A new study found that using race-neutral equations for lung function test interpretation accurately predicted risk of death and COPD flare-ups, especially for African Americans. The study suggests reclassifications can allow those most in need to gain eligibility for specialized treatments like lung transplant.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2024
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.
Researchers report that dupilumab substantially decreases exacerbation frequency and improves lung function as well as symptom burden in COPD patients with type 2 inflammation. The study's findings are promising for these patients, who have a high risk of exacerbations.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2024
Treatment with bisoprolol did not reduce self-reported COPD exacerbations, contradicting previous expectations. Researchers found bisoprolol effective for cardiovascular conditions but noted physician reluctance to prescribe it for COPD patients.
A world-first clinical trial found that finding and treating people with undiagnosed asthma or COPD improves their health and reduces healthcare visits. The study, which involved 508 patients, showed that those treated by a lung specialist and educator averaged fewer healthcare visits and improved symptoms compared to usual care.
SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 19, 2024
Research found that race-neutral spirometry equations tend to decrease severity for white patients and increase severity for Black patients, leading to higher enrollment rates of Black patients in COPD clinical trials. This shift resulted in more Black subjects meeting typical inclusion criteria, while fewer white subjects were eligible.
SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 19, 2024
Researchers developed CT-Derived Functional Imaging, a software program that calculates lung volume changes and blood mass without contrast dye. The technology has improved diagnoses for up to 30% of patients who couldn't tolerate contrast dye, and also benefits all patients with lung issues such as COPD and cancer.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study found that progressive lung abnormalities in smokers are associated with increased frequency and severity of acute respiratory diseases, highlighting the need for closer monitoring and earlier intervention.
SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 30, 2024
The Lundquist Institute has been awarded a four-year, $2.6 million grant to develop wearable multiplex biosensors that can monitor exacerbation risk in COPD. The proposed sensors have the potential to revolutionize COPD management and transform chronic disease management by providing real-time, non-invasive monitoring.
Researchers found that patients with lung disease have a higher risk of developing heart disease, regardless of age or smoking status. The study, published in Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, suggests that Proteinase 3 enzyme may play a key role in this increased risk.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalOrphanet Journal of Rare Diseases·DateMar 22, 2024
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.
Researchers found that Indigenous communities in California were exposed to 1.7 times more wildfire smoke than expected, with the average annual exposure being a critical factor in understanding long-term health effects. The study proposes new metrics to measure cumulative exposure and duration of smoke exposure.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024
Research published in Thorax found a link between age of menarche and increased COPD risk, with early menarche increasing the risk by 17%. Women who experienced infertility or had multiple miscarriages were also at higher risk. Menopause before age 40 was associated with a significant increase in COPD risk.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024
Cadmium exposure from cigarette smoke can lead to increased ANO1 expression in airway epithelial cells, exacerbating COPD. MicroRNA-381 negatively regulates ANO1, but its downregulation by cadmium could worsen disease severity.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2024
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A new study by the University of Technology Sydney suggests that office air conditioning can reduce the risk of harm from wildfire smoke. The researchers found that air conditioning filters in UTS Buildings 4 and 7 captured a significant portion of wildfire smoke, reducing exposure to toxic particles for staff and students.
SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2024
Researchers found that a team intervention provided by phone leads to persistent improvements in depression, anxiety, and quality of life for people managing chronic illnesses. The program demonstrated early, persistent, and clinically meaningful improvements in adults with COPD, HF, or ILD.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJan 16, 2024
A clinical trial found that trazodone and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia were no more effective than placebo in improving insomnia symptoms among long-term dialysis patients. Serious adverse events also occurred more frequently with trazodone use. More trials are needed to investigate additional therapies for this condition.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 15, 2024
A new study reveals that bacteria associated with gum disease promote COPD through the activation of γδ T cells and M2 macrophages in the immune system. Researchers found that mice infected with periodontitis and COPD had worse progression, highlighting a potential new strategy for treating COPD.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateJan 12, 2024
The ATS 2024 International Conference in San Diego will feature scientific sessions and expert interviews on the latest developments in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The conference will cover key subjects such as COVID-19, asthma, COPD, and air pollution.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A ground-breaking study published in Nature Communications sheds light on the intricate mechanisms underlying the virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus, specifically focusing on the crucial role of mycotoxin gliotoxin production. The research team identified pivotal roles played by GliT oxidoreductase and GtmA methyltransferase in the sel...
SourceMaynooth University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024
Researchers identified Benidipine as a compound promoting the death of cigarette smoke-induced senescent lung cells, improving lung emphysema. The dihydropyridine family of calcium channel blockers constitutes a new class of senolytics that could improve lung diseases.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2023
A 12-week beetroot juice supplement reduced systolic blood pressure by 4.5mmHg and increased walking distance by 30 meters in COPD patients. The nitrate-rich supplement improved cardiovascular risk markers, suggesting potential benefits for everyday life and heart disease prevention.
SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 19, 2023
The November issue of CHEST journal features cutting-edge research on asthma, COPD, diffuse lung disease, and thoracic oncology. A new guideline provides updated recommendations for patients with stable COPD, while home spirometry is shown to be less consistent than clinic spirometry in monitoring lung function in patients with asthma.
SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateNov 16, 2023
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital analyzed data from over 7,500 patients to discover that suspected bronchiectasis in smokers is associated with a higher risk of mortality. The study suggests that lung imaging can help identify this condition, leading to improved patient care.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2023
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.
The Center for Advancing Point of Care Technologies (CAPCaT) has received a five-year, $8.9 million award from the NIH to develop innovative point-of-care health technologies. The program aims to address heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders in underserved populations.
A study of hospitalized adults with new-onset atrial fibrillation found that 1 in 3 patients experienced a recurrent episode of AF within a year. This rate is approximately 7 times higher than in matched control participants, suggesting that oral anticoagulation therapy may be warranted for these patients.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 2, 2023
A new study found that older adults with COPD had a heightened risk of depression during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 1 in 2 individuals with COPD and a pre-pandemic history of depression experienced a recurrence of depression.
SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2023
The September issue of the CHEST journal features research on long COVID, including a review on exercise pathophysiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. Original studies also explore asthma treatment with albuterol-budesonide inhalers and sleep therapy using oronasal masks.
SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateSep 18, 2023
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.
A phase I clinical trial shows that transplanting P63+ lung progenitor cells can repair damaged lung tissue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), improving breathing and quality of life. The treatment increased lung function, reduced symptoms, and even repaired mild emphysema in some patients.
SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 11, 2023
Annual COPD hospital admissions in Canada increased substantially between 2002 and 2017, with a notable rise in females and younger adults. The number of hospital admissions for COPD has rapidly increased since 2010, suggesting that progress may not be being made in improving COPD care and outcomes.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2023
Research found that women exposed to air pollution give birth to smaller babies, with PM2.5 and other pollutants associated with average reductions in birth weight. However, living in greener areas was linked to slightly higher birth weights, suggesting a potential mitigation effect.
SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 7, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
People with asthma and COPD face increased breathing difficulties due to climate change's effects on heatwaves, wildfires, and flooding. Experts urge governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate these risks.
SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 3, 2023
The August issue of CHEST journal features a new clinical practice guideline for managing patients with neuromuscular weakness and a multisociety evidence review on the effect of race and ethnicity on pulmonary function testing interpretation. This is complemented by other research and reviews covering various aspects of chest medicine.
SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateAug 16, 2023
A new imaging method developed by UC researchers can identify specific lung infections in real time, reducing diagnosis time from 2-3 days to hours. The method uses injectable probes that light up under a nuclear imaging machine, enabling faster treatment for critically ill patients.
A large study published in ERJ Open Research found that people with low levels of vitamin K in their blood are more likely to have poor lung function and experience respiratory issues. The research suggests that vitamin K may play a role in keeping lungs healthy, but further studies are needed to confirm this link.
SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalERJ Open Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2023
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that continued breast cancer screening after age 70 is associated with a greater incidence of cancer that likely would not have caused symptoms. Researchers estimate up to 47% of breast cancers found among women aged 74-84 were overdiagnosed.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 7, 2023
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.
A new study by UCSF found that half of participants with extensive tobacco exposure had persistently high respiratory symptoms, yet performed well in COPD tests. The study highlights a gap in effective care for tobacco-exposed individuals and emphasizes the need for broader definition of smoking-related lung disease.
SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023
The July issue of CHEST journal features 49 articles on clinically relevant topics, including disability rights and life-sustaining treatment. The journal offers complementary web resources, such as visual abstracts, to expand the reach of its research.
SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateJul 24, 2023
A new paper-based device combines microfluidics and electrochemical transduction to detect inflammation biomarkers in sputum samples. This compact device can simultaneously measure three biomarkers, including IL-8, TNF-α, and MPO, for early COPD detection.
SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023
Current diagnosis of COPD using fixed-ratio spirometry may fail to diagnose the disease in African American patients due to flawed methods. The study found that 21% more results for African Americans were classified as non-COPD, despite showing clear symptoms of COPD.
SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 11, 2023
An epigenetic study of over 18,000 people in Scotland identified associations between certain DNA modifications and increased risks of breast cancer, type II diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The findings provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of these diseases.
