A study published in the journal Nature Communications revealed that a reduced gray matter levels in two areas of the brain may be associated with want to start smoke during adolescence and strengthens nicotine addiction.

Scientists from the Universities of Cambridge and Warwick in England and Fudan University in China analyzed brain imaging and behavioral data from more than 800 young people aged 14, 19 and 23 years.

He Study found that, on average, teenager that they started smoke at age 14 or significantly earlier less gray matter in the left frontal lobe associated with decision making and rule breaking.

Gray matter is the brain tissue that processes information and contains all the neurons in that organ. Although brain development continues into adulthood, gray matter growth peaks before adolescence.

Researchers suggest that reduction in gray matter volume inside it left side of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex could be an “inherited biomarker” for addicted to nicotinesomething that has implications for prevention and treatment.

In addition, the scientists found that the opposite side, the right side of the same brain region, also had less gray matter in smokers.

Loss of material in the right prefrontal cortex, a region associated with sensation seeking, appears to increase only after smoking is initiated.

The study authors argue that reduced gray matter in the brain can reduce cognitive function and encourage “disinhibited”, “impulsive and transgressive” behavior that arises from a limited ability to consider consequences, which could increase the chances of starting smoking at an early age.

With information from EFE