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Women with asthma appear more likely to have lower levels of testosterone

Researchers found that women with asthma are more likely to have lower levels of free testosterone and estradiol compared to those without asthma. Elevated sex hormone levels were associated with reduced odds of asthma in both men and women, particularly obese individuals.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 30, 2019

African American children respond differently to asthma medications

Researchers found that African American children respond better to increasing inhaled corticosteroids or adding long-acting beta agonists compared to step-up therapies. The study highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches for subgroups of asthma patients, particularly those with African ancestry.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 27, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

ER visits escalate when kids with asthma also have depression, anxiety

Children with asthma who also have depression and anxiety are more likely to visit the ER, with a rate of 28 visits per 100 child years compared to 16 for those without mental health diagnoses. This population may benefit from more intensive care coordination to improve medication compliance and symptom recognition.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 25, 2019

Study assesses asthma treatment options in African American children and adults

A new study found that almost half of young African American children responded better to increasing inhaled corticosteroid doses than adding long-acting bronchodilators. For adolescents and adults, most showed improved responses with adding a long-lasting bronchodilator, but some had no difference.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 25, 2019

Scientists hone in on DNA differences behind immune diseases

Researchers identified links between genetic variants and early activation of memory T cells, suggesting problems with regulating this process could lead to immune diseases. The study's findings could help narrow down the search for molecular pathways involved in immune diseases.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 23, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study suggests flavored e-cigarettes may worsen asthma

Researchers found that certain flavored e-cigarette flavors, even without nicotine, can exacerbate asthma symptoms and increase tissue scarring. Flavors like Black Licorice and Banana Pudding were particularly problematic.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 20, 2019

Allergic diseases increase the risk of adult-onset asthma

A Finnish study found that individuals with more allergic diseases are at higher risk for developing adult-onset asthma, especially among those born after 1940. The research suggests that even one allergic disease can approximately double the asthma risk, while three or more diseases can quadruple it.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAllergy·DateSep 6, 2019

Identification of new populations of immune cells in the lungs

Researchers discovered two distinct sub-populations of interstitial macrophages in the lung, which play a crucial role in preventing asthma development. These sub-populations exhibit different functions, origins, and morphologies, and have distinct local precursors.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Self-monitoring solution in mobile app can help uncontrolled asthma

A study by Karolinska Institutet shows that a mobile phone-based treatment adjustment algorithm can improve symptoms and medication adherence in uncontrolled asthma sufferers. The digital tool, AsthmaTuner, analyzes lung function and symptoms to provide personalized feedback and treatment recommendations.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateSep 3, 2019

Microbiota in home indoor air may protect children from asthma

A study by Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare found that large amounts of certain bacteria from outdoors may protect children from asthma. High diversity of microbes is important in protecting against asthma, but certain soil microbes provide more effective protection.

SourceFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 28, 2019

Researchers discover cause of asthmatic lung spasms

By creating a microdevice that mimics the behavior of human airways, researchers have discovered how muscle contraction in the airway causes breathing difficulties in people with asthma. This breakthrough could lead to new treatment strategies for respiratory diseases.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 22, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Attacking asthma in kids

Researchers are developing technology to predict when a child will have an asthma attack and provide prevention and treatment suggestions. The system tracks geographical location, physical activity, air quality, and health data using smart phones, watches, and sensors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 14, 2019

33% of new childhood asthma cases in Europe attributable to air pollution

A study published by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that air pollution from particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and black carbon is responsible for 33% of new childhood asthma cases in Europe, highlighting the need to update WHO air quality guidelines to better protect children's health.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateAug 7, 2019

Multiple genes affect risk of asthma, hay fever and eczema

A new study has identified 141 genetic regions associated with the risk of developing asthma, hay fever and eczema. The research also found that many patients diagnosed with one disease develop the others at some stage in life.

