Love Your Lungs Day draws attention to the critical importance of respiratory health in Phoenix residents, with over 410,000 cases of adult asthma and 187,000 cases of COPD in Maricopa County. The event aims to promote education, research, prevention, and access to quality respiratory care.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key players in the pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases, modulating cellular senescence and immune-inflammatory responses. EVs facilitate aberrant intercellular communication, deliver pathogenic miRNAs and proteins, and promote chronic inflammation.
Working with engineered stone can lead to silicosis, a lung disease, as seen in a 47-year-old man who developed lung nodules after 10 years of exposure. The case highlights the need for regulatory reform, mandatory surveillance, and proactive worker education in industries using engineered stone.
Scientists at Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation developed a new BCG vaccine strategy that significantly reduces tuberculosis relapse rates. The study found that combining BCG vaccination with immunotherapy lowered relapse rates by 58% compared to the vaccine alone.
A five-year project led by UC Riverside researcher Erica Heinrich seeks to improve respiratory care for patients with conditions like COPD and those on mechanical ventilation. The study aims to develop a machine-learning algorithm that can predict respiratory comfort more accurately than physicians' estimates.
Researchers at Tulane University have developed a diagnostic platform that can identify the precise species of bacteria causing NTM lung disease infections within four hours. The platform, called CANDI, uses mucus from the lungs and other respiratory fluids to test for up to 15 clinically relevant species and subspecies of NTM bacteria.
Researchers analyzed over 60,000 RSV sequences, finding rare resistance variants to monoclonal antibody treatments, supporting the effectiveness of preventive antibodies and vaccines for infants. The study provides a roadmap for future prevention tools and real-time surveillance to monitor resistance.
The SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund is providing grants to support research in AI, energy-efficient semiconductors, and non-invasive monitoring. Five campuses will receive funding for projects that could improve cancer diagnostics, circadian rhythm disorders, and burn diagnostics.
This technology delivers IL-10 mRNA to lung tissue, reducing inflammation and injury in acute lung injury and ARDS, while minimizing side effects. The lung-targeting lipid nanoparticles sustain therapeutic protein expression directly within lung tissue, reducing systemic exposure and improving treatment effectiveness.
The Gibbs Foundation has established a $4.5 million endowment for lung research at the University of Louisville, fueling groundbreaking respiratory disease research. This gift supports the advancement of ex vivo lung perfusion technology and improves patient care for acute and chronic respiratory conditions.
Researchers found changes in brain structure, including white matter organization and region size, in people with severe asthma compared to those with well-controlled mild or moderate asthma. Inflammation levels were also linked to white matter changes, suggesting a possible connection between inflammation and brain changes.
A Phase 3 clinical trial showed tozorakimab reduced moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbations by 29-34% compared to placebo, impacting a broad COPD population. The therapy's safety profile was generally comparable to placebo, with injection-site reactions being more frequent.
A high-dose flu vaccine has been shown to reduce hospitalizations for older people with lung disease, including COPD and asthma. The vaccine reduced hospital admissions for flu or pneumonia by 8.8% compared to the standard-dose vaccine.
Research from Austria and Ireland shows that nicotine addiction remains a major health concern, with vaping and smoking increasing among children and young people. The studies found that smoking has declined, but vaping has risen, particularly among those under 18, and that people are taking up smoking at a younger age. The findings hi...
A large Europe-wide study has found that smoking leads to increased loneliness, with current smokers reporting higher levels of loneliness and social isolation. The study suggests that smoking damages psychosocial health in addition to physical effects, and highlights the need to challenge the social norms surrounding smoking.
A clinical trial shows that laughter therapy can reduce breathing difficulties and is as effective as traditional breathing exercises in COPD patients. Patients who underwent laughter therapy had less difficulty breathing and better overall health compared to those who received traditional breathing exercises or no treatment.
A recent study found that AI chatbots incorrectly reassure sleep apnea patients that their symptoms are not serious, discouraging them from seeking specialist assessment. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of complications such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
Research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress found common bacteria in classroom dust, such as Streptomyces and Mycobacterium spp., are associated with reduced lung function in children. Children exposed to classrooms with higher levels of these bacteria had lower forced vital capacity, FEV₁, and PEF.
A new study found that babies born with a higher genetic risk for COPD showed reduced lung function growth between birth and six years old, especially in areas with high air pollution. This suggests that early-life environment, including air pollution, may contribute to the foundations of the disease.
