Articles tagged with Lungs
Researchers at Tulane University have developed an enhanced CRISPR-based tuberculosis test that works with a simple tongue swab, detecting TB in samples with very low levels of bacteria. The new test shows high sensitivity and accuracy, offering a significant step forward toward effective diagnoses via a variety of samples.
Researchers at UCalgary have found that neurons play a critical role in reducing harmful lung inflammation, which leads to pulmonary fibrosis. The discovery opens up opportunities for using neurological therapies to treat the disease, and preliminary studies suggest that boosting the function of these nerve cells could improve scarring.
A comprehensive state ban on flavored e-cigarettes leads to a decrease in vaping among young adults aged 18–24 years by about 2–3 percentage points, while increasing traditional cigarette use by a similar amount. For youth under 18, there is suggestive evidence of an increase in cigarette use, undermining broader tobacco control efforts.
A state ban on flavored e-cigarettes may lead to a net negative effect on health for young adults, increasing traditional cigarette use while reducing vaping. The study found that comprehensive bans had no impact on tobacco participation among adults aged 25 and older.
A new study will investigate whether low levels of the lung protein CC16 in childhood can predict who will develop early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) later in life. The five-year study aims to identify children at risk for early COPD and potentially intervene to prevent lung disease.
Research shows that the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires resulted in an estimated 440 excess deaths, while the 2023 Maui wildfires led to immediate increases in suicide and overdose deaths. Higher social support was linked to improved mental health outcomes but did not buffer physiological effects.
The project aims to develop novel, interpretable biomarkers using advanced artificial intelligence to overcome limitations in current diagnostic tools. The team will integrate multi-modal data and biomechanics for better diagnosis and tracking of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Researchers discovered that PAR1 triggers a structural transformation in lymphatic vessels, making them more permeable to absorb excess fluid and immune cells. This finding has implications for the treatment of lung diseases and could lead to targeted therapies.
A new study by Mass General Brigham investigators identified an ancient immune pathway that is activated in patients with acute chest syndrome (ACS) and serves as a key driver of the disease. Blocking this pathway with clinically approved drugs alleviated disease severity in preclinical models.
Researchers at Mount Sinai identified Epac1 as a key driver of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic and progressive lung-scarring disease. Blocking Epac1 with a small-molecule drug may slow the progression of the disease, offering new treatment options for patients.
A study found that exposure to β-glucan reprograms immune cells in the lungs, causing them to overreact and worsen lung damage. The research suggests that trained immunity in the lungs may have negative consequences in certain contexts.
Clinical trials show sutezolid and delpazolid are safer alternatives to linezolid for treating drug-resistant TB, with no cases of nerve damage or blood toxicity reported. The findings suggest these drugs could replace linezolid in treatment regimens.
Scientists from Pusan National University discovered a genetic biomarker, FCGBP, that is strongly linked to bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and poor outcomes following lung transplantation. The finding may help identify high-risk patients and devise timely immunosuppressive treatments.
A team of scientists from Colorado State University and the University of São Paulo have developed a seismological solution to improve the resolution of ultrasound images for lung monitoring. This breakthrough could lead to improved critical care for patients, including continuous lung monitoring at the bedside. The technique uses seis...
Scientists at UC San Francisco discovered how pancreatic cancer cells metastasize to the lungs or liver using the PCSK9 protein. PCSK9 controls cholesterol acquisition, with low levels favoring the liver and high levels supporting lung adaptation.
A computerized decision support tool reduced the time children with lung failure spent on ventilation by shortening weaning time and improving respiratory muscle strength. The intervention group had better functional status at ICU discharge than the control group.
A recent study found that Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can detect pathogens in 86% of cases, outperforming conventional microbiological tests which identified pathogens in only 67% of cases. mNGS guides treatment decisions and improves patient outcomes by detecting rare/atypical pathogens.
A new COPD diagnostic approach integrates respiratory symptoms, quality of life, spirometry, and CT imaging to accurately classify individuals with the disease. This framework reveals increased risks for mortality, exacerbations, and lung function decline among those classified as having COPD.
A study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that lung capacity develops in two phases: rapid growth during childhood and slower growth until peak lung function. Lung function starts to decline after the peak age, contrary to previous models. Persistent asthma and smoking affect lung function differently than thought.
