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Higher exposure to bisphenol a in the womb associated with increased risk for asthma and wheezing in school-age girls

A study of over 3,000 mother-child pairs from six European countries found an association between prenatal bisphenol A exposure and increased risk of asthma and wheezing in school-age girls. The study revealed a high prevalence of BPA in maternal urine during pregnancy.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Excess neuropeptides disrupt lung function in infant disease and COVID-19

A UC San Diego study found that excessive neuropeptide secretion by neuroendocrine cells in the lungs can lead to fluid buildup and poor oxygenation in both infant lung disease and COVID-19. Blocking these neuropeptides may be an effective treatment for conditions marked by excess lung fluid.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 17, 2022

RCSI clinical trial reveals new treatment option for COVID-19

A clinical trial conducted by RCSI researchers found that administering alpha-1 antitrypsin to critically ill COVID-19 patients reduced inflammation after one week. The study's results are promising and may form the basis for a larger trial.

SourceRCSI·JournalMed·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 11, 2022
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.

Electronic pneumonia decision support helps reduce mortality by 38% in community hospitals

A real-time electronic decision support system helped reduce intensive care unit admissions, improve antibiotic use, and lower overall mortality rates for patients with pneumonia. The study found a 38% decrease in mortality among community hospital patients using the system.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2022

Treatment length reduced for children with tuberculosis

Researchers found that four-month treatment is as effective as six months in non-severe TB cases, allowing for savings on screening and training healthcare workers. The study's results led to a change in the World Health Organisation's global guidelines, recommending a shorter treatment course for children with non-severe TB.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2022

Method offers sharper images of lung disease in living mice

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed a technique to study lung disease in living mice without using mechanical ventilation. The method uses phase-contrast X-ray tomography to produce high-resolution images of the lungs, including even the smallest airways, with low radiation doses.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022
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.

Hurricanes and other tropical cyclones linked to rise in U.S. deaths from several major causes

A landmark study published in JAMA reveals that hurricanes and tropical cyclones in the US are associated with increased deaths from various causes, including injuries, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. The study analyzed 33.6 million death records and found a significant increase in mortality rates after tropical cyc...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateMar 8, 2022

Standard for pulmonary function tests gets an update

The American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society have updated their technical standard for pulmonary function tests to address interpretation uncertainty and health inequity concerns. The new guidelines emphasize the importance of considering an individual's medical history, symptoms, and social circumstances when applyin...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 2, 2022

Vapers exhale from nose more often than cigarette smokers

A new study found that e-cigarette vapers and hookah smokers are more likely to exhale particles through their nose compared to cigarette smokers. This unique breathing pattern may expose the nose and sinuses to higher levels of emissions, increasing the risk of upper respiratory diseases.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalTobacco Use Insights·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2022

Face masks play a crucial role, new COVID research confirms

A new study reveals that face masks can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of Covid-19 transmission, with risks decreasing by up to 99% when worn correctly. The researchers developed a more advanced model to assess viral exposure risks and found that even short distances become negligible with proper mask-wearing.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 1, 2022
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.

Interaction with lung cells transforms asbestos particles

The study reveals that asbestos minerals undergo changes that resemble self-defense when internalized by human lung cells. These changes include the formation of an iron-rich layer on the minerals, which may be a mechanism to protect the cell from toxicity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 24, 2022

Save the date! Cover ATS 2022 in San Francisco!

The ATS 2022 International Conference will take place in San Francisco from May 15-18, featuring a gathering of scientists and clinicians in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The conference will showcase accelerated research and clinical applications across lung diseases, including COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateFeb 16, 2022
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.

