Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
Researchers identified protocadherin-1 as a key receptor facilitating hantavirus lung cell entry. Deleting this receptor made lab animals resistant to infection, offering potential therapeutic strategy against hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
A global team of investigators has identified protocadherin-1 (PCDH1) as a crucial protein involved in Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a serious respiratory disease. The study, published in Nature, reveals that PCDH1 facilitates lung cell infection and triggers HPS, providing a viable target for blocking the disease.
Researchers have identified Toll-like receptor 3 as a new target for treating pulmonary hypertension by increasing its levels through high-dose RNA stimulation, potentially reducing inflammation and cell death in the lungs.
Despite improvements in air quality, the study found little impact on child lung health, with reduced lung function and asthma symptoms observed. Children still live in highly polluted areas, posing lifelong health risks, emphasizing the need for further action to tackle high levels of air pollution.
A study of 2,000 children suggests that London's diesel-dominated air pollution is restricting lung capacity, putting them at risk of lifelong breathing disorders. Despite improvements in air quality through the introduction of Low Emission Zones, there was no evidence of a reduction in small lungs or asthma symptoms.
Researchers have identified an essential role for the protein heme oxygenase-1 in host defense against tuberculosis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Studies using human lung tissue and mouse models showed that HO-1 production is critical in protecting against TB pathophysiology.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine and Duke University demonstrate why coughing often cannot clear mucus from airways in diseases like CF and COPD. They show how to make mucus thinner and less sticky, allowing coughing to become a therapeutic aid for patients.
A new study found that hypertonic saline improved lung function and weight gain in infants with cystic fibrosis. The treatment, which was safe from diagnosis onwards, also showed promise for preventing the progression of lung disease.
The Center for Advancing Point-of-Care Technologies (CAPCaT) will assist inventors developing innovative point-of-care devices and technologies for patients with heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders. The center aims to reduce in-patient hospital stays and improve quality of life.
Researchers found a correlation between showerhead bacteria and lung infections in areas with high pathogenic mycobacteria presence. Households with chlorinated water had higher mycobacterial abundances, highlighting the public health relevance of showerhead biofilms.
A team of scientists has reconstructed the 3D shape of a Neandertal ribcage, revealing an upright individual with a straighter spine and potentially greater lung capacity. The study offers new insights into ancient human anatomy and biomechanics.
A systematic review of 6,200 patients' data found that up to 12.4 million cases of drug-induced interstitial lung disease (DIILD) occur annually worldwide, accounting for 3-5% of all interstitial lung disease cases. Steroids were the most commonly used medication to treat DIILD, but no studies examined their effects on outcome.
The IASLC affirms the strength of evidence supporting lung cancer screening, reducing mortality by 26-61% in high-risk populations. The organization recommends implementing global lung cancer screening programs, incorporating multidisciplinary teams and best-practice smoking cessation.
A new bacterial imaging probe has been shown to be safe for patient use and can detect deadly pneumonia infections in under 60 seconds. This technology uses chemical probes that light up when they attach to specific types of infectious bacteria, allowing for real-time detection and monitoring.
Researchers have uncovered the importance of mucus clearance in maintaining healthy airways. In chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and COPD, immobile mucus layers can accumulate bacteria, damaging lungs. The studies suggest using inhalation sprays to keep mucus bundles moving may impede formation of these harmful layers.
A team of scientists developed a fluorescent imaging probe that can rapidly visualize Gram-negative bacteria in human lungs. The probe successfully detected bacterial lung infections in six patients with bronchiectasis and seven ventilated ICU patients without causing major adverse effects.
A team of CU researchers has identified a genetic connection between rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study found that patients with RA are at risk of developing progressive pulmonary fibrosis, enabling potential interventions to prevent this condition.
The long-term effects of smoked cannabis on lung health are unclear due to conflicting research findings. The authors emphasize the need for well-designed studies to address pressing gaps in knowledge and resolve lingering myths.
Researchers discovered fossilized lung structures in an early bird ancestor, similar to those of modern birds. The findings suggest that key avian structures were in place by the Early Cretaceous and may have helped modern bird ancestors survive the extinction of dinosaurs.
