Articles tagged with Lungs
Researchers from Kumamoto University found that the DsbA-L protein plays a crucial role in maintaining lung function in the elderly. They discovered that variations in the DsbA-L gene are associated with changes in respiratory function and antioxidant functionality. The study suggests that boosting DsbA-L expression may help promote he...
A new study finds that using bedroom air filters can significantly improve breathing in asthmatic children. Consistent daily use of filters for two weeks reduced airway resistance, lung inflammation, and increased airway elasticity. The findings suggest that the filters may help prevent asthma flare-ups without costly medications.
A recent study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests that ancient aquatic crocodiles evolved to enormous sizes due to water pressure. The minimum survivable size threshold for these aquatic species was found to be around 10 kilograms, and they surpassed their semi-aquatic and landlocked counterparts in average weight by a fa...
A new online platform, CovED, aims to improve COVID-19 diagnosis by providing healthcare workers with rapid training and image-based diagnostic tools. Developed by DetectED-X, the platform can be accessed for free and is supported by leading corporations and healthcare experts.
A recent study published in Immunity identified the protein Rbm7 as a key player in the development of tissue fibrosis. The researchers found that Rbm7 induces cell death after tissue injury, leading to the recruitment of immune cells that form scar tissue.
Researchers at University of Illinois and Mie University discover salt-loving bacteria secret a peptide that rapidly kills lung cells, leading to acute exacerbation. The finding offers a potential new target for treating pulmonary fibrosis, a disease affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers found that creating hydrogels at room temperature or below results in more robust materials. The findings could improve the 3D printing of biomaterials and enhance their performance in biomedical applications.
A retrospective study of 12 patients with severe COVID-19 found that lying face down improved lung function and reduced the need for high positive pressure. Prone positioning was associated with increased lung recruitability, reducing harm to patients.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs may raise the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes due to increased ACE2 receptors in the lungs. Patients with hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and chronic renal disease are more susceptible.
Research finds that high levels of iron build-up in lung cells worsen asthma symptoms and lower lung function. The study suggests a link between iron absorption, immune system responses, and asthma severity.
Researchers found that Aspergillus molds attack the lung's epithelial cells, causing a leaky barrier and triggering an overreaction to future mold exposure. The TRPV4-calcium pathway plays a key role in this response, suggesting new avenues for preventing asthma.
A new study has validated a better way to stratify BPD risk in extremely preterm infants, using a longer duration of supplemental oxygen. The findings suggest that babies who require oxygen for over 120 days are at high risk of respiratory complications and should receive expanded ventilation before discharge.
Including smoking cessation with existing lung cancer screening efforts would significantly reduce lung cancer mortality and increase life-years gained. The study found that point-of-screening cessation interventions could further reduce lung cancer deaths by 14% and increase life-years gained by 81%.
Research led by Andries Steyn found that Mtb bacteria induce increased hydrogen sulfide production in human macrophages, increasing pathogenesis and virulence. The study suggests that targeting hydrogen sulfide production may be useful for managing tuberculosis and other microbial infections.
Researchers have identified three genes linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a devastating lung disease. The discovery provides potential targets for new drugs and may lead to improved treatments.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that lung stem cell secretions delivered via nebulizer can help repair lung injuries due to multiple types of pulmonary fibrosis in mice and rats. The treatment resulted in a nearly 50% reduction of fibrosis compared to mesenchymal stem cells counterparts.
A study has described the pathology of SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, for the first time in its early phase. The research reveals edema, proteinaceous exudate, and inflammatory cellular infiltration in patients with COVID-19 pneumonina.
A 20-year study found that mid-life weight gain accelerates the natural decline in lung capacity with aging, while weight loss slows it down. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to stave off serious respiratory illness and extend life expectancy.
A new study analyzed weight changes and their impact on lung function over a 20-year period, finding that moderate or high weight gain accelerates decline. Weight loss attenuates lung function decline in obese individuals, while maintaining low weight is crucial for preventing chronic respiratory diseases.
Researchers developed a noninvasive imaging technique to monitor rifampin levels in TB patients. The dynamic 11C-rifampin PET/CT tool successfully tracked the movement of the tagged drug into lesions and cavities, revealing low penetration rates that can change over time.
