Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
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.
The National Institutes of Health is finding solutions to improve the health of nearly 25 million Americans with asthma. Research funded by NIEHS, NHLBI, and NIAID has demonstrated the importance of healthy school environments and explored the complex role of the immune system in asthma.
A new study found that nearly half of ARDS survivors were jobless one year after hospital discharge, with an estimated average loss of $27,000 in earnings. The research also identified risk factors for joblessness and highlighted the need for occupational rehabilitation strategies to support survivors' return to work.
Researchers tracked gold nanoparticles after inhalation, finding they accumulated at inflamed vascular sites and preferredentially reached susceptible areas of the cardiovascular system. This suggests that nanoparticles could increase the