SourceUppsala University·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateAug 5, 2019

75% of asthma sufferers unable to work to their full potential

A new multi-national survey found that nearly one-tenth of work hours are missed by asthma sufferers, resulting in significant productivity loss. Additionally, workers reported feeling embarrassed, ashamed, and inferior when using inhalers at work.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Asthma and Allergy·DateJul 30, 2019

Airborne particles can send our detox systems into overdrive

A team of international scientists uncovered a previously unclear inflammatory mechanism caused by airborne particles that worsen asthma symptoms. Diesel fumes activate AhR receptors in immune cells, leading to increased production of inflammatory molecules.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateJul 25, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Air pollution and childhood asthma

A study found that reducing nitrogen dioxide levels can lower childhood asthma incidence rates by up to 27.6%. The analysis estimated benefits of fine particulate matter reduction were smaller but still significant, suggesting stricter air quality standards could lead to public health gains.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019

Strong family relationships may help with asthma outcomes for children

A new Northwestern University study found that positive family relationships can buffer children from the negative effects of difficult neighborhood conditions on asthma management. Children living in high-danger neighborhoods with better family relationships had fewer symptoms and improved pulmonary function.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 18, 2019

'Chaos' in the home linked to poor asthma control in children

A chaotic household environment is associated with worse asthma control in urban minority children, according to a new study published in Pediatrics. The researchers found that parent and childhood depressive symptoms are linked to poorer asthma outcomes, while family chaos explained part of this relationship.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 9, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Integrated, multi-'omic' studies of asthma could lead to precision treatment

Researchers from Mount Sinai highlight the importance of multidimensional data for stratifying a complex disease like asthma. Carefully designed, integrated multi-'omic' studies could accelerate precision medicine for asthma patients by defining asthma subtypes through transcriptomics and other omic approaches.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 2, 2019

First lung map uncovers new insights into asthma

Scientists have created a detailed anatomical map of the respiratory airways, producing the first draft Human Cell Atlas of the lung. The study revealed an entirely new cell state that produces mucus in asthma patients, and large differences between normal and asthmatic lungs.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 17, 2019

Mount Sinai study reports asthma control in older patients and shows lower ED visits

A Mount Sinai study found improved asthma control and quality of life in older patients, with a significant reduction in emergency department visits. The study tested a patient-tailored self-management support intervention, which targeted social determinants of health and achieved meaningful improvements.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 10, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Occupational hazards account for more than one in ten people with range of lung diseases

A joint ATS and European Respiratory Society statement reveals that occupational hazards contribute to over 1 in 10 cases of non-cancerous lung diseases, including asthma and COPD. The study estimates the burden of these conditions, highlighting a need for policy makers to prioritize prevention among working women and men worldwide.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 31, 2019

Picture imperfect: Eliminating asthma triggers through smartphones

A pilot program using smartphones to detect asthma triggers is launching in Washington D.C., aiming to improve child well-being and create healthier homes. The project, led by Children's National Hospital, will use video conferencing to identify potential housing triggers with families.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateMay 23, 2019

Historically redlined communities face higher asthma rates

Residents of historically redlined neighborhoods are more than twice as likely to visit emergency rooms for asthma, with significantly higher levels of diesel particulate matter in the air. Poverty and psychosocial stresses associated with living in divested neighborhoods also contribute to the disparity.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateMay 22, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Redlining has an unexpected link: Asthma

Research reveals a surprising connection between redlining practices and increased asthma-related emergency room visits in affected neighborhoods. Residents of redlined areas experienced 13.9 more asthma-related ER visits annually per 10,000 people compared to non-redlined communities.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 22, 2019

More primary care may reduce rates of respiratory failure

A review of nearly 2.5 million patient records found that regions with greater primary care usage had lower respiratory failure admissions, particularly among patients with chronic diseases like asthma and COPD. This suggests that more primary care may reduce rates of respiratory failure and ICU admissions.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Many with mild asthma, low sputum eosinophils respond equally well to steroids as placebo

