic foam gently acts on Y-zone skin without friction, expels 99% of three types of harmful bacteria (Candida, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus), and even eliminates unpleasant odours caused by sweat and secretions,” Atopalm said.
A human application test found that the product has a soothing effect of 70.03% on skin damaged by external stimuli.
It has also completed a 7-second cleansing power test, where it showed that the ingredients will be washed off cleanly without leaving any residue, if the user rinses the skin under running water for seven seconds after using the product.
“The Mild & Soothing Feminine Cleanser does not contain any of the ‘10 ingredients harmful to the skin’ and is formulated only with ingredients that have received an EWG Green Grade, so any woman over the age of four can use it safely every day.”
Derma:B’s Balance FIT range is targeted at improving body swelling and cellulite. (Neopharm)
Balancing act
Neopharm’s body care brand Derma:B has released a new range called Balance FIT that claims to help “create a balanced body line” for those concerned about swelling and cellulite, which are difficult to resolve through diet alone.
The two products, Body Cream and Body Serum, were sold for the first time on a live broadcast by leading Korean fashion store Musinsa on June 5.
A core ingredient of the Balance FIT line is the patented PPC Complex, consisting of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), peptide, and collagen.
“The 99% pure low-molecular vegan PDRN activates collagen synthesis to improve decreased skin elasticity. Similarly, the low-molecular liposome peptide promotes collagen and elastin synthesis, while the ultra-pure nano collagen of 300Da size is effectively absorbed into the skin and helps improve elasticity.”
Additionally, the Body Cream contains pumpkin extract and mate leaf extract that are said to aid in relieving swelling. Its cream texture allows for smooth application, and it is more effective when gently massaged on areas that often swell, such as the calves.
In a human application test, it was evaluated to improve calf swelling after just one use, with the effect being ascertained both visually and through a calf circumference reduction test. It was also found that sock marks were less formed and disappeared quickly after application of the product.
Targeted at ameliorating cellulite, the Body Serum is formulated with garcinia extract, banana leaf extract, and green tea catechins to moisturise the skin and enhance skin texture.
Its temporary cellulite improvement effect on the thighs as well as elasticity improvement effect on the upper arms were confirmed after eight weeks of use in a human application test.
Furthermore, the abdominal elasticity of participants had an 11.82% improvement after a one-time use of the product, suggesting its efficacy in body tightening.
LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister and in-charge of Muharram Arrangements for Faisalabad Division, Azma Bokhari, visited Chiniot to review the administrative and security preparations for the sacred month of Muharram.
At the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, DC Safiullah Gondal and DPO Abdullah Ahmad briefed the minister on the ongoing arrangements.
Addressing the officials, Azma Bokhari gave clear directives, stating that providing protection and essential facilities to mourners is the top priority of the Punjab Government. No negligence or loophole will be tolerated under any circumstances.”
Meeting with procession organizers and license holders, the minister emphasized that the Muharram teaches us patience, harmony, and unity. On the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, we are actively working across all districts to ensure peace and smooth arrangements at every level.”
She noted that strict monitoring of all routes of processions and religious gatherings is in progress. Flashpoints are on high alert, security agencies are in full coordination, and scholars from Peace Committees are in close contact. She said a zero-tolerance policy is in place for those spreading hate or incitement on social media. A dedicated team is monitoring online activity 24/7, and no miscreant will escape legal action.”
She also shared that CCTV surveillance is active along procession routes. Facilities such as mobile hospitals, clinics-on-wheels, and water sprinklers are available for the convenience of mourners. “This is not just a religious responsibility; it is a national duty to maintain peace and order, and it requires joint efforts from all segments of society, she said.”
The minister added that she would remain present in the Faisalabad Division until the conclusion of Ashura processions and gatherings. She appreciated the performance of the Chiniot administration and expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by local organizers.
Speaking to the media, Azma highlighted the progress under the Punjab Development Program, stating: “Streets are being built across the province, villages are being turned into model villages, and sewerage systems are being upgraded.” She concluded by saying that with collective efforts, we will promote exemplary peace, tolerance, and unity during the sacred days of Muharram.”
