Articles tagged with Lungs
A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that e-cigarettes trigger both unique and familiar immune responses in the lungs. Researchers compared sputum samples from e-cigarette users, cigarette smokers, and non-smokers, revealing significant increases in inflammatory biomarkers, oxida...
Pyroptosis, an explosive form of cell death, contributes to the high mortality rate of bloodstream infections by triggering excessive tissue injury. Caspase-11 is identified as a key enzyme in this process, making it a promising target for development of new treatments.
A newly engineered material, MeTro sealant, has been developed to seal lung tissue without sutures, showing complete sealing and evidence of promoting wound healing in laboratory tests. The sealant is derived from human protein and has improved biocompatibility compared to existing synthetic sealants.
A new study develops a super-elastic surgical sealant that effectively seals wounds in organs with moving tissues. The MeTro gel, based on elastin, can be photochemically tuned to bond well to tissue surfaces and seamlessly close incisions without running away.
A study published in Nature reveals how the nervous system communicates with the immune system in allergic asthma, identifying NMU signaling as a key amplifier of allergic inflammation. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic insights for preventing or treating allergic asthma.
Researchers discovered two predator bacteria, Vampirovibrio and Bdellovibrio, in cystic fibrosis patients' lungs, which may prevent colonization of disease-associated bacteria. The findings indicate a more complex lung microbiota than previously thought.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a new lung cell type implicated in innate immune defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae, one of the leading causes of pneumonia worldwide. The discovery may lead to new therapeutic strategies for combating this pathogen.
A new study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can slow the decline in lung function in middle-aged women. Women who took long-term HRT performed better in lung function tests than those who never took HRT, losing an average of 46 ml less of lung volume over 20 years.
New research links respiratory tract infections in young children to an increased risk of asthma and worse lung function in later life. Children who had lower respiratory tract infections between 6 months and 5 years old had a two- to four-fold increased risk of developing asthma.
Researchers discovered mesenchymal cells drive lung cell formation through molecular interactions, guiding the production of alveolar and airway cells. This finding offers new avenues for treating lung disorders like asthma and emphysema.
Human immune cells in the lungs can trigger programmed cell death in inhaled fungal pathogens, preventing germination and host invasion. Pharmacologic inhibition of a key fungal protein has shown promise as a potential therapeutic approach against invasive aspergillosis.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine describes how airway dehydration leads to thick mucus accumulation, a hallmark of chronic bronchitis. The research found a strong association between mucin concentrations and disease severity in people with chronic bronchitis.
Researchers have successfully bioengineered a functional lung with perfusable and healthy vasculature in an ex vivo rodent lung. This breakthrough approach selectively treats epithelium while preserving lung vasculature, addressing the organ's extreme complexity.
Peter Vitiello receives NIH grant to investigate oxygen-sensitive molecules influencing lung growth in premature infants. The research aims to reduce the burden of lasting lung disease, which can have life-long effects.
A new virtual model of mouse lung function has been developed to better understand the relative importance of different factors contributing to lung changes in chronic inflammation. The study found that changes in lung recruitment and elastic fiber density were mainly responsible for declining lung function.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered how tuberculosis hijacks the immune system in human lungs, enabling it to establish an infection. The research found that TB bacteria produce a protein attracting white blood cells, which become infected and fuel uncontrolled bacterial growth and inflammation.
The H.L. Hunley's explosive torpedo instantly killed its crew of eight due to a powerful shockwave that traveled through soft tissues, particularly lungs and brains. Researchers estimate the likelihood of fatal lung trauma to be at least 85% for each crew member.
Researchers at Norton Thoracic Institute have developed a new approach to treat an aggressive subgroup of lung cancer. The study found that patients with tumors harboring specific genomic mutations, such as KRAS and LKB1, are more likely to benefit from a novel drug in clinical trials.
Researchers at UTMB and Houston Methodist are growing lungs in space to understand how lung cells react to the change in gravity and extreme space environment. The goal is to develop therapeutics that could help astronauts and people on Earth with autoimmune diseases, hormone deficiencies, and other issues.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have identified a 'checkpoint' manned by immune cells that can halt allergic disease development. This discovery provides a potential new target for drug developers to regulate overly aggressive allergic responses.