Researchers found persistent inflammation in heart and lungs of patients with long COVID, even after standard tests return normal results. This study uses advanced PET/MRI imaging to detect abnormal patterns that could serve as early warning signs of future cardiac and pulmonary conditions.
A groundbreaking study from the University of Virginia Health System reveals distinct immune patterns in patients with persistent breathing issues after COVID-19. The research identifies specific T cell changes linked to lung damage and fibrosis, paving the way for personalized treatments.
A new global clinical trial has demonstrated the benefits of an investigational medication called brensocatib, a DPP-1 inhibitor, in improving bronchiectasis patients' quality of life. The study showed that nearly half of patients remained exacerbation-free one year later and experienced significant improvements in lung function.
Researchers from the University of Vienna and EPFL Lausanne found high concentrations of rubber additives in bouldering gym air, similar to car tires. The study suggests that these substances do not belong in the air we breathe, highlighting the need for better ventilation and cleaner climbing shoe materials.
A Phase Ia/Ib trial found that zongertinib demonstrated clinical benefits for patients with advanced HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, particularly those with specific HER2 mutations. The treatment showed a 71% objective response rate and manageable side effects.
Researchers at ISHLT marked the 10-year anniversary of modern DCD heart donation, significantly increasing transplant volumes worldwide. Comparable outcomes have been achieved with DCD hearts compared to traditional DBD hearts, leading to a surge in DCD programs globally.
Machine perfusion technology significantly extends the time donor hearts can be transported, enabling longer-distance transplants. This innovation has already led to more organs being accepted from regions previously unsuitable due to transportation constraints.
A study on donor lungs preserved outside the body demonstrated that HOPE is a safe and effective method for lung preservation, with no rejections and similar short-term outcomes compared to direct transplantation. The study found that extending perfusion times can optimize donor lungs for future therapies.
A day-long conference brought together experts to present ground-breaking outcomes research on CTEPH treatments. The session covered new medications, refined techniques, and innovative approaches to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Researchers have identified two proteins in birds that compensate for the loss of a key immune component in humans, providing insights into combating respiratory diseases. The study sheds light on how birds maintain lung protection despite their unique respiratory anatomy.
Researchers at Tulane University identified a potential new way to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) using an FDA-approved cancer drug. The treatment works by blocking the CTLA4 protein, which blocks overactive T cells, allowing the immune system to clear out damaged cells that cause lung scarring.
Researchers found that using twice-daily tacrolimus resulted in lower rates of chronic lung allograft dysfunction and improved overall survival after lung transplantation compared to cyclosporine. This study provides promising news for lung transplant patients, highlighting the importance of effective treatment strategies to prevent CLAD.
Adding an experimental cancer drug to standard TB treatment reduces lung damage and prevents post-TB lung disease in mice. Researchers found that the drug doubled pulmonary apoptosis and reduced lung scarring by 40% compared to standard treatments.
Researchers found that extending nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in preterm infants beyond usual care significantly improves lung growth and development, leading to better respiratory health. This study suggests a simple non-pharmacologic intervention that can be applied globally to improve lifelong lung function.
A new study suggests that CT scans could account for 5% of all cancer cases each year, primarily due to radiation exposure. The largest risk is among infants, followed by children and adolescents. To mitigate this risk, reducing the number of scans and doses per scan can help save lives.
A pioneering study demonstrated that an AI-powered lung ultrasound surpasses human experts by 9% in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis. The technology leverages deep learning algorithms to interpret lung ultrasound images in real-time, making it more accessible for TB triage, especially for minimally trained healthcare workers.
A rare case of Exophiala jeanselmei pneumonia was reported in an immunocompetent patient with interstitial lung disease. The patient presented with malaise, cough productive of black sputum, and bilateral lung field crackles.
A breakthrough in medical technology, the wearable stethoscope accurately monitors lung sounds in real-time and detects wheezing. An AI-based algorithm classifies breathing sounds and counts wheezing events with high accuracy.
A literature review found that weak coughs increase the risk of extubation failure and prolonged hospitalization. Employing individualized cough exercises, such as increasing inhaled volume and utilizing oscillation techniques, can significantly improve patient outcomes.
The study found that patients with coaxial silicone drains had lower analgesic consumption and better-preserved respiratory muscle strength during the first 2 postoperative days. This suggests that coaxial SIL drains can reduce postoperative pain and improve patient comfort and recovery following VATS lobectomy.