Grant to reduce, eliminate toxicity of coal mine dust

Researchers aim to eliminate respirable coal mine dust toxicity with chemical additives, targeting ultrafine particles and quartz. The project will investigate particle surface chemistry and aging effects on toxicity, with potential applications in metal, non-metal mining, and construction.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 15, 2022

A possible COVID-19 silver lining for great ape conservation

Research suggests a possible silver lining for great ape conservation: a decline in respiratory illnesses among wild mountain gorillas in Rwanda since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The reduced number of outbreaks correlates with decreased human-gorilla proximity and additional health measures.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 10, 2022

NIH awards R01 grant to TTUHSC researcher

Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare cancer affecting up to 1 in 1 million women worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled tumor cell growth. Researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets using extracellular vesicles, with the goal of developing new therapies for LAM patients.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateFeb 8, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Lung research suggests new way to detect, monitor lung diseases

Researchers found that higher monocyte counts are linked to early signs of injury and scarring on lung imaging among community-dwelling adults. This suggests that hyperactive monocytes may contribute to lung injury at the early stages of interstitial lung disease.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2022

Researchers develop molecular traps to target SARS-CoV-2

Scientists at UC Riverside and UCLA have engineered nanoparticles to serve as 'molecular traps' that bind to SARS-CoV-2, preventing it from attacking macrophages and inducing inflammation. The findings suggest potential therapeutic strategies for treating COVID-19-associated diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalTheranostics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Researchers solve medical mystery of deadly illness in young child

A cross-disciplinary team identified a previously unknown genetic cause of interstitial lung disease in a 2-year-old child, revealing a variant in the RAB5B gene that causes surfactant dysfunction. The discovery may lead to finding answers for other patients with similar conditions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2022
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.

Analysis reveals rare disease is more common than previously thought

A large data analysis reveals that primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is more common than initially estimated, with a prevalence of 1 in 7,500 people globally. The study also found ethnic heterogeneity in PCD-causing gene variants, with African descent and non-Finnish European groups showing higher rates.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 24, 2022

New study reveals how the lung's immune cells develop after birth

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have discovered that lung macrophages develop in two different ways, with fetal precursor cells dividing faster to remove microorganisms early on. The study's findings can help limit organ damage and promote new treatments for lung diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2022

Higher olive oil intake associated with lower risk of CVD mortality

A study found that consuming more than 7 grams of olive oil per day is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative, and respiratory disease mortality. Replacing margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and dairy fat with olive oil was also linked to improved health outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022
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.

Could EKGs help doctors use AI to detect pulmonary embolisms?

A pilot study suggests that machine learning algorithms combining EKG and electronic health record data can more effectively screen for pulmonary embolisms than current tests. The fusion model was found to be 15-30% more effective at accurately identifying cases, especially severe ones.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Digital Health·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

Lung cancer death decline associated with screening, earlier diagnosis, and surgery

A recent study found that a substantial decline in lung cancer deaths is associated with earlier diagnosis of lung cancer through increased screening via computed tomography (CT) and follow-up scans. This approach can lead to surgical interventions, which can often be curative for precancerous nodules.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 17, 2021

Respiratory discovery could improve survival of COVID-19 intensive care patients

A clinical trial has revealed that COVID-19 patients on ventilators have less surfactant in their lungs due to the virus. The researchers suggest that giving extra surfactant for a longer period could help save lives by supporting breathing and allowing lung cells to repair after the infection passes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 14, 2021
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.

Infection plus vaccination yields better antibodies against COVID-19 variants

Researchers report that combining infection and vaccination produces high-quality antibodies effective against COVID-19 variants. The study found that prior-infected individuals who received a vaccine had potent antibodies against new variants, contrary to previous findings suggesting reduced potency.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Houston Methodist study reveals masks and distancing worked to keep germs at bay

A Houston Methodist study found that lifting COVID-19 restrictions led to a rapid return of seasonal respiratory viruses, highlighting the effectiveness of masking and distancing measures. The study's findings demonstrate that these precautions can suppress all respiratory viruses, not just COVID-19.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2021

EU/EEA during COVID-19 pandemic: Largest annual decrease in antibiotic use in the community in two decades

The European Union and European Economic Area saw a significant decline in antibiotic consumption in 2020, with a 18% decrease compared to 2019. This decline was largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced primary care consultations for mild infections.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021

Microtissue system allows study of deadly lung disease

Researchers have developed a 3D cell culturing platform that allows study of lung fibroblasts and their microenvironment, enabling measurement of cell behaviors and microenvironment changes involved in IPF disease progression. The system's versatility enables personalized medicine and potential applications in studying other diseases.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateNov 16, 2021
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 target a mouse’s own cells, rather than using antibiotics, to treat pneumonia

Researchers at NIH have discovered a therapy that targets host cells rather than bacterial cells in treating bacterial pneumonia. By boosting macrophage eating capacity using EETs inhibitors, they reduced bacteria numbers in lung tissue and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

A potential role for ibuprofen in older adults’ immunity to RSV

Researchers found that geriatric cotton rats given ibuprofen cleared RSV more quickly than those without the drug. Ibuprofen improved immune response by lowering aging-related inflammation, suggesting a potential role for the drug in providing lasting immunity against RSV.