Researchers have discovered that basophils, immune cells long believed to only cause allergic reactions, are essential for proper lung development and homeostasis. They interact with other cell types to produce growth factors and cytokines, suggesting a potential target for novel immunotherapies in lung diseases.
A new study finds that regular physical activity improves lung function in current smokers, regardless of air pollution levels. The study, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, analyzed data from over 4,500 people and found that physical activity benefits even in areas with high air pollution.
Researchers at UCalgary's Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute discovered the nervous system plays a critical role in asthma attacks. By targeting treatment at the carotid bodies, they found that blocking receptors during an asthma attack can eliminate symptoms.
A study presented at CHEST Annual Meeting 2018 found that women were more likely to receive excessively high tidal volumes during the 48 hours prior to death. Women spent more time receiving excessive ventilation and were more likely to receive TV volumes greater than 10mL/kg compared to men.
The InforMing the PAthway of COPD Treatment (IMPACT) study found that triple dual therapies significantly reduced annual rates and moderate-to-severe exacerbations, improved lung function, and enhanced quality of life in patients with COPD. This benefit was observed regardless of baseline reversibility.
The EMPROVE study shows significant improvements in lung function, shortness of breath, and quality-of-life parameters for patients treated with the Spiration Valve System. After 12 months, patients experienced a mean reduction of 974 milliliters in targeted lobe volume.
Researchers found that albuminuria, a marker of kidney damage, is associated with increased risk of developing moderate-to-severe COPD and declining lung function. The study suggests that endothelial damage in the lungs may play a key role in COPD development and progression.
Researchers found that multidrug-resistant bacteria in CF patients' airways are associated with lower microbial diversity and more aggressive disease. The study suggests that judicious use of antibiotics is crucial to help patients live longer, but new methods can help target infectious bacteria selectively.
Researchers discovered that tweaking pH balance and oxygen in a CF lung model can help eradicate pathogenic bacteria while minimizing antibiotic resistance. The study found two distinct communities of microbes in CF lungs: anaerobes thriving in low-oxygen and low-pH regions.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that childhood exposure to allergens can lead to persistent lung inflammation, which may contribute to the development of anxiety later in life. The study also found that episodes of labored breathing were associated with short-term anxiety.
Scientists have discovered a genetic mutation that increases the amount of dangerous fungal spores in the lungs, making people more susceptible to Aspergillus infections. A new test could detect this mutation and screen patients at risk from lethal fungal spores.
Research finds higher levels of organochlorine compounds during pregnancy associated with reduced lung function in children. The study suggests that even low exposure can have an impact on lung development and health.
A clinical trial has shown that targeted lung denervation (TLD) reduces chronic respiratory symptoms, exacerbations, and hospitalizations in COPD patients. The procedure involves delivering radiofrequency energy to the nerves on the outside of the airways, causing them to relax and widen.
A study found that paracetamol use in infancy may increase the risk of asthma in adolescents, particularly those with certain genetic variations of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes. Children who took paracetamol more frequently had a higher risk of developing asthma, especially if they carried the GSTP1 Ile/Ile variant.
Researchers found that inhaled steroid use is associated with a higher risk of developing nontuberculous mycobacteria lung infections. The study analyzed medical records of patients diagnosed with NTM lung infections and found that the odds of infection were 2.7 times greater in those who used inhaled steroids.
Researchers created a 3D lung cell model system to investigate how carbon-based combustion byproducts interact with human epithelial tissue. The study found that charged particles tend to stick together before penetrating the gas-exchange barrier, while neutrally charged nanodots pass through the tissue more easily.
Scientists have developed a method to create human lung organoids from embryonic stem cells, which can develop into mature alveolar type 1 and 2 cells. The study demonstrates the potential for these organoids to model human lung development, providing new insights into the disease.
A new study found that abnormal levels of over two dozen metabolites can predict which Sept. 11 firefighters developed lung disease and which did not. The research provides a promising approach to early detection and possible treatment of lung damage in disaster victims exposed to fine particles.
A study published in Current Bioinformatics found that predicting enhancers in adult tissues is more accurate than in fetal stages. The researchers used support vector machines to analyze DNA sequences and histone modifications, achieving good performance on most cell lines and tissues, especially for heart and lung tissues.
A new study found that early childhood weight gain velocity and body mass index are associated with lower lung function at age 10. Children who reached peak body mass index later had better lung function and a lower risk of asthma.