Researchers discovered that healthy lung cells support the survival of breast cancer cells, allowing them to form secondary tumours. Targeting the growth of cell protrusions on breast cancer cells can prevent secondary tumour formation.
A new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society has found that traditional biomass stoves significantly increase indoor levels of harmful PM2.5 and carbon monoxide, leading to lung inflammation and potentially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in developing nations.
A Purdue team has received a $3.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to treat antibiotic-resistant lower respiratory infections, a leading cause of death worldwide. The researchers will develop new inhalation therapies using polymyxins and liposomes to combat antimicrobial resistance.
A study has created a database on endothelial cells, which may enhance our understanding of the complex network of blood vessels in the mammalian body. The research team identified 78 endothelial cell subclusters, including unexpected subtypes, that can inform the development of new treatments for diseases.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy report improved lung function in infants born after FETO therapy, which involves a minimally invasive procedure to block the fetal trachea. The study found that prenatal and postnatal monitoring and care were highly coordinated, allowing for favorable outcomes in the 14 infants born.
Scientists have discovered a complex biological process in premature lungs that stimulates production of immune cells, which can help fight respiratory infections. The findings could lead to new treatments for premature infants, who are vulnerable to lifelong respiratory illnesses.
Researchers identified a molecule that maintains a healthy balance of airway basal stem cells and mature mucociliary cells, potentially leading to new treatments for lung cancer. The compound, Wnt Inhibitor Compound 1 (WIC1), has been shown to limit the proliferation of basal stem cells and restore balance in human cells.
Researchers at Monash University have developed a new technology to visualize airflow in the lungs, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses. The technology can pinpoint localized areas of deficiency and has potential for treating respiratory illnesses earlier.
The Center for Advancing Point of Care Technologies aims to improve quality of life and reduce hospital time for patients with these conditions. Innovations supported by CAPCaT include devices and technologies that help manage hypertension, promote mindfulness and support holistic disease management.
Researchers found that tumor-derived ANGPTL2 stimulates lung epithelial cells, promoting primary tumor-induced neutrophil recruitment and pre-metastatic niche formation. Targeting ANGPTL2 signaling reduced metastatic load in lungs.
Research by Virginia Tech scientists found that tiny titanium oxide nanoparticles in coal smog and ash can cause lung damage in mice after a single exposure. The particles trigger an immune response, leading to macrophage death and lung failure.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified the unique genetic program behind primordial lung progenitors, a rare and transient cell type. This discovery may lead to improved stem cell protocols for treating respiratory diseases such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and lung interstitial disease.
Using a combination of pluripotent stem cells and machine learning, researchers have improved how they generate lung cells. This technique enables the growth of lung cells in a laboratory for over a year, allowing for better modeling of lung diseases and potential personalized treatments.
After recovering from pneumonia, alveolar macrophages transform and retain a memory of their prior experience, influencing future responses to infections. This finding may lead to improved lung defenses against pneumonia in young adults.
A study published in Radiology found that weight loss surgery improves breathing issues in obese patients by reducing air trapping and tracheal collapse. CT scans revealed structural changes to the lung and trachea after surgery, which correlate with improved symptoms and reduced inflammation.
Sir Magdi Habib Yacoub has been honored with the 2020 Earl Bakken Scientific Achievement Award for his pioneering work in heart-lung transplantation and cardiothoracic surgery. He has performed over 2,500 heart transplants and 20,000 heart operations, transforming small hospitals into major transplant programs.
Research suggests that lung bacteria can predict clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, with certain bacteria associated with worse outcomes and the presence of gut-associated bacteria found in the lungs. The study's findings have implications for developing new therapies to prevent and treat critical illness.
Researchers found that human fetal lung microbiomes show changes in diversity during fetal development, with some taxonomic overlap between the placental and lung microbiomes. The study suggests that maternal-fetal microbial DNA transfer may play a role in normal lung and immune system development.
A specialized Lung Rescue Team at Massachusetts General Hospital has significantly reduced mortality rates in patients with obesity and acute respiratory failure compared to standard treatment. By individualized treatment, the team has cut the risk of death by half for up to a year.
New research found that after recovery from a respiratory infection, particular cells in the innate immune system in the lung are more effective, offering extra protection against new infections. This heightened immunity is due to the production of cytokines by lung macrophages, which cause inflammation and help fight pathogens.
