Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
Scientists at UNC-Chapel Hill used a new lab model containing human lung tissue to show that EIDD-2801 effectively halts SARS-CoV-2 replication and prevents infection of human cells. The drug also demonstrated significant reduction in viral shedding in COVID-19 patients.
A recent genome mapping study by the University of Copenhagen found that our common fish ancestor, which lived 50 million years ago, already carried genetic codes for limb-like forms and air breathing. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that limbs and lungs evolved separately during the vertebrate transition from water to l...
Researchers report a promising therapeutic approach combining PD-1 and VEGF inhibitors with chemotherapy to control cholangiocarcinoma progression. This treatment resulted in significant reduction of lung lesions and stabilization of liver lesions, suggesting potential for improved patient survival.
Researchers found that inhaling unfragmented hyaluronan improves lung function in patients with severe COPD, shortening hospital stays and decreasing breathing support needs. The treatment also aids mucus transport and promotes recovery.
A Boston University research team mapped molecular activities in lung cells at the onset of coronavirus infection, revealing 18 FDA-approved drugs that could halt the virus' replication process. The discovery may lead to more effective therapeutic interventions and reduce deaths related to COVID-19 infections.
A new skin-based vaccine delivery method has shown promising results in preclinical studies, generating potent immune responses and superior lung-specific T cells against respiratory illnesses.
A mathematical model, the BathRC model, enables doctors to calculate the amount of restriction required to safely ventilate two patients using one ventilator. Accurate matching and correct resistance are key to this process.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a key role of monocytes in sarcoidosis, revealing they can be potent TNF producers and predict disease outcome. This breakthrough opens possibilities for identifying biomarkers and more effective treatment strategies, potentially reducing cases of chronic sarcoidosis.
Researchers found that COVID-19 infects the brain, leading to severe illness, even after lungs clear themselves of the virus. The study suggests that brain damage is a key factor in long-term health problems and increased risk of future diseases.
A new technique developed by researchers at PNNL reveals that e-cigarettes inflict subtle structural changes in proteins, marking the first time such damage has been measured. The study found significant oxidative stress on lung tissue in rats, compromising regulatory proteins and potentially leading to chronic stress.
Two studies from Michigan Medicine reveal COVID-19 deaths are primarily due to lung damage, unlike other lung failures. Evidence-based interventions like prone positioning and mechanical ventilation improve outcomes.
Researchers disrupt molecule that causes excess mucus in lungs, reverses its deadly impacts. The treatment also works on human mucus samples and has potential for treating other pulmonary diseases.
A new study identified a molecule that reduces inflammation during mechanical ventilation, but isn't enough to prevent lung damage. Delivering high levels of the molecule with nanoparticles was effective in fending off ventilator-related lung damage in mice.
Researchers at Northwestern University identified critical targets to treat severe COVID-19 pneumonia and lessen its damage. The study suggests macrophages can be infected by SARS-CoV-2, contributing to the infection's spread.
A new study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that COVID-19 patients with varying degrees of severity do not experience significant long-term respiratory problems. However, fatigue and ill health persist in many patients, suggesting ongoing need for follow-up care.
Researchers at the University of Basel have identified immune cells resident in the lungs that persist long after a bout of flu, improving the immune response to reinfection by different strains. The discovery could lead to longer-lasting vaccinations against quickly-mutating viruses.
New research from Karolinska Institutet reveals the development of lung macrophages, immune cells that can protect or harm lungs. Classical monocytes migrate into airways and lung tissue, becoming protective macrophages, while non-classical monocytes develop into pro-inflammatory macrophages.
Research at Hebrew University found fenofibrate effective in treating COVID-19 by reducing fat buildup in lung cells. Clinical trials are underway to confirm the findings and explore its potential as a treatment for severe COVID cases.
A study published in Cell Reports Medicine found a link between autoantibodies and lung fibrosis progression in systemic sclerosis patients. The researchers discovered that osteopontin, a protein previously implicated in fibrosis, may be responsible for triggering lung scarring.