A new international guideline has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare and often fatal lung disease. The guidelines provide evidence-based criteria for diagnosis and recommend multidisciplinary discussions to facilitate accurate diagnosis.
Researchers at Université Laval found that camu camu phytochemicals prevent obesity in mice fed a diet rich in sugar and fat. The extract improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation, suggesting its potential as a natural weight management tool.
A recent study has found that the innate immune system responds more aggressively to lung infections than wound healing, leading to delayed wound recovery. This priority of responses, known as immune triage, highlights the complex interplay between different parts of the immune system and their impact on overall health.
The Temple Lung Center has become the first US site to perform bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using implantation of the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve, treating severe emphysema. The procedure improved lung function and quality of life for patients with severe emphysema.
A study found that progressive massive fibrosis cases among US coal miners rose by 31.5% annually between 1996-2016, defying expectations given improved dust control measures. The increases were highest in Virginia and Kentucky.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that induces scarring and damage similar to human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, allowing for the study of new pathways and targets. The model enables the testing of drugs in more clinically relevant ways, potentially leading to more effective therapeutic options.
A small experimental study found that e-cigarette vapor disables key immune cells in the lung and boosts inflammation. The vapour impairs the activity of alveolar macrophages, which are crucial for removing dust particles, bacteria, and allergens from the air spaces.
Researchers found that viruses like norovirus and rotavirus are transmitted through membrane-cloaked 'virus clusters' that increase disease severity. These clusters, previously unknown to cause human-to-human transmission, may lead to more effective treatments targeting these clusters.
Researchers discovered that cholesterol disruption causes PAP, a condition where air sacs clog with surfactant. A clinical trial to test statin therapy is planned, showing improved respiratory function in patients and laboratory models.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers models allergic lung inflammation in mice, revealing the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in triggering and amplifying an allergen-initiated immune response. The findings have implications for designing more precise clinical trials for severe asthma treatment.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a method to bioengineer human lungs in a lab, without any medical complications. The study used a support scaffold made from lung proteins and successfully transplanted them into adult pigs, with the animals surviving for several months post-transplant.
Scientists have identified a new target for treating pneumonia, which shows promise in restoring tight barriers and improving fluid clearance. The target is ENaC-alpha, a subunit of natural channels that mediate sodium uptake and play a role in fluid movement.
A small pilot clinical trial shows eating two CHORI-Bars daily for eight weeks improves lung function in obese adolescents with asthma. The study's findings are provocative and suggest a need for larger trials.
Bottlenose dolphin populations vary in diving ability by almost 1000m due to lung architecture and gas management. The research suggests that deep divers use elevated heart rates during surface intervals and directed blood flow through collapsed lung regions to manage nitrogen levels.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that males recover more quickly from influenza infections because they produce more of the key lung-healing protein, amphiregulin. The research found that females have slower tissue-repair during recovery due to relatively low production of amphiregulin.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that active surveillance of lung subsolid nodules can reduce unnecessary surgery and overtreatment. Lung cancers arising from these nodules rarely led to death, suggesting they can be a biomarker for cancer risk.
Researchers discovered seal blood serum has anti-inflammatory properties, protecting against damage to pulmonary tissues and inflammation. This unique adaptation allows elephant seals and Weddell seals to safely dive deep without lung damage or inflammation.
Researchers developed a new synthetic surfactant that equaled or outperformed animal-derived surfactant in every outcome, including oxygenating blood. The synthetic surfactant could be produced at lower cost and tested with more lung diseases and injuries in adults.
Researchers found that even mild COPD patients have lost over 40% of their small airways, suggesting early intervention is crucial. The study's findings could lead to the development of new drugs to treat patients with COPD at earlier stages.
A recent study published in eLife discovered that altered collagen structure leads to tissue stiffness during lung fibrosis progression. The researchers identified a compound that blocks LOXL enzymes, which can prevent tissue stiffening and limit fibrosis. This finding suggests new treatment approaches for lung fibrosis.
A new microfluidics technique has been developed to construct microchannels with efficient gas exchange, potentially delivering nearly a third of the oxygen needed by preterm newborns. The design uses both sides of the membrane for gas exchange and is more effective than previous single-sided counterparts.