A recent study of nearly 300 patients with mild persistent asthma found that inhaled steroids were no more effective than placebo in nearly three-fourths of the study patients. However, for those with high levels of eosinophils, inhaled steroids were better than placebo, suggesting a potential new approach to targeting specific therapies.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 19, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Large genome-wide association study is first to focus on both child and adult asthma

A recent genome-wide association study found that childhood-onset asthma is associated with nearly three times as many genes as adult-onset asthma. The study identified 61 independent asthma-related genes, with most being specific to childhood onset. The findings suggest different mechanisms cause the inception of asthma in childhood c...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateApr 26, 2019

Critical errors in inhaler technique common in children with asthma

A recent study found that nearly half of children hospitalized for asthma demonstrate improper inhaler use, with adolescents being the most common offenders. The study highlights the importance of proper inhaler technique in managing asthma, particularly among older teens who may feel they no longer need a spacer device.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Pollen detectives work to predict asthma and hay fever

Researchers tracked grass pollen for seasonal variations and found it was released into the atmosphere later in areas further from the equator. The study aims to create a unique profile of each grass pollen species to determine the most harmful strains.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 8, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Identifying the grass pollen that gets up your nose

The study reveals that different grass pollens can cause varying reactions in allergy sufferers and people with asthma. By analyzing environmental DNA, researchers identified links between certain pollen types and days with increased asthma attacks or intense hay fever symptoms.

SourceBangor University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 8, 2019

TTI heat map shows relationship between traffic-related air pollution and childhood asthma

Researchers created an interactive heat map and city-by-city table detailing the distribution of childhood asthma due to traffic-related air pollution across the United States. Between 2000 and 2010, asthma cases attributable to traffic-related air pollution decreased by 33%, with over 140,000 cases reported in 2010.

SourceTexas A&M University Transportation Institute·JournalEnvironment International·DateApr 5, 2019

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may play opposite roles in childhood asthma

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can modify asthma severity and response to indoor air pollution in children, while higher levels of omega-6 may exacerbate the condition. The study found a correlation between increased neutrophils in response to particulate pollution and higher levels of omega-6 in the diet.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 29, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Omega-3 fatty acids tied to fewer childhood asthma symptoms

A six-month study of children with asthma found that higher omega-3 fatty acid intake was associated with lower odds of daytime asthma symptoms in response to indoor air pollution. Conversely, higher omega-6 intake was linked to more severe asthma and increased inflammation. The study suggests that dietary recommendations can help prot...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 29, 2019

Adipose hormone may play role in obesity-related asthma

A new study suggests that the adipose hormone aP2 is associated with obesity-related asthma and may be a key factor in its development. Higher levels of aP2 were found in people with overweight or obesity who also had asthma, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 24, 2019

Looking for better asthma treatments

Researchers at the University of Akron aim to understand how lipid mediators exacerbate asthma symptoms, hoping to discover new treatments. The study will combine leukotriene and prostaglandin blockers to create a more potent asthma treatment.

SourceUniversity of Akron·DateMar 18, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Eating fish may help prevent asthma

A recent study by Professor Andreas Lopata found that consuming certain types of n-3 fatty acids from marine oils can decrease asthma risk by up to 62%, while high n-6 consumption increases risk by up to 67%. This research suggests a potential link between fish consumption and reduced asthma severity.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 18, 2019

Study suggests painkillers taken during pregnancy not a cause of asthma in kids

A study of nearly 500,000 women found that taking paracetamol or other painkillers during pregnancy increases the risk of asthma in children, but the risk is similar when other types of painkillers are used. The research suggests that another factor linked to painkiller use and asthma risk may be chronic pain and stress.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateMar 17, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Vitamin D may protect against pollution-associated asthma symptoms in obese children

A recent study found that vitamin D levels can modify the response to indoor air pollution in obese urban children with asthma. The research team identified a significant link between low blood vitamin D levels and respiratory problems, as well as an inverse relationship between high blood vitamin D levels and asthma symptoms.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateMar 8, 2019