A new study published in Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that many 'high-risk' donor hearts can be transplanted with similar survival rates as 'low-risk' donor hearts. The researchers, led by Dr. David Morales, used a risk-based matching system to match donors with recipients and found that the results were promising.
A new study found that delivering the TB vaccine intravenously dramatically improves its potency, offering nearly full protection against TB in monkeys. The vaccine was highly effective when administered via injection into a vein, reducing bacterial burden by 100,000-fold and inflammation in lungs to near zero.
A new study suggests that lowering exposure to mouse allergens can lead to improved lung growth in asthmatic children living in low-income neighborhoods. The research found a strong association between mouse allergen exposure and lung function growth, with potential implications for long-term lung health and even longevity.
Research reveals that flavored e-liquids trigger inflammation, genetic damage, and dysfunction in the lungs, increasing long-term health risks. The study identifies over 40 chemicals in seven flavors, many of which are known to be harmful if inhaled.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that fluorodeoxyglucose PET, combined with high-resolution CT, can predict invasive histopathologic subtypes of early lung adenocarcinoma. The imaging technique also showed higher SUVmax values in invasive adenocarcinomas compared to non-invasive forms.
Researchers discovered that Savannah monitor lizards have lung structures with a complex airflow pattern that is part bird and part mammal. The unique system distributes air into tiny chambers and exhibits unidirectional airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Researchers discovered genetic variations in RNF5 dampen CFTR protein expression, potentially reducing lung infections. This study offers a new approach to understanding cystic fibrosis and developing targeted treatments.
Researchers found that using lungs from donors considered high risk for certain infectious diseases results in similar one-year survival rates for recipients. The study suggests broadening the definition of 'increased risk' donors could increase overall organ utilization and reduce deaths on the waitlist.
A rare form of lung scarring, typically found in metal workers, has been linked to vaping. The condition can cause breathing difficulties and chronic coughing due to damage to lung cells and the formation of 'giant' cells.
Researchers used specialized MRI techniques to follow patients with mild to moderate asthma over six years, finding consistent ventilation defects that persist over time. The studies refute the long-held belief that these defects are random and widespread, opening up opportunities for patient-specific treatments.
A new treatment approach for cystic fibrosis may reduce the need for lung transplants and lower mortality rates. Researchers found that a small molecule reduced inflammation and cleared lungs of bacteria in a laboratory model.
Researchers have found that anti-cancer agents with low-molecular weights cannot reach tumors effectively due to obstructed small arteries. This limits the use of conventional chemotherapy and highlights the need for new treatments, according to Professor Tetsuya Kodama.
A previously healthy 17-year-old male was hospitalized with life-threatening bronchiolitis after a week of persistent cough. The case suggests a new form of damage from vaping products, similar to popcorn lung, and highlights the need for further research and regulation.
Researchers found that germ-free mouse lungs developed better under high oxygen conditions than non-germ-free mice, with decreased inflammation and improved lung function. This discovery may help develop therapeutic interventions for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that lung resident memory T (TRM) cells recruit neutrophils to protect the lungs against future bacterial infections. This study has implications for preventing and treating pneumonia, potentially leading to improved treatment options and personalized medicine.
Researchers found that dopamine-producing nerves in young mice enhance allergic inflammation, while older mice do not. This discovery highlights the importance of interactions between the nervous system and immune system in childhood asthma, providing potential novel therapeutic targets for early intervention.
A middle-aged man developed severe lung inflammation after introducing feather-filled bedding into his home, prompting doctors to sound the alarm about the potential risk. Repeated exposure to bird feathers can lead to irreversible scarring of lung tissue, highlighting the importance of identifying this condition promptly.
Researchers identified gene expression changes specific to early, progressive and end-stage fibrosis, as well as distinct molecular regulators for each stage. The study provides the first computational model of disease progression in IPF lung, accompanied by an interactive website.
A new study found that lung transplant recipients who received an inhaled form of cyclosporine had improved lung function and increased survival rates. The treatment, which involves using liposomal cyclosporine with a nebulizer, showed promise in preventing chronic organ rejection and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome.
Researchers warn of e-cigarette dangers, citing damage to brain, heart, and blood vessels, as well as increased risk of nicotine addiction. Governments are urged to take action to prevent young people's access to tobacco products and curb marketing.