Researchers found that paclitaxel, a breast cancer treatment, can fuel the spread of disease to lungs by creating an environment hospitable to cancer cells. The study identified a gene called Atf3 as key to this process, which helps distribute 'seeds' (cancer cells) and fertilize the 'soil' (lungs).
Researchers develop a potential stem cell treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis by harvesting lung stem cells noninvasively and multiplying them in the lab. The therapy has shown promising results in treating IPF in rodent models.
Researchers found that a kinase-inactive Braf mutant triggers lung adenocarcinoma in mice, and co-expression of oncogenic Kras enhances tumor initiation. Additionally, individual Braf inactivating mutations are also oncogenic events. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for lung cancer patients with hypoactive BRAF.
Research in sheep model reveals babies born to overweight, obese mothers have less mature lungs, producing less surfactant and fewer cells that make it. This can lead to lung problems at birth and later during infancy and childhood.
Researchers have identified two new biological markers of cystic fibrosis, which could lead to improved prognosis and better therapies for patients. The biomarkers were discovered through a specialized technique developed at McMaster University, where scientists collected and analyzed sweat samples from infants in CF clinics.
Researchers developed a new type of sweat test that can overcome the challenge of ambiguous results in current tests. The test identifies alternative molecules found in sweat associated with CF, providing staging and prognostic information.
A new study published in Thorax found that smokers who undergo a low-dose CT scan of their lungs are more likely to quit smoking. The UK Lung Cancer Screening trial involved 4,055 participants and showed a 15% success rate in quitting after two years.
A new technology analyzes lung sounds in children to predict asthma attack symptoms and identify asymptomatic kids at high risk. The approach was useful in a study of 70 severely asthmatic children.
A new study by Duke University found a connection between ozone pollution and cardiovascular health in Chinese adults. Exposure to ozone was linked to increased platelets, elevated blood pressure, and other factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease.
A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that certain subtypes of COPD are associated with changes in the lung microbiome, which may promote pathogenic bacteria. The findings suggest personalized medicine approaches should consider the microbiome when treating patients with specific COPD subtypes.
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that monitoring Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 7A (ZBTB7A) can be an early predictor of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). This discovery fills the void for a reliable marker, opening new opportunities for diagnosis and prevention.
A Temple-led research team found a notable decrease in IVC filter usage following the FDA advisory, with implantation rates remaining high compared to European countries. The study also showed that VTE-related hospitalization rates remained steady despite the decline in IVC filter use.
Researchers at UVA are receiving $8.6 million in federal grants to support cutting-edge projects that could dramatically increase the number of lungs available for transplant and save lives. The funding supports efforts to detect post-transplant complications, prevent IR injury, and better understand its causes.
A computerized decision-making model has been developed to promote shared decision-making with cystic fibrosis patients, taking into account their preferences for measures of lung function and health. The tool helps prioritize home treatments by integrating patients' personal goals, values, and treatment preferences.
Researchers developed an AI-based approach to extract lung nodules from chest CTs, improving diagnosis accuracy and reducing false positives. The method can be integrated into existing CADe systems and accommodate new data streams, potentially increasing the five-year survival rate for lung cancer patients.
A new therapy developed through stem cell technology has shown promise in treating chronic asthma by reducing inflammation and reversing airway remodeling. The study, led by Monash University scientists, found that induced pluripotent stem cells could effectively treat fibrosis and lung dysfunction associated with asthma.
Research from the University of Iowa finds that cystic fibrosis changes the structure of mucus in airways, making it harder for lungs to clear particles. This abnormal mucus production contributes to lung infections and inflammation, a major cause of life-threatening illness in CF patients.
A study published in Respiratory Research reveals abnormal lung structure and function changes in mice exposed to second-hand smoke during gestation, leading to decreased lung function in adult offspring. The research suggests that in utero second-hand smoke exposure can predispose to adult lung diseases.
Scientists discovered that nonclassical monocytes play a key role in driving primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation. Targeting these cells could lead to novel treatments and potentially prevent death.
A study suggests that peer-led self-management programmes have limited effect on adolescents' asthma symptoms and health outcomes, highlighting the need for new approaches to address their unique challenges.