As if sequencing a full human genome wasn’t tricky enough, scientists are now attempting to reconstruct our species’ genetic material from the ground up.
It’s an ambitious and controversial project called the Synthetic Human Genome (SynHG) project, and work has already begun on a proof-of-concept.
The goal of this crucial first step is to use the human genome blueprint to write the genetic code for a single, enormously long strand of DNA in just one of our chromosomes – making up approximately 2 percent of our total genome.
The entire DNA content will be digitally designed before it is then built in the lab.
According to proponents, this project could kickstart a genetic revolution, profoundly changing our understanding of human DNA and possibly enabling designer cell-based therapies and virus-resistant tissue transplantation.
Related: Scientists Just Achieved a Major Milestone in Creating Synthetic Life
Emboldened by these futuristic possibilities, the Wellcome Trust – one of the world’s largest scientific research charities – announced this week that it was funding the SynHG initiative with £10 million (approximately US$13.7 million).
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Researchers behind the project, who hail from the Universities of Oxford, Kent, Manchester, Cambridge, and Imperial College London, told the BBC that “the sky is the limit”. They aim to build a fully synthetic human chromosome in the next five to 10 years.
“The ability to synthesize large genomes, including genomes for human cells, may transform our understanding of genome biology and profoundly alter the horizons of biotechnology and medicine,” says project leader and molecular biologist Jason Chin from the Ellison Institute of Technology and Oxford.
“With SynHG we are building the tools to make large genome synthesis a reality.”
Some independent scientists, however, are dubious that the SynHG project can get that far, even with cutting-edge generative AI and advanced robotic assembly technologies.
Award-winning geneticist Robin Lovell-Badge from the Francis Crick Institute, who is not involved in the SynHG project, says that he is “very enthusiastic” about the initiative, as “you can only truly understand something if you can build it from scratch.”
But despite all the knowledge we have gained since fully sequencing and reading the human genome in 2003, he says there is still a lot of work to be done before we can actually build a complete one.
Today, the only human-made genomes fully written from scratch are for single-celled organisms that have, at most, 16 chromosomes made from roughly 12 million base pairs. That accomplishment took roughly a decade of hard work.
Humans, by comparison, typically possess more than 30 trillion cells with 46 chromosomes and 3 billion base pairs. Who knows how long it will take scientists to untangle that level of complexity?
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“As for synthetic human chromosomes, although the current project is very unlikely to get that far, it may eventually be possible to make synthetic cells that can be grown in the lab with high efficiency,” says Lovell-Badge.
“However, there is no suggestion to make synthetic humans. We have no idea how to do this, and it is likely to be very unsafe.”
While the details are hazy, the SynHG team claims to be working with academic, civil society, industry, and policy experts to examine the ethical, legal, and social implications of their research.
Projects like these are bound to inspire social and ethical debates on the possibilities and consequences of complex health and reproductive issues, from the right to make ‘designer’ babies to the definition of eugenics.
“We must recognize that this sort of work is not without controversy, and that is vital for researchers and the public to be in communication with one another,” says Sarah Norcross, director of the Progress Educational Trust (PET), which is a charity for people affected by genetic conditions.
“The public must have a clear understanding of what this research entails, while researchers and funders must have a thoroughgoing understanding of where the public wants to go with this science.”
As if sequencing a full human genome wasn’t tricky enough, scientists are now attempting to reconstruct our species’ genetic material from the ground up.
It’s an ambitious and controversial project called the Synthetic Human Genome (SynHG) project, and work has already begun on a proof-of-concept.
The goal of this crucial first step is to use the human genome blueprint to write the genetic code for a single, enormously long strand of DNA in just one of our chromosomes – making up approximately 2 percent of our total genome.
The entire DNA content will be digitally designed before it is then built in the lab.