Researchers found that patients with lung cancer had more detectable microplastics and higher microplastic burdens in their lung wash and tissue samples. The study suggests a link between microplastics and lung disease, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the most common types of plastic.
A new study highlights biological sex-driven disparities in pneumonia management, including underrepresentation in diagnostic tests and antibiotic underexposure for women. The study advocates for tailoring antimicrobial therapy more precisely and integrating sex- and gender-aware research protocols to reduce inequities.
Researchers found that corisin, a bacterial protein fragment, drives tissue fibrosis by disrupting the cell's quality-control system. Antibody treatment can help by blocking corisin, demonstrating its biologically active and causally supported role in disease.
A new study published in the Journal of the COPD Foundation suggests that women with a shorter reproductive lifespan are at greater risk of developing bronchiectasis. The study of nearly 97,000 postmenopausal women found that hormone therapy use was associated with a 19% greater risk of bronchiectasis.
Researchers at the University of Osaka found that pertussis-associated DNA in wastewater increased before reported cases, indicating a new early warning system for pertussis outbreaks. Wastewater surveillance has the advantage of capturing broader community-level trends, including mild or asymptomatic infections.
A study found that overuse of reliever inhalers increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, heart attack, and ischemic stroke, in asthma and COPD patients. Using three or more inhalers per year is associated with increased risk of death, particularly in patients without a prior history of cardiovascular disease.
A research team created an ultrathin artificial lung that reproduces the movement of alveoli, air sacs inside the lung, and demonstrates the response to influenza virus. The lung operated stably through 240,000 breaths and showed promise for studying lung disease and drug responses.
Researchers found that alveolar type 2 cells mount slower interferon-driven antiviral defenses than type 1 cells, enabling higher viral replication in the alveoli. This study provides new insights into the primary site of influenza virus damage and opens up potential targets for antiviral therapy.
Men are more likely to be infected with TB due to increased exposure to the bacteria over their lifetime. Despite this, they were not significantly more likely to develop active TB disease compared to women.
The BEST-BE observational study will track the incidence of pulmonary exacerbations, health-related quality of life changes, and adverse events in adults with non-CF bronchiectasis. The study aims to deepen evidence on brensocatib's long-term efficacy and safety profile.
Researchers found that dexamethasone reduces infection-driven macrophage metabolic activity and lowers inflammatory signals, preserving the immune system's ability to control the infection. This study suggests a new approach for managing nontuberculous mycobacterial disease.
New research at Aston University shows that mānuka honey's effectiveness against disease-causing bacteria cannot be attributed solely to its sugar content and methylglyoxal levels. The study identified additional bioactive compounds responsible for the antimicrobial activity, which may lead to the development of more effective honey-de...
UC San Diego Health has been ranked as the top care facility in California and among the top 20 in the nation for eight medical specialties. The institution achieved this distinction through its patient-dedicated, collaborative spirit and commitment to delivering outstanding care.
A recent Finnish study found that exposure to dog-associated microbes in early childhood reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections and antibiotic courses. Dog ownership is linked to higher richness and diversity of microbiota, but not directly associated with reduced infection rates.
Researchers found four immune system genes shaped by ancient infectious diseases, which may influence severe COVID-19. Rare genetic variants in these genes were associated with increased risk of severe illness and organ transplants.
The American College of Chest Physicians has released a new clinical guideline for the management of adult bronchiectasis, providing 13 evidence-based recommendations to standardize care delivery and improve patient outcomes. The guidelines aim to reduce exacerbation frequency, inflammation, and disease progression.
Researchers have identified a natural protective protein called BMP3 that helps maintain healthy lung blood vessels. Increasing BMP3 levels in preclinical models of pulmonary arterial hypertension reversed key features of the disease, including damaged blood vessels and impaired heart function.
The American College of Chest Physicians' open-access journal CHEST Critical Care has received its first Journal Impact Factor of 2.7, reflecting the dedication of its authors, reviewers, and readers. This recognition highlights the journal's growing impact in critical care medicine.
A cluster randomized clinical trial found that portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters reduced winter respiratory infection rates among older adult residents in some care homes. However, the study showed no significant difference in infection rates between homes with HEPA filters and those without them.
The Pulmonary Embolism Reporting and Data Systems (PE-RADS) framework provides a simple, 0-4 grading scale for classifying acute pulmonary embolism using CT and MR angiography. The system aims to improve communication and patient care with standardized terminology and risk stratification.