The NANOaers project investigates airborne nanoparticle mixtures and their impact on respiratory health. Researchers analyze the behavior of nanoparticles with other chemicals, aiming to predict their fate and potential health effects.
A phase 3 trial found that a lumacaftor and ivacaftor combination improves lung function in children with cystic fibrosis, reducing air clearance time by 15 days. The treatment also slows chloride levels in sweat, suggesting it corrects gene mutations.
Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center suggests that preterm infants may be more susceptible to lung diseases due to a lack of alveolar type II cells. These cells play a crucial role in rebuilding lung tissue after damage and producing pulmonary surfactant, a vital compound for healthy lungs.
Researchers have discovered that mutations in the RB1 and TP53 genes play a key role in treatment-resistant cancer cell-type transformation in lung cancers. Lung adenocarcinomas with complete inactivation of both genes tend to have a higher risk of transforming into small cell lung cancer during EGFR inhibitor therapy.
Researchers at Michigan State University are studying how DHA prevents the onset of lupus when triggered by inhaling toxic minerals. The study aims to understand the cellular mechanisms behind this phenomenon and explore potential nutritional interventions to prevent disease flaring and progression.
Researchers found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis inhibits a key signaling pathway in human white blood cells, leading to increased production of MMP-1, which destroys lung tissue. The study suggests that this mechanism may drive disease progression and increase infectiousness.
A new study found that smokers without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who experience vascular pruning, or the reduction of distal pulmonary blood vessels, are at a higher risk of death. Vascular pruning was not associated with an increased risk of death in smokers with COPD.
Researchers have created a human pulmonary thrombosis model on a chip, allowing for the study of blood clot formation in the lung. The Thrombosis-on-a-Chip technology replicates human lung capillaries and perfuses whole human blood through it, enabling the testing of potential drugs to treat or prevent pulmonary thrombosis.
A new study confirms high-ventilation cigarettes have no health benefits and likely contributed to the rise of lung adenocarcinoma. Researchers call for immediate action from the FDA to regulate or ban the use of ventilation holes.
A new study suggests that 'light' cigarettes have no health benefits and may contribute to the rise of lung adenocarcinoma. The FDA should regulate the use of ventilation holes on cigarettes to reduce the risk of this type of cancer, according to experts.
Scientists have shown how diesel exhaust particles directly affect the lungs to initiate symptoms such as a tightening of airways and cough. The study found that chemicals on the surface of diesel exhaust particles stimulate nerves in the lungs, leading to respiratory reflexes.
Researchers found that patients with high ICOS expression had improved survival, while those with low CD28 expression had poor outcomes. The study suggests that these biomarkers may help clinicians identify IPF patients at greatest risk and develop early intervention strategies.
Lung cancer patients are susceptible to malignant pleural effusion, a build-up of excess fluid that can cause shortness of breath and chest pain. Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism that causes this condition, which could lead to the development of new treatments targeting the KRAS-mutant cancer cells.
A new trial led by Queen's University Belfast aims to improve survival rates for critically ill patients with respiratory failure. The 'extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal' procedure could significantly reduce mortality rates and provide gentler ventilation, reducing lung damage caused by mechanical ventilation.
A study reveals that recovery from bacterial pneumonia leaves behind immune cells called resident memory T cells, which may be responsible for increased susceptibility to pneumonia. Manipulating these cells could provide novel treatment options for curing pneumonia.
Researchers discovered a link between a donor and infection in heart, lung transplant recipients caused by Mycoplasma hominis. The bacteria resists most antibiotics and can cause serious complications like pleurisy, surgical site infections, and mediastinitis.
A compound called interleukin 4 helps macrophages kill parasites and promote healing in lung tissue by binding to a receptor called myosin 18A. This discovery could lead to better treatments for common infections, including those caused by parasitic worms that infect hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have created miniature lung structures, known as organoids, that replicate key features of a full-sized lung. These tiny organs may aid in understanding and treating respiratory diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Researchers discovered a chemical signal linked to life-threatening lung inflammation, pointing towards new therapies. Blocking molecular signalling mechanisms in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) alleviated lung inflammation.
Scientists have successfully generated lung tissue using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs), which can be used to test new treatments for various lung diseases. The study reveals key genes controlling lung formation and creates mini-lung organoids for further research.