According to proponents, this project could kickstart a genetic revolution, profoundly changing our understanding of human DNA and possibly enabling designer cell-based therapies and virus-resistant tissue transplantation.
Related: Scientists Just Achieved a Major Milestone in Creating Synthetic Life
Emboldened by these futuristic possibilities,the Wellcome Trust – one of the world’s largest scientific research charities – announced this week that it was funding the SynHG initiative with £10 million (approximately US$13.7 million).
Researchers behind the project, who hail from the Universities of Oxford, Kent, Manchester, Cambridge, and Imperial College London, told the BBC that “the sky is the limit”. They aim to build a fully synthetic human chromosome in the next five to 10 years.
“The ability to synthesize large genomes, including genomes for human cells, may transform our understanding of genome biology and profoundly alter the horizons of biotechnology and medicine,” says project leader and molecular biologist Jason Chin from the Ellison Institute of Technology and Oxford.
“With SynHG we are building the tools to make large genome synthesis a reality.”
Some independent scientists, however, are dubious that the SynHG project can get that far, even with cutting-edge generative AI and advanced robotic assembly technologies.
Award-winning geneticist Robin Lovell-Badge from the Francis Crick Institute, who is not involved in the SynHG project, says that he is “very enthusiastic” about the initiative, as “you can only truly understand something if you can build it from scratch.”
But despite all the knowledge we have gained since fully sequencing and reading the human genome in 2003, he says there is still a lot of work to be done before we can actually build a complete one.
Today, the only human-made genomes fully written from scratch are for single-celled organisms that have, at most, 16 chromosomes made from roughly 12 million base pairs. That accomplishment took roughly a decade of hard work.
Humans, by comparison, typically possess more than 30 trillion cells with 46 chromosomes and 3 billion base pairs. Who knows how long it will take scientists to untangle that level of complexity?
“As for synthetic human chromosomes, although the current project is very unlikely to get that far, it may eventually be possible to make synthetic cells that can be grown in the lab with high efficiency,” says Lovell-Badge.
“However, there is no suggestion to make synthetic humans. We have no idea how to do this, and it is likely to be very unsafe.”
While the details are hazy, the SynHG team claims to be working with academic, civil society, industry, and policy experts to examine the ethical, legal, and social implications of their research.
Projects like these are bound to inspire social and ethical debates on the possibilities and consequences of complex health and reproductive issues, from the right to make ‘designer’ babies to the definition of eugenics.
“We must recognize that this sort of work is not without controversy, and that is vital for researchers and the public to be in communication with one another,” says Sarah Norcross, director of the Progress Educational Trust (PET), which is a charity for people affected by genetic conditions.
“The public must have a clear understanding of what this research entails, while researchers and funders must have a thoroughgoing understanding of where the public wants to go with this science.”
New cutting-edge software developed in Melbourne can help uncover how the most common heart tumor in children forms and changes. And the technology has the potential to further our understanding of other childhood diseases, according to a new study.
The research, led by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and published in Genome Biology, found the software, VR-Omics, can identify previously undetected cell activities of cardiac rhabdomyoma, a type of benign heart tumor.
Developed by MCRI’s Professor Mirana Ramialison, VR-Omics is the first tool capable of analysing and visualising data in both 2D and 3D virtual reality environments. The innovative technology aims to analyse the spatial genetic makeup of human tissue to better understand a specific disease.
Cardiac rhabdomyoma, usually detected during pregnancy or infancy, doesn’t cause health problems in most cases. But in some babies and children the tumors can grow and block blood flow to vital organs, causing respiratory distress, irregular heartbeat,obstructions and heart failure.
When the tumors cause severe health complications, treatment options are limited and include surgically removing part of the heart, which may lead to further complications and death. Unfortunately, it’s not well understood why these tumors form.”
Professor Mirana Ramialison, MCRI
To challenge her new software, Professor Ramialison and her team, including Denis Bienroth and Natalie Charitakis, analysed heart tissue from three children in Melbourne with cardiac rhabdomyoma. In a breakthrough, the research uncovered specific underlying features of the tumor that hadn’t been identified previously.
