Articles tagged with Lungs
A new study found that lung metastases from triple-negative breast cancer contain a more diverse array of cancer cells compared to liver metastases. The researchers identified specific genes responsible for this difference, which may inform targeted therapies for breast cancer treatment.
Researchers have identified DAF as a receptor that increases damage to the lungs in mice infected with influenza A virus. The study highlights an immune evasion strategy by the virus and stresses the importance of a balanced immune response to viral infections.
The NIH-funded program provides comprehensive training in lung biology and pulmonary sciences, with a focus on integrating basic science with clinical applications. Researchers will benefit from mentorship in grant writing, science communication, and career development.
Researchers discovered fundamental differences in T-cell responses between patients who recover from and die from severe COVID-19. They found that dying patients harbor more lung-homing T cells, which contribute to extensive lung deterioration, while survivors have a growing number of Th1 T cells, important fighters of viral infection.
Immunologists at McMaster University have identified a 'spider web' mechanism that traps pathogens like influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in neutrophils, creating a sticky tangle to kill viruses. This discovery could lead to new aerosol and nasal spray vaccine technologies to prevent infections before they spread.
Research from Thomas Jefferson University found that e-cigarette vapor increases levels of the coronavirus receptor ACE-2 in lung tissue of mice, making them more susceptible to infection. Male mice were found to have a greater increase in ACE-2 when exposed to nicotine, highlighting a potential sex difference in vaping-related risks.
A recent study has made a breakthrough in understanding the process that leads to pulmonary embolism, a condition that kills over 2,000 people in the UK each year. Researchers have identified a protein called fibrin as crucial in stabilizing clots and preventing fragments from breaking loose.
Type II alveolar cells, a major cell type infected by SARS-CoV-2, possess high levels of MHC-II and play a role in improving the outcome of respiratory viral infections. AT2 MHC-II expression is unique and triggers an immune cascade that activates helper T cells.
Researchers have identified a novel virulence trait of Streptococcus pneumoniae that increases the severity of S. pneumoniae superinfection following flu. The surface protein PspA, previously known to have several other virulence mechanisms, now functions as an adhesin to dying lung epithelial cells. This finding provides further expla...
A previously validated blood gene profile that predicts idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis mortality has been repurposed to assess the likelihood of COVID-19 survival. The study found a high-risk gene profile associated with greater ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital death.
A Phase 2 trial showed that combining doxycycline with TB treatment reduces lung cavity size and increases markers of recovery in pulmonary TB patients. This discovery has promise for preventing long-term complications and improving outcomes for those affected by the disease.
Researchers develop nanodecoys made from human lung spheroid cells that bind to and neutralize SARS-CoV-2, accelerating viral clearance and reducing lung injury. The therapy could be effective against emerging variants of the virus.
A new study reveals that coronaviruses induce substantial apoptosis in host cells, enabling their internal spread. Targeting this process with PERK inhibitors reduces viral pathogenesis and lung damage.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine developed an improved oligonucleotide therapy strategy that can correct gene defects underlying cystic fibrosis. The approach has shown promising results in both human cells and mice, with potential applications for treating other pulmonary diseases.
Researchers have identified seven genes responsible for excessive inflammation and damage to the lungs in tuberculosis. A new drug treatment, doxycycline, has shown promise in reducing lung damage and accelerating recovery in patients with pulmonary TB.
Researchers developed a nanoparticle delivery system to stimulate blood vessel growth in the newborn lung, improving survival rates from 70% to 35%. The treatment involves delivering an engineered nanoparticle carrying a STAT3 gene vector, which prompts blood vessel growth and improves lung function.
A University of California, San Diego study uses AI to analyze gene expression patterns associated with pandemic viral infections. The analysis reveals two telltale signatures that help define patients' immune responses and measure disease severity. These findings provide a map for predicting patient outcomes and testing therapies.
Researchers found that metformin prevents pulmonary inflammation, a major factor in COVID-19 severity and mortality, by inhibiting inflammasome activation and reducing IL-1β production. Metformin may have therapeutic potential for treating severe COVID-19 and other forms of acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed an atomic-level model of the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein bound to a human lung-cell-junction protein. The findings reveal how the virus causes extensive lung damage by hijacking cell-junction proteins, leading to a cytokine storm and promoting viral spread.
