Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
Researchers develop novel therapeutic approach for treating tuberculosis using phosphatase inhibitors, offering potential benefits for TB research and basic biology exploration. The discovery provides a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic-based treatments and has significant implications for combating antimicrobial resistance.
BGE-175 effectively prevents death in a mouse model of COVID-19 by reversing immune aging, suggesting its potential to protect elderly patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The drug restores the immune system to a more youthful state by blocking the PGD2-DP1 pathway.
Researchers have identified a unique population of memory CD4 T-cells that produce IL-9, which plays a key role in allergic memory responses. Blocking this cytokine may lead to reduced lung inflammation and improved treatment options for seasonal asthma.
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.
Researchers developed an inhalable vaccine called CoMiP that successfully induces an immune response against COVID-19 in the lungs of mice. The vaccine targets alveolar macrophages and elicits local immunity, potentially blocking SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Researchers aim to understand why up to 80% of individuals experience temporary or lasting changes in their sense of taste after COVID-19. Preliminary data suggests ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are highly expressed in taste buds, which may explain why these are common targets for the virus.
The American College of Chest Physicians journal features cutting-edge original research on various chest medicine topics, including asthma, COPD, critical care, and sleep. The March issue includes a special series on nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease, offering insights into clinical epidemiology, risk factors, and diagnosis.
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.
Research suggests that ECMO support for severe COVID-19 can result in exceptional early survival, with significant lung recovery and long-term outcomes. Patient selection and aggressive management strategies were key factors in improving outcomes, with 86.7% survival rate at median follow-up.
A new study suggests that persistent breathlessness after COVID-19 is linked to altered immune cell landscapes in the airways and signs of ongoing lung damage. While preliminary results indicate a possible improvement over time, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential treatments.
A biodegradable nanoparticle has shown promise in reducing skin and lung scarring in mice with scleroderma. The treatment targets specific immune cells responsible for the disease's chronic inflammation and scarring.
A new study will measure the effectiveness of oral hygiene in preventing non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NVHAP) among hospitalized patients. NVHAP is the most deadly and costly type of hospital-acquired infection, affecting approximately one in 100 hospitalized patients.
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...
Researchers at UVA Cancer Center have made a groundbreaking discovery about the EP300 gene and its role in small-cell lung cancer. The study found that the gene makes a protein with properties that can both foster and prevent tumor formation, providing a new potential target for treatment.
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.
Researchers are exploring how bacteria form biofilms, which can be detrimental to health but also have potential uses in medicine and environmental cleanup. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind microbial growth in biofilms and develop new materials and treatments.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg detects SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus particles in microscopically small fluid droplets exhaled by patients with COVID-19. The findings show that a few breaths are sufficient to detect viral RNA, offering potential for easy and convenient breath tests.
The study defines the lung macrophage as a major target of IL-9, which promotes allergic lung inflammation. The researchers found a correlation between IL-9 and the diagnosis of asthma in patients, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for treatment.
Scientists have devised a method to pinpoint active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine formulations, revealing 4 analytes with significant anti-inflammatory activity. This breakthrough could improve quality control standards and lead to better herbal remedies.
A recent review of e-cigarette research highlights the significant health risks associated with vaping, including lung inflammation and injury. The study found that e-cigarettes can cause negative effects in multiple organs, from the brain to the bladder, and may even increase the risk of lung cancer.
Scientists at Tufts University create nanoparticles that carry genetic instructions to specifically target the lungs, reducing tumors in a preclinical model of a rare genetic lung disease. The breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options for patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis.
A study found that using two cannulas to place newborns in respiratory failure on life-sustaining ECMO increases mortality rates. The safest path is a single cannula in the right internal jugular, which can remove oxygen-poor blood and add oxygen before returning it to the baby.
A new study suggests that incomplete lung cell repair may contribute to the development of chronic fibrotic lung disease in COVID-19 and non-COVID patients. The research proposes novel therapies to promote healthy regeneration and prevent scarring.
A new study suggests that small respiratory particles can remain moist and airborne for a longer time and greater distance than previously recognized. The mucus shell surrounding these particles likely reduces evaporation rates, keeping viral particles infectious for up to 30 minutes and traveling distances of up to 200 feet.
A new study by Dr. Brian Stansfield and Dr. Jessica Gancar found a clear linear relationship between mortality and red blood cell transfusion volume in newborns on ECMO, with a 14% decrease in survival chances for every transfusion. The study suggests that reducing transfusion volumes may improve outcomes.
Paczesny will explore biomarkers and a new type of immune cell to identify and regulate acute lung injury after BMT. She aims to improve understanding of signaling mechanisms in lung injury after BMT, particularly as they relate to idiopathic pneumonia syndrome.
Researchers found three risk factors linked to adult spirometric restriction: maternal nutritional problems during pregnancy, low birth weight, and below normal childhood weight. Infants with poor nutrition have a higher risk of developing lung restriction and comorbidities as adults.
Researchers have confirmed an inhaled vaccine provides long-lasting protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants by targeting the lungs and upper airways. The vaccine induces broad respiratory mucosal immunity, outperforming traditional injected vaccines in terms of efficacy and dose requirements.
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.
A recent study found that protracted inflammation following COVID-19 is strongly linked to long-term changes in lung structure and function. Monitoring patients for signs of inflammation after infection may help identify those at risk of long-term lung problems.
Researchers found that disulfiram protected rodents from immune-mediated lung injury in models of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection and TRALI, a rare lung failure syndrome. Disulfiram blocks NETs formation, which can cause lung damage and blood clots.
