Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
A study suggests that monocyte-derived macrophages can induce lung fibrosis without prior alveolar epithelial cell injury. The research found increased flux through the mevalonate pathway in bronchoalveolar cells from IPF patients, which exacerbates fibrosis.
Researchers have proposed new diagnostic criteria for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that include environmental exposure, symptoms and abnormal CT scans. The criteria may help identify an additional 2-5 million people with COPD, leading to better care and potential research into slowing or preventing the disease.
A 16-year-old boy developed severe lung inflammation after vaping, leading to respiratory failure and prolonged hospitalization. The trigger was likely an exaggerated immune response to a chemical in the e-cigarette fluid, highlighting the potential risks of e-cigarettes.
Scientists at Columbia University have successfully grown fully functional lungs in mouse embryos using transplanted stem cells. The innovative technique has shown promising results, suggesting that it may eventually be possible to generate human lungs in animals for transplantation and studying new treatments.
A new study published in PLOS Genetics found that heavy smoking can have a causal effect on facial ageing, influencing appearance and wrinkling. Researchers used Mendelian randomization and gene-by-environment interaction tests to identify the effects of smoking heaviness.
A three-drug combination improved lung function and reduced symptoms in patients with the most common genetic mutation for cystic fibrosis. The therapy, approved by the FDA, targets the underlying cause of the disease and demonstrated significant benefits in lung function and quality of life.
New research reveals that the shape and architecture of collagen and elastin fibers in lungs affects their elasticity. Crimped fibers exhibit greater flexibility, while straight fibers are stiffer.
A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics has identified 57 genetic variations associated with declines in blood oxygen levels during sleep. These findings provide insight into the hereditary basis of this trait and its relationship to sleep disorders and lung diseases.
A study of over 14,000 participants found associations between specific cigarette characteristics and lung cancer outcomes. Researchers analyzed data from a lung screening trial to investigate the impact of cigarette filter status, tar level, and menthol flavor on lung cancer outcomes.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles identified molecular markers that distinguish between airway and vascular smooth muscle cells. This breakthrough enables separate studies of lung disorders like COPD and asthma in premature infants.
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal has provided evidence that fatty tissue builds up in the airway walls of individuals who are overweight or obese. This accumulation alters the normal structure of the airways and leads to inflammation in the lungs, which may contribute to increased asthma symptoms.
Pulmonary hypertension caused by respiratory disease has been linked to improved health outcomes through identifying underlying conditions. Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that thorough evaluations and tailored therapy approaches can help dogs with pulmonary hypertension, increasing survival rates.
The AI system uses a huge database of x-ray images to identify collapsed lungs with 75% accuracy, outperforming medical specialists who diagnose fewer than 50%. Researchers plan to integrate the technology into a software system and apply it to other conditions, reducing treatment delays and improving patient outcomes.
A study of 845 CF patients found that lumacaftor-ivacaftor improves lung function, body weight, and reduces intravenous antibiotic treatment needs. However, nearly one in five patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events, highlighting the need for cautious interpretation.
A new study presented at the IASLC 2019 North America Conference on Lung Cancer found that lung cancer screening guidelines are inadequate to diagnose patients who contract lung cancer from occupational exposure, including first responders. Low-dose computed tomography was shown to detect disease earlier in this population.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that an increased risk of pulmonary embolism persists for several years after six types of surgery among cancer-free middle-age adults. The research analyzed data from a French national inpatient database and followed 60,000 participants to determine the duration of this increased risk.
Transplant patients who received high-risk donor lungs through ex vivo lung perfusion showed improved long-term outcomes, including reduced mortality and morbidity rates. The study suggests that this technique may be a viable alternative for high-risk patients, providing access to more organs.
University of Delaware Professor April Kloxin wins NIH Director's New Innovator Award to develop synthetic models of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal disease affecting over 3 million people globally. Her research aims to uncover insights into the underlying causes and potential treatments for lung fibrosis.
A new study led by Columbia University researchers found that people who smoke just a few cigarettes a day can still experience long-term lung damage. The study also showed that the rate of decline in lung function among light smokers is closer to that of heavy smokers than previously thought.
A study found that e-cigarette smoke induces lung adenocarcinoma and bladder urothelial hyperplasia in mice. Exposure to e-cigarette juice led to a high incidence of tumors, while filtered air exposure had minimal effects.
The American Heart Association's new scientific statement identifies the benefits and risks of novel interventional devices for treating pulmonary embolism. The devices, which remove or dissolve clots in the lungs, are shown to be effective but carry moderate risks, particularly in patients with intermediate-risk PE.
Researchers have found no evidence of lipid accumulation as the cause of vaping-related lung injuries, suggesting a direct chemical injury from noxious fumes instead. The study's findings support concerns about the risks of vaping and call for better regulation and education.
A new study suggests that aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may protect the lungs from short-term spikes in air pollution. The researchers found that nearly half of the negative impact of particulate matter on lung function was reduced with NSAID use.
Research has linked exposure to BPA in the womb to increased risk of wheezing and poorer lung function in children. The study found that pregnant women with higher BPA levels were more likely to have children who suffered from wheezing, and a doubling of BPA corresponded with a significant decrease in lung capacity.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Institute are studying lung macrophages and their role in TB infection, with the goal of developing a new set of biological pathways critical to the body's response. The findings could lead to a new strategy for host-directed therapy and potentially cure TB.
Researchers at NIH and Siemens developed a low-magnetic-field MRI system that improves image quality of lungs and other internal structures, making medical imaging more affordable and accessible. The new system also reduces the risk of heating and allows for safer procedures for patients with pacemakers or defibrillators.
Research suggests that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to develop poor respiratory health based on lung function tests. PCOS is believed to affect almost one in six women and often runs in families, while also increasing the risk of diabetes, which has been linked to lower lung function.
A six-month low-dose azithromycin treatment significantly reduced symptoms and infection episodes in PCD patients, with a 50% reduction in serious episode episodes. However, mild diarrhoea was more common in treated patients.
The study found measurable adverse biologic effects on lung health and cells in humans, animals, and tissue samples. Vaping has been linked to increased respiratory symptoms, including bronchitis-like symptoms and asthma, as well as possible lung damage and immunosuppression.
Researchers found that women who experience complications such as preterm births and preeclampsia during their first pregnancy are nearly twice more likely than women without complications to develop high blood pressure later in life. The study emphasizes the need for doctors to focus on knowing the health histories of women.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that nintedanib slows the progression of a broad range of scarring lung diseases. The medication was shown to be effective in patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease, regardless of the underlying cause or pattern of lung fibrosis.
A smart shirt has proven to be accurate in measuring breathing, with results similar to traditional equipment, according to European Respiratory Society research. The Hexoskin senses chest movements and records air volume, heart rate, and movement, making it a practical alternative for monitoring lung function.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine identified CXCR6 and CXCL16 as critical molecules for T cells to travel to and populate the lungs. This discovery could lead to designing adjuvants that recruit CD8 T cells into the airways, potentially reducing symptoms or preventing infection.
A study of nearly eight million live births found that air pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide are associated with a 20-50% increased risk of death in babies. Exposure to these pollutants also reduces lung function in children as early as the first trimester of pregnancy.
Researchers found that blocking interleukin-11 protein with therapeutic antibodies can reverse lung fibrosis in a mouse model. This discovery holds promise for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a life-threatening lung disease. Clinical trials are expected to begin by 2021.