A new physiological measurement of heart function, PAPP, has been shown to identify high-risk patients with systolic heart failure or pulmonary hypertension. This monitoring technology can reduce the risk of death by 46% annually in patients with low PAPPs.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine discovered that MUC5AC is more reliably associated with COPD manifestation than another mucus protein, revealing a possible biomarker for disease initiation and prognosis. Elevated levels of MUC5AC in non-smokers who developed COPD suggest it could predict disease progression.
Abbreviated lung ultrasound protocols show similar diagnostic sensitivity to 28-zone studies, suggesting they can efficiently diagnose volume overload. Researchers found no mortality differences between patients with mild and moderate-to-severe pulmonary congestion.
Researchers at the University of Münster discovered that platelet-white blood cell interactions resolve lung inflammation by secreting anti-inflammatory substances and eliminating excess neutrophil granulocytes. This finding has implications for developing new therapy concepts to combat acute respiratory failure.
Researchers analyzed 430 lung squamous tumors and identified mutations in genes such as TP53, CDKN2A, and FGFR1. The study found that 13.5% of patients with druggable mutations had lower median overall survival.
A nationwide clinical trial found no benefit from antibiotics in preventing hospitalization or death for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study collected biological samples that will advance the understanding and treatment of the disease.
Researchers discovered that antibody-secreting cells are formed in lung tissue after a respiratory infection, producing antibodies that fight microbes. These localized antibodies may play a key role in determining who becomes severely ill or experiences mild symptoms when infected.
Scientists discover that inhalable nanobodies targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 can prevent and treat severe COVID-19 in hamsters. The treatment showed impressive results, reducing infectious virus particles by a million-fold and preventing weight loss associated with severe infection.
The VOYAGE study found that dupilumab reduced asthma exacerbations by 59.3% in children with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma. The treatment also improved lung function within two weeks, an effect sustained for up to 52 weeks.
Research presented at the ATS 2021 International Conference found that cumulative tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy and childhood is associated with decreased lung function in children. Even small amounts of secondhand smoke exposure can have detrimental effects on children's lung function.
Research presented at the ATS 2021 International Conference found that patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) living in poor neighborhoods experience poorer outcomes, including increased mortality and reduced odds of receiving a lung transplant. The study highlights the impact of environmental factors on disease progression.
A new study has confirmed that UK children with cystic fibrosis have poorer lung function than their US peers, suggesting differences in treatment patterns may be the cause. The research also found that children in the US received more aggressive mucolytic therapy earlier in life.
Researchers found that individuals with asthma living in historically redlined neighborhoods have lower lung function than those in non-redlined areas. This association was independent of race and co-occurring diseases, suggesting that environmental factors play a significant role in worsening asthma outcomes in these communities.
Researchers have developed a novel nanotechnology that can improve the effectiveness of the CF antibiotic Tobramycin, increasing its efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections. The technology has shown to eradicate infections in as little as two doses, providing new hope for people living with cystic fibrosis.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a panel of genes that are active in smokers and ex-smokers who experience faster loss of lung function. These genes may be useful to predict which people are most at risk for smoking-related decline in lung function, offering hope for early diagnosis and treatment.
A new study reveals that while most COVID-19 patients fully recover, approximately one-third still experience persistent lung changes and reduced oxygen transfer efficiency. Women are more likely to suffer from these effects.
A team of researchers has created a molecular catalog of cells in healthy lungs and those affected by cystic fibrosis. The study reveals new subtypes of cells and sheds light on the cellular changes that occur in the airways, providing potential targets for future genetic therapies.
A team of researchers has developed a molecular catalog of cells in healthy lungs and those with cystic fibrosis, revealing new subtypes of cells and how the disease alters their composition. This discovery could help scientists identify prime targets for future genetic therapies.
A new study found that repeat vape aerosol exposure had little impact on lung tissue, unlike combustible cigarette smoke, which caused significant biological responses in lung cell models.
Researchers have developed a new model of NTM lung infection and found that human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are effective in treating this condition. The study identified donor-specific hMSC potency against NTMs, which could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with chronic NTM lung disease.
A team of scientists created a cell atlas using autopsy samples from COVID-19 patients, revealing how infected cells and lungs responded to the virus. The study found repeated attempts by the lungs to repair themselves failed due to viral-induced changes in cellular programs.
