Smokers may soon have to listen to annoying advice from their cigarette packets to quit the habit. A group of researchers from the UK have created packaging that plays recorded messages every time it is opened.

One packet suggests a phone number that users can call to gain quitting advice, while another message warns of fertility problems. Reduced fertility is a known side-effect of long term smoking. Messages like this would surely create more doubt in the person's mind to continue.

The idea was the brainchild of researchers who observed that cigarette companies keep improving the look of the packet to attract more users. A message or music that is not only attractive but also hits where it hurts the most will inevitably make a few chronic users quit successfully.

For the rest, they may simply try. Listening to the messages would keep reminding them of the need to quit and may result in cutting back on the daily dosage.

(AW-Sruthi)