A world-renowned researcher at Yale University was honored Saturday for her groundbreaking research into nicotine addiction and treatment.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal said he will be using research by Dr. Marina Picciotto to regulate and possibly ban nicotine pouches.

"Marina Picciotto is helping to stop addiction, helping to prevent another generation from being hooked on nicotine," Blumenthal said.

"Basic science can really make a difference for public health and I'm accepting this certificate of appreciation on behalf not only of researchers here at Yale University, but also of researchers around the country and around the world," Picciotto said.

Dr. Picciotto also said if a person does not start using nicotine as an adolescent, they are much less likely to develop an addiction to it later in life.