Articles tagged with Lungs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Spirrow Therapeutics develops nanopolymer surfactant to restore lung function in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a condition that affects over 200,000 people annually. The startup aims to use its technology not only for ARDS but also to aid those infected with COVID-19.
Researchers found a link between citrullinated vimentin, produced by lung macrophages in response to environmental pollutants, and the development of lung fibrosis. The study suggests that targeting PAD2 enzyme could attenuate cadmium/carbon black-induced fibrosis.
Researchers at New York University discovered that birds' looped airways facilitate one-way flows of air, allowing them to perform complex tasks like flying across oceans and high altitudes. This finding offers new insights into aerodynamics and potential applications in flow engineering for respiratory ventilators and other technologies.
Researchers found that cytokines CCL2 and CCL3 drive lung damage by attracting immune cells, while survivors had higher levels of antiviral T cells, suggesting these cells help control the virus. Targeting these cytokines with inhibitors may prevent lung tissue damage.
A global multicenter study has uncovered a correlation between the severity of COVID-19 in the lungs and brain using CT/MRI scans. Researchers found that patients with more severe respiratory disease are more likely to experience neurological symptoms, such as stroke and brain bleeds.
Researchers have identified a new molecular target, MDM4, that could potentially treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by initiating a genetic program to remove scar tissue from the lungs. Targeting this protein may prevent respiratory failure and improve treatment options for patients with IPF.
A new synthetic lung surfactant formulation has been licensed by the Lundquist Institute to the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute for development in low- and middle-income countries. The formulation could improve breathing and lung function in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome, potentially saving lives ...
Researchers found that frog lungs reduce sensitivity to environmental noise, making it easier for females to zero in on male calls. The unique sound pathway allows sounds from air-filled lungs to transmit to middle ears through a specific mechanism.
Researchers developed an mRNA treatment that targets RNA molecules to destroy virus replication in lung cells. The therapy could be effective against 99% of flu strains and new coronavirus variants due to its flexible targeting sequence.
Researchers have captured detailed images of newborn babies' lungs as they take their first breaths, revealing complex methods of adapting to air-breathing at birth. The study provides clues to improving preterm babies' survival chances and long-term health outcomes.
Adults born prematurely may be more susceptible to severe influenza infections due to disruptions in their lung biological clock, research in mice suggests. The study found that premature infants who received life-saving oxygen were more likely to develop long-term lung problems and increased flu risk.
A team of engineers at the University of Cambridge identified the physical mechanisms responsible for wheezing, a condition affecting up to a quarter of the world's population. They developed a 'tube law' to predict when wheezing occurs and could lead to a cheaper and faster diagnostic for lung disease.
Scientists have identified tissue-resident memory-like Th17 cells (Trm17) as a key player in the development of hyperinflammation and lung injury in severe COVID-19. These cells produce inflammatory molecules like GM-CSF, which correlates with disease severity.
A new study reveals that reducing body temperature improves surfactant activity, making it easier for oxygen to enter the lungs. Therapeutic hypothermia could be a potential treatment for ARDS, affecting critical patients worldwide.
A team of researchers from the University of Portsmouth discovered a massive ancient fish fossil, estimated to be around 5 meters long, which is the largest of its type ever found. The fossil, composed of many thin bony plates arranged like a barrel, was identified as a coelacanth, a species believed to be extinct for millions of years.
Researchers found that higher lung ultrasound scores correlated with increased risk of ICU admission, intubation, and death in severe COVID-19 patients. The study used a scoring protocol covering 12 lung regions to predict patient outcomes.