Researchers created a detailed cell atlas of COVID lungs, revealing a trifecta of detrimental effects: runaway inflammation, direct destruction, and impaired regeneration of lung cells involved in gas exchange. This study provides leads on why survivors experience long-term respiratory complications due to lung scarring.
A new treatment has shown promising results in reducing the severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by the flu in mice. The therapy, based on natural molecules, improves lung function and prevents progression of disease in infected animals.
A Phase 3 trial to test the safety and efficacy of Zyesami and remdesivir for life-threatening cases of COVID-19 has begun enrolling patients. The trial aims to provide additional protection for lung cells and increase treatment options for critically ill patients.
A recent study from West Virginia University reveals that rural e-cigarette users are more likely to develop severe respiratory failure and require critical care. The study found a high correlation between lung injury and toxic volatile organic compounds in e-liquids, particularly in those produced by garage labs.
Researchers are conducting a five-year longitudinal study to assess the non-pulmonary aspects of cystic fibrosis and identify barriers to healthy habits. The study aims to generate information on which patients are most likely to develop type 2 diabetes and how diet and exercise can reduce the risk.
Researchers identified a genetic pathway that could help treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by sweeping out excess mucus from the lungs. The pathway involves the ANT2 gene, which produces proteins that enhance cilia function and hydration layer formation in lung cells.
Researchers discovered fungi present in both healthy and diseased lungs, with no difference in composition between individuals with COPD using or not using inhaled steroids. The unique lung environment is dominated by the fungus Candida, which can cause disease when outcompeted.
Researchers found that a combination of ruxolitinib and remdesivir can normalize the production of complement proteins in lung epithelial cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. This highlights a promising strategy to treat damaging inflammation during severe COVID-19.
The study provides valuable insights into heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders, shedding light on human evolution and genetic mutation. The analysis identified 400 million genetic variants, with over 78% never described before, offering potential for new treatments and prevention strategies tailored to individual patients.
An international consortium has proposed the first general selection criteria for lung transplantation in COVID-19 patients. The criteria include exhaustion of conservative treatment options, irreversible lung damage, and good physical condition.
Researchers found that tocilizumab treatment stabilized forced vital capacity in patients with systemic sclerosis, preventing irreversible lung damage. The study suggests a window of opportunity for select patients to benefit from anti-inflammatory therapy.
A study of 11 autopsy cases reveals high viral loads in lungs causing significant damage, but also detects SARS-CoV-2 RNA in other tissues without visible damage. This suggests the immune system may be unable to respond adequately to the virus' presence in the blood.
Researchers used advanced technology to create a detailed map of diseased lung tissue in severe COVID-19 patients. The study revealed that cells called alveolar epithelial cells are the main targets of infection by SARS-CoV-2, and provided new insights into the causes of damage.
Researchers developed an AI model to detect COVID-19 in chest X-rays with high accuracy, using a large dataset of other X-ray images as a starting point. The tool has the potential to assist doctors in identifying, measuring the severity and classifying the disease.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found strong associations between doctors' financial conflicts of interest and the party that hired them when classifying X-rays. The findings suggest a systemic problem with bias among doctors who review chest X-ray images for coal miner's black lung claims.
A new project led by the University of Michigan explores how coughs disperse virus particles into the air, revealing complex airflow patterns. By studying these
A team of international scientists has created a new diagnostic procedure for pulmonary aspergillosis, eliminating the need for invasive techniques. The breakthrough uses a patent-pending Aspergillus-specific monoclonal antibody to rapidly recognize infection in the lungs.
A new CRISPR study has identified the LRRN4CL gene as playing a key role in the spread of certain cancers to the lungs. The research found that over-expression of this gene makes melanoma cells more likely to metastasize to the lungs, and may also be linked to poorer patient outcomes.
A new report by Harvard Medical School researchers found that TB diagnoses in the US are often delayed, leading to a higher likelihood of infection transmission and disease progression. The study suggests that increased clinician awareness and education can help minimize these delays.
MIT researchers develop a vaccination strategy that creates an army of T cells ready at the respiratory tract's mucosal surfaces, boosting immune responses. The approach uses albumin proteins to ferry vaccines across mucosal barriers, offering a quicker response to viral invaders and potential treatment for lung cancer.