A University of Ottawa-led team examines the punishing costs of TB care, finding that patients face 'catastrophic' expenses despite free treatment being available in many countries. The review identifies areas for intervention to reduce patient costs and improve sustainable TB mitigation strategies.
Researchers estimate that one in 2,710 to one in 4,190 individuals carries a variant of the FLCN gene linked to Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome. This condition increases the risk of kidney cancer, which is significantly lower in carriers than previously thought.
Scientists discovered a protein called HARS WHEP that calms inflammation in lung diseases by regulating white blood cells. The treatment efzofitimod showed promising results in reducing inflammation and fibrosis, providing new hope for patients suffering from sarcoidosis.
Researchers discovered that misplaced immune cells drive aggressive lung disease, with potential for new treatments targeting plasma cells and their signaling pathways. The study found novel cellular networks orchestrating the abnormal immune response, offering hope for patients with limited therapeutic options.
Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for pulmonary fibrosis by targeting the Piezo2 receptor, which plays a critical role in stiffness-mediated profibrotic fibroblast phenotypes. Inhibiting Piezo2 expression or function may slow disease progression and offer new therapeutic options.
The Chinese Medical Association has released updated guidelines for pediatric mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, emphasizing a multi-faceted diagnostic approach and evidence-based treatment strategies. The guidelines highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and responsible antibiotic use to combat rising resistance.
Researchers found that curcumin enhances the effectiveness of bedaquiline in combating M. abscessus infections, with the combination showing synergistic enhancement of antibacterial activity. The study suggests potential new treatment pathways for resistant infections, particularly in immunocompromised populations.
Researchers found that a Western-style diet high in glycogen can fuel lung cancer tumors, leading to faster growth and worse outcomes. A nutrient-rich diet, active lifestyle, and reduced alcohol intake are recommended for lung cancer prevention.
Researchers have discovered how severe COVID-19 can destroy immune cells' ability to repair the lungs, leading to lingering effects of long COVID. By enhancing damaged organelles using a FDA-approved drug, they found improved lung healing and reduced inflammation.
Researchers developed a deep learning algorithm to denoise ultra-low dose CT scans, improving image quality and accuracy. The study found that this approach can diagnose pneumonia in immunocompromised patients using only 2% of the radiation dose of standard CT scans.
The Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network facilitates access to specialized care and support for hundreds of thousands of people with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease. The network aims to improve quality of life and advance a cure for these conditions.
A new study suggests that hospital rehabilitation for older adults might only be the beginning of a longer journey. While therapy is crucial in mitigating functional decline, only a small minority of patients receiving intensive therapy (14+ hours/week) had a greater likelihood of home discharge.
A study by Cambridge researchers found that a routine lung function test used to diagnose asthma is more reliable in the morning. The reliability of the test decreases throughout the day and differs significantly between winter and autumn, with individuals being 33% less likely to receive a positive result during autumn.
Researchers have discovered a family of genes essential for tuberculosis survival during airborne transmission, providing new drug targets. The study sheds light on the bacterium's protective mechanisms, which could prevent infection spread and treat existing cases.
The Vanderbilt Lung Transplant program performed a record-breaking 99 lung transplants in 2024, with two combined organ transplants. The program leads the nation in innovation in organ preservation and regeneration, and has the busiest program in the Southeast.
Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that maternal THC consumption can decrease lung volume in developing fetuses and alter lung gene expression. This study is the first to examine the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on offspring respiratory health, raising concerns for potential long-term impacts.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that using race-neutral lung function equations can identify more Black children with reduced lung function and increase asthma diagnosis rates. This is crucial as under-diagnosis can lead to delayed treatment and long-term health issues.
A new University of Texas at Arlington study reveals high concentrations of microplastics in bird lungs, with average particles per species and gram of lung tissue measured. The study highlights the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its far-reaching impacts on ecosystem health and human health.
Researchers found that aged biomass smoke is more toxic and can have serious health consequences, including respiratory diseases. Using HEPA air purifiers, sealing homes, and avoiding indoor pollution sources can help minimize exposure.
Scientists discovered a protective variant of the HAQ-STING gene that prevents COPA Syndrome. This finding opens the door to a new gene therapy for the condition, which currently has no cure.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered that human lung tissue contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) capable of producing red blood cells, platelets, and immune cells. The finding suggests the lungs could be a potent source for life-saving stem cell transplants, particularly for patients with leukemia.