Professor Ramialison said the VR-Omics tool would help researchers to gain a better insight into the disease.
“VR-Omics generates 3D visualisations of the cells within human tissue based on large collections of patient data,” she said. This could allow for greater analysis of human tissue compared to other methods.”
Professor Ramialison also benchmarked the software against existing state-of-the-art methods, finding it performed better in all analysis steps.
“VR-Omics has a unique capacity to analyze large datasets, which allows it to explore new biological mechanisms in rare tissue sections, like those from cardiac rhabdomyoma,” she said. The technology will enable more biological discoveries that could help better understand many childhood conditions.”
Researchers from the Melbourne Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Regenerative Medicine (CardioRegen), the University of Konstanz in Germany, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Melbourne and Monash University also contributed to the findings.
Source:
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Journal reference:
Bienroth, D., et al. (2025). Automated integration of multi-slice spatial transcriptomics data in 2D and 3D using VR-Omics. Genome Biology. doi.org/10.1186/s13059-025-03630-6.
DOHA, July 1, 2025 — The World Bank Group (WBG) announced today the appointment of Holly Welborn Benner as the World Bank Group Country Manager for the State of Qatar, based in Doha. This underlines the World Bank Group’s commitment to strengthening the partnership with Qatar by supporting Qatar’s private and public sector development priorities in line with its National Vision 2030. A new WBG office in Doha will deepen our engagement in response to development challenges, and national priorities with speed, efficiency, and impact.
Most recently, Ms. Benner was the Resident Representative for Jordan, overseeing a program focused on growth and jobs aligned with Jordan”s Economic Modernization Vision. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked on development solutions for countries facing complex transition and reform challenges, including leading operations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Her work included conflict-recovery efforts in Ukraine and programs in Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic that integrated energy infrastructure with community development.
“As I step into the role of Country Manager for Qatar, I am both honored and excited to contribute to the World Bank Group’s mission of fostering sustainable development and economic growth, bringing together public and private sector solutions to help Qatar implement its National Vision 2030,” said Holly W. Benner, the World Bank Group Country Manager for Qatar. “Qatar’s dynamic landscape also offers unique opportunities for the World Bank Group to promote Qatar’s knowledge, innovation and investment in the Middle East region and globally.”
The World Bank Group is assisting Qatar in achieving its “National Vision 2030” which aims to strengthen human capital, support job creation, diversify the economy, and drive sustainable growth by catalyzing cross-border investments, facilitating public-private partnerships, promoting women’s economic empowerment, and addressing sustainability challenges.
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group focused on the private sector in emerging markets, has invested and mobilized $1.84 billion of financing to help Qatari companies expand to new markets in developing countries. MIGA, the home of the World Bank Group Guarantee Platform, issued guarantees in the amount of $225 million to Kasada Hospitality Fund LP, a firm that is 69.7% owned by a subsidiary of the Qatari Investment Authority. These guarantees enabled investments in 17 hotels with 2,900 hotel rooms in seven countries across sub-Saharan Africa.
The Qatar office will operate under a single Country Manager for the World Bank Group including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
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About the World Bank Group: The World Bank Group has a bold vision: to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. In more than 100 countries, the World Bank Group provides financing, advice, and innovative solutions that improve lives by creating jobs, strengthening economic growth, and confronting the most urgent global development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. It consists of the World Bank, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA); the International Finance Corporation (IFC); the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA); and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org , www.miga.org , and www.ifc.org.
Young people with friends who vape are 15 times more likely to use e-cigarettes, and more adolescents are turning to illicit cannabis products, University of Queensland research has found.
In two separate UQ-led studies, researchers have uncovered vaping trends, including a significant increase in the number of young people who don’t know what they’re inhaling.
In one study, PhD candidate Jack Chung from UQ’s National Centre For Youth Substance Use Research examined the types of cannabis compounds that youth aged 11-18 years old were vaping between 2021 and 2023.