Researchers have identified a protein called vitronectin that triggers the scarring in lungs leading to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This discovery opens up a new potential treatment pathway using the vitronectin-macrophage pathway to inhibit scar tissue growth.
Researchers propose a new perspective on ARDS pathogenesis, arguing that multiple forms of regulated cell death communicate through extensive molecular crosstalk. This crosstalk collectively drives lung inflammation and respiratory failure, highlighting the need for network-based therapeutic strategies.
A recent study has found that vaping and smoking can lead to reduced blood vessel functionality, breathing efficiency, and exercise capacity in young adults. The research, conducted on 75 people aged 18-30, revealed a 15% reduction in fitness compared to those who have never smoked or vaped.
A new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that nearly one-third of COPD patients demonstrate unacceptable inhaler technique, leading to smaller lung function improvements. Instructing patients to hold their breath for 5-10 seconds improves acute bronchodilation.
The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association leveraged registry data for improved research and clinical practice, benefiting patients with bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial disease. The Registry supports collaborative research and planning of multi-center trials, aiming to elevate patient outcomes.
A nationwide China study analyzed 695,142 hospitalized patients and identified eight life-stage pathogen profiles, three co-detection networks, and marked male predominance in bacterial and fungal infections. The study found distinct shifts in microbes across infancy to old age, accompanied by sex disparities.
Researchers developed an app to monitor daily voice changes, which can detect early signs of exacerbations in asthma and COPD. By analyzing tone, pitch, pauses, and voice quality, the TACTICAS study found that voice deteriorates as symptoms worsen, allowing for potential treatment.
Research examines air quality and respiratory health among children in communities surrounding the Salton Sea, finding that outdoor dust events significantly affect indoor air quality. Families describe daily challenges of protecting children from dust and pollution, which can impact school attendance and overall quality of life.
Research suggests that inhaled vitamin D can protect against dust, pollution, and pathogens in the lungs, potentially improving outcomes for those with chronic lung disease. Human clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and explore the therapeutic benefits of direct lung delivery.
SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 25, 2026
A recent study found that people with active TB have a specific inflammatory response in their airways, dominated by neutrophils that can lead to disease progression. In contrast, those who control the infection have a different immune cell balance, suggesting a way to predict and prevent TB through early intervention.
Severe pneumonia has been found to have three distinct biological subtypes, which differ in immune response and lung damage. These subtypes are linked to varying patient outcomes, with some recovering quickly and others remaining critically ill. The discovery could lead to personalized treatments for patients with severe pneumonia.
Scientists have identified a unique chimeric RNA called UBA1-CDK16 that plays important roles in women's blood cell development and disease severity. The findings suggest the chimeric RNA may serve as a natural brake to protect women from excessive autoimmune activity.
NYU Langone Health has performed the world's first HIV-positive-to-HIV-positive lung transplant, expanding options for patients with limited donor availability. The successful surgery marks a significant milestone for the HIV-positive community and represents progress in creating equity in organ transplantation.
A clinical trial tested four remote monitoring approaches against usual care and found that none outperformed usual care in reducing readmissions. The study highlights the importance of studying real-world care models to optimize outcomes.
Remote monitoring approaches did not increase home time but reduced it for those 65 years and older, supporting tailored care after acute infections. The findings suggest reevaluating remote monitoring to align with patients' needs and desires.
Researchers describe a novel disorder caused by biallelic loss-of-function variants in the TMEM63B gene, resulting in severe lung disease. The disorder presents with early onset respiratory distress, lung abnormalities, and developmental delay but no epilepsy.
A large-scale study on Swedish children with asthma found that living with cats did not worsen asthma outcomes. The study of 30,277 children over 24 months showed similar asthma severity and lung function in cat-exposed and non-exposed groups.
Researchers at UTHealth Houston identified hidden systemic inflammation in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia using a simple oral swab. This approach enables easier monitoring and could lead to more personalized treatment of other chronic lung conditions.
Hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infections often have underlying chronic conditions that require intensive care. The study found that these patients are at a higher risk of severe disease and death. Understanding the epidemiologic profile of this population can help optimize outcomes for pediatric patients.
A study finds that maternal RSV prefusion F vaccination protects against RSV-associated acute respiratory illness and lowers hospitalization rates among infants under 1 year. The findings support the effectiveness of this vaccine in preventing severe respiratory illnesses.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that maternal RSV vaccination reduces hospitalization risk in young infants by nearly 70%. The vaccine also showed effectiveness against severe lung infections caused by the virus.