SourceOhio State University·JournalVirology·DateNov 9, 2021
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.

Severe asthma symptoms worsen when treated with psoriasis medicine, study finds

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a psoriasis medicine worsened symptoms in patients with severe asthma. The trial tested risankizumab, an injectable treatment for psoriasis, and showed it did not improve asthma symptoms, but rather made them worse.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2021

Infections from respiratory viruses follow a predictable seasonal pattern, researchers find

Researchers identified a clear-cut seasonal pattern in respiratory viruses, with peaks in January and lows in June, affecting hospital admissions. The study found that babies born in severe peak years were more likely to be infected and hospitalized, highlighting the importance of planning ahead for high seasons of illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 27, 2021

D-dimer test still helpful to rule out pulmonary embolisms in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Researchers found that a screening blood test for major blood clots in the lungs is still useful for ruling out pulmonary embolism in COVID patients, with low D-dimer levels indicating no clot presence. The test can help avoid more expensive and invasive diagnostic tests, reducing patient safety risks.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2021
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.

Study shows vaccine protects dogs against Valley fever

A new vaccine has shown significant protection against Valley fever in dogs, offering hope for a potential human vaccine. The study found that two doses provided high levels of protection against the fungal disease.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalVaccine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2021

Deep learning for reticular opacity on chest radiographs with interstitial lung disease

A deep learning algorithm from VUNO improved radiologists' sensitivity for detecting reticular opacity on chest radiographs in patients with mild to severe interstitial lung disease. The algorithm accuracy reached 98.5% and improved interobserver agreement, suggesting its potential for screening suspected ILD patients.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2021
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.

Social distancing: Not just for humans

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that respiratory diseases can spread rapidly within wild mountain gorilla groups but are less likely to spread between neighboring groups. The study suggests that strategies preventing initial transmission into a group may be most effective in limiting disease spread.

SourceDian Fossey Gorilla Fund International·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2021

New USask research contributes to understanding of Cystic Fibrosis

Researchers at USask discovered excessive sodium absorption in small airways of CF patients, providing new insights into the disease. The study's findings have the potential to improve life for people with CF who cannot benefit from existing medications.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

9/11: Twenty years on, responders still paying a heavy price

New research from Edith Cowan University reveals responders to the 9/11 terrorist attacks are still suffering 20 years later, with many facing significant health issues related to the event. Cancer and mental health concerns are particularly prevalent among responders.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalPrehospital and Disaster Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2021

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: COVID-19 vaccines are effective at reducing severe illness and hospitalisation, new UK study confirms

A large-scale UK study confirms that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing severe illness and hospitalisation. The study found that people who received one or two vaccine doses had lower odds of severe disease or hospitalisation than unvaccinated individuals, with a significant reduction in long COVID cases.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2021

New study provides insight into lung scarring diseases without risky biopsy

A new study created a model to show how dysfunction of air sac cells initiates fibrotic cascade in lung diseases like IPF and chILD. The study used patient-specific cells with altered genes to test novel therapeutics, offering hope for developing effective treatments without risky biopsies.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 31, 2021
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.

It’s not just SARS-CoV-2: Most respiratory viruses spread by aerosols

A comprehensive review finds that many respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and measles, can spread through airborne transmission via aerosols. The study's findings suggest that indoor air quality and ventilation play a crucial role in reducing the transmission of infectious virus-laden aerosols.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 26, 2021

Why do short-lived lung infections lead to long-lasting lung damage?

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that infection triggers the expression of a protein called IL-33, leading to overgrowth of air spaces and increased mucus production. The researchers suggest that blocking this process could prevent chronic lung damage caused by viral infections.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2021