We analyzed how many teens were vaping 2 types of cannabis compounds, the first of which is commonly used for its psychoactive ‘high’ effects, and the 2nd is usually used for medicinal purposes.
We also studied the use of lab-made synthetic cannabinoids which can be more potent and deadly.
We saw an increase in all products between 2021 and 2023, but it was concerning to see a rise in synthetic cannabinoids, where vaping doubled in young people aged between 11-15 years.
Synthetic cannabinoids are particularly dangerous as they can lead to unpredictable health consequences and even death.
It was also worrying to see more adolescents were unsure about the substances they were vaping – 1.8 per cent of teens in 2021 weren’t sure if they had vaped synthetic cannabinoids, increasing to 4.7 per cent in 2023.”
Jack Chung, PhD candidate from UQ’s National Centre For Youth Substance Use Research
Mr. Chung’s study analyzed data from 70,773 middle and high school students in the United States, which was captured in the country’s National Youth Tobacco Surveys.
In a separate UQ-led vaping study, PhD candidate Giang Vu found peer influences were a major factor in vaping trends, while disapproval of e-cigarettes from people important to teens – such as parents – reduced the likelihood of a teen vaping by about 70 per cent.
“We analyzed data from 20,800 American youth between 2015 and 2021 and found while the proportion with friends who smoked declined, having friends who vaped remained concerningly common,” Ms Vu said.
“In 2015, 31.6 per cent of young people had friends who vaped, and while this decreased to 22.3 per cent by 2021, this figure is still high.
“The outbreak of lung disease associated with vaping, and COVID-19 related disruptions to social networks and access most likely contributed to this decline.”
Associate Professor Gary Chung Kai Chan, who collaborated on both studies, said social media played a big part in vaping rates among young people.
“In many videos, vaping is portrayed as trendy and a healthier lifestyle choice when compared to cigarette smoking, but this is dangerous messaging,” Dr Chan said.
“We need more regulation on social media, along with targeted policies and campaigns to decrease vaping rates.
“Further research is also needed to help us understand the evolving trends of cannabis vaping and the physical and mental health impacts on youth.”
The first paper has been published in American Journal of Preventative Medicine.
The second paper has been published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.
Key findings:
Adolescent cannabis vaping trends:
In 2023, it was estimated:
7.4 per cent of US adolescents were vaping a cannabinoid known as THC (which is extracted from the cannabis plant and produces a psychoactive high)
2.9 per cent were vaping cannabidiol known as CBD (also extracted from a cannabis plant and is more often used for medicinal purposes)
1.8 per cent were vaping synthetic cannabinoids (a dangerous lab-made drug that mimics the effects of cannabis)
Vaping of all 3 products increased between 2021 and 2023 in teenagers aged 11-18 years old.
Vaping rates were higher among females than males.
The number of 11-13-year-olds vaping THC and synthetic cannabinoids doubled between 2021 and 2023.
Consistent increase in the number of teens who weren’t sure what product they had inhaled.
Trends in social norms towards cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use:
Teens who had friends who vaped were 15 times more likely to use e-cigarettes themselves.
Between 2015 and 2021, the probability of having friends who smoked cigarettes decreased from 26.1 per cent to 7.9 per cent.
Meanwhile, the probability of having friends who vaped decreased from 31.6 per cent to 22.3 per cent.
Between 2015 and 2020, perceived public disapproval increased for both cigarettes (73.3 per cent to 84.2 per cent) and vaping (55.4 per cent to 77.5 per cent).
Disapproval of e-cigarettes from people important to teens reduced the likelihood of a teen vaping by about 70 per cent.
Source:
The University of Queensland
Journal references:
Chung, J., et al. (2025). Adolescent Cannabis Vaping Trends (2021–2023): Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabidiol, and Synthetic Cannabinoids. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2025.107655.
Vu, G. T., et al. (2025) Trends in Social Norms Toward Cigarette Smoking and E-cigarette Use Among U.S. Youth Between 2015 and 2021.Nicotine & Tobacco Research. doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntaf120.