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
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COPD patients treated with dupilumab experienced rapid and sustained improvements in disease, as measured by reduced acute exacerbations, better lung function, and improved quality of life. This is the first biologic to show clinical outcomes improvement in COPD.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 20, 2023
The June issue of CHEST features 49 articles on clinically relevant topics, including asthma, COPD, and critical care. The journal offers web and multimedia resources to expand the reach of its research.
SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateJun 15, 2023
A recent Finnish register-based study found no association between inhaled beta-2 agonist use and reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. Accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein is a key factor in the disease. The study controlled for age, sex, and comorbidities to rule out confounding factors.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalClinical Epidemiology·DateJun 14, 2023
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.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have developed a new cell culture model to generate human alveolar macrophages, the most critical immune cells in the lungs. This model allows for easier and inexpensive investigation of lung inflammatory diseases and testing of new therapies.
SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalmBio·DateJun 12, 2023
A large-scale registry study found that older autistic adults have a significantly higher risk of injury, especially self-inflicted, and physical conditions such as type 2 diabetes and anaemia. Autistic individuals had a seven-fold risk of self-harm compared to non-autistic people.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2023
Researchers have identified potential targets for COPD treatment through high-resolution epigenetic profiling of lung fibroblasts. Early epigenetic changes in the genome of COPD fibroblasts may trigger aberrant signaling pathways leading to impaired functions, suggesting new therapeutic avenues.
SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMay 24, 2023
Researchers found that COPD patients prescribed non-benzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonists (NBZRAs) like zolpidem did not have increased risk of hospitalizations or death compared to those prescribed other types of hypnotics. However, they had a greater risk of death and exacerbations when not prescribed hypnotic drugs
The COPDGene study tracked emphysema patients over 10 years and found that those who continued to smoke experienced the largest decline in lung density. This significant finding highlights the importance of quitting smoking in managing emphysema progression, particularly for current smokers.
SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalRadiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2023
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.
A retrospective analysis of patient data suggests that targeting mucus plugs in the lungs may help prevent deaths from COPD. The study found that patients with mucus plugs had a higher mortality rate compared to those without, with significant associations across different disease phases.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2023
Researchers found variant cells in lungs of IPF patients that can drive fibrosis and inflammation. These cells may be targeted for future therapy, offering new hope for treatment.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 17, 2023
The May issue of the CHEST journal features cutting-edge research on pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The journal also highlights awareness for cystic fibrosis, a once-fatal childhood condition now affecting adults.
SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateMay 15, 2023
The American Thoracic Society International Conference Abstracts publication features selected abstracts on COPD treatment, including a study on improving depression through home-based pulmonary rehabilitation. The issue also highlights recent findings on sleep apnea severity, as well as research on health equity and access to care.
SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 1, 2023
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.
Researchers found that vaping in the presence of supplemental oxygen can ignite oxygen, leading to burns, fires, or explosions. The risk is particularly concerning for patients with end-stage COPD on oxygen who want to quit smoking by switching to vaping.
SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2023
The ATS 2023 International Conference is highlighting recent advancements in COPD and asthma treatment through its Breaking News: Clinical Trial Results in Pulmonary Medicine session. Emerging biologics will be discussed alongside existing COPD treatment options.
The CHEST journal April issue features cutting-edge research on asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sarcoidosis. Key findings include the potential of efzofitimod as a treatment for managing sarcoidosis. The journal also showcases innovative approaches to clinical practice and education in chest medicine.
SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateApr 13, 2023
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.
Researchers have identified a new cell state in embryonic airway development, which may lead to new approaches for treating chronic respiratory diseases. The discovery highlights the crucial role of cellular heterogeneity in shaping airway biology.
SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 11, 2023
A study of over 2.6 million people from Finland and Norway found that babies born preterm are more likely to develop asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood. The risk was highest among those born extremely preterm, before 28 weeks of gestation.
SourceFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateMar 30, 2023
A comprehensive tool assessing burden of chronic conditions shows valid and reliable results compared to clinical surveys in patients with COPD, diabetes, and asthma. The Assessment of Burden of Chronic Conditions (ABCC) scale integrates patient experience into daily care, facilitating shared decision making and self-management.
SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that people with atopic diseases like asthma or eczema are at a heightened risk of developing osteoarthritis. Drugs used to dampen down allergic reactions may help lessen this risk, suggesting a potential new approach to treating the condition.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2023
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.
The study found that vaccination significantly reduces the risk of long COVID, while factors such as being overweight, female, smoker, or over 40 increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Vaccination halves people's risk of developing long Covid
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 23, 2023
Researchers have designed a potent and selective compound that could lead to new therapies for asthma and COPD by activating bitter taste receptors. The new ligand is six times more potent than a known NSAID and highly selective for the TAS2R14 subtype, minimizing potential side effects.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMar 13, 2023