Scientists sequenced the gene expression profiles of more than 170,000 individual cells to shed light on a key mystery: the role of Type I Interferons (IFN) during viral infections. The study reveals interferon plays a crucial role in clearing the virus by alerting immune cells, such as macrophages, to search and destroy infected cells.
Researchers have discovered disulfiram prevents the formation of toxic webs known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Disulfiram's ability to block NET formation may lead to a new treatment for severe COVID-19 and other lung injuries.
Researchers at Medical University of Vienna discovered that certain microbiome profiles following lung transplantation can provide prognostic information for future changes in lung function. Machine Learning analyzed multiomics data, including the microbiome, lipidome, and metabolome, to predict lung function deterioration.
A recent study published in Developmental Cell reveals that Kras mutation causes chromatin rearrangement, leading to stem-like cell regeneration and tumor onset. The team discovered a protein complex called AP-1 as the mediator of this process, which can be targeted with small-molecule drugs.
Researchers at Rosalind Franklin University have identified a new therapeutic approach for treating cystic fibrosis. The treatment uses antisense oligonucleotides to restore CFTR function by removing stop mutations. This strategy has shown promise in treating CF patients with class I mutations and similar types of mutations.
Research from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study finds that prolonged cannabis use leads to over-inflated lungs and increased airway resistance, impairing oxygen extraction. This effect is distinct from tobacco use and may reflect early signs of a severe form of emphysema.
A combined treatment strategy targeting SARS-CoV-2 symptoms and severe lung tissue injury is essential to minimize lung sequelae. Researchers are exploring therapy using lung epithelial stem and progenitor cells to mitigate virus-induced inflammatory storm and promote tissue regeneration efficiently.
Dr. Edward Y. Lee, MD, MPH, receives the highest distinction from North America's first radiological society for his contributions to pediatric thoracic imaging and education. The ARRS Gold Medal honors his tireless efforts to advance radiology globally.
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.
A national analysis of lung transplantations performed in the US between August 2020 and September 2021 shows that 7% of lung transplants were performed to treat COVID-19-related lung damage. The study suggests that lung transplantation may be a safe option for select patients with severe, irreversible lung damage.
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.
Researchers discovered that lunge-feeding whales have an 'oral plug' in their mouths, which seals off the upper airways during feeding. This mechanism prevents water from entering their lungs and allows them to gulp down large amounts of krill without drowning.
A newly developed decoy protein has been found to be highly effective in preventing death and lung damage in humanized animal models of severe COVID-19 disease. The treatment works by competing for the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, thereby neutralizing the virus before it can bind and enter cells.
A study published in MBio found that removing the NS2 protein from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) allows the human body's immune response to destroy the virus before exaggerated inflammation begins. This discovery could lead to new therapeutics targeting this protein for other respiratory viruses like influenza A and SARS-CoV-2.
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.
A large-scale international study found that simple health assessments can identify people with chronic lung conditions like COPD. The screening tools were effective in diverse low- and middle-income settings, highlighting a pressing need for global awareness and early diagnosis.
Researchers at MUSC identified a potent antifibrotic peptide that reverses scarring in human and mouse tissues by activating an antifibrotic pathway. The E4 peptide has the potential to treat various diseases, including heart disease, lung fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and chronic kidney disease.
A study published in Cell Reports reveals that LPS protects against developing asthma when combined with allergens containing cysteine protease enzymatic activity, but promotes development when paired with allergens lacking this enzyme. This protective effect relies on the production of GM-CSF by non-classical monocytes.
A meta-analysis of published research found that patients with lung cancer who quit smoking after diagnosis have significantly improved overall survival. The study suggests treating physicians should educate patients about the benefits of quitting and provide necessary support.
Younger male exposures to Ascaris roundworms show striking reductions in lung function and nearly five times higher odds of having asthma. The study highlights a previously overlooked risk factor for respiratory health in Europe.
Researchers discovered that human lung stem cells can undergo abnormal differentiation in response to injury from diseases like COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis. This aberrant process prevents the restoration of normal lung function, but the study also identified a potential therapeutic target for reversing damage.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a structural blueprint for nanoparticles that can target and deliver treatment to white blood cells, such as neutrophils, that contribute to acute lung inflammation. The findings represent a significant step in understanding the condition and function of the immune system.
Researchers used 3D printing and virtual reality to prepare for operations in 20 patients, including a 35-week-old fetus and children. The technology reduced trial and error during surgery and improved communication between anaesthesiologists and patients.
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.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that using race-based equations to evaluate lung disease can lead to under-treatment of Black patients. The research, conducted by a team at the University of California - San Francisco, used data from SPIROMICS, a multi-center cohort of ev...
A 61-year-old man received a double lung transplant after suffering severe post-COVID-19 respiratory failure, marking the first such procedure in Portugal. He had undergone extensive treatment, including ECMO and ECCO2R, before qualifying for transplant due to his young age and healthy status.
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.
The Liberty Asthma VOYAGE trial found that dupilumab significantly reduced the rate of severe exacerbations by nearly 60% and improved lung function and asthma control in children ages 6 to 11. Dupilumab was also shown to be safe, with minimal adverse reactions.
The $4.6 million NIH grant will help implement a telehealth-enabled audit and feedback process to monitor adherence to recognized standards of care in 14 Intermountain Healthcare ICUs. This study aims to reduce the time patients spend on mechanical ventilators, improving lung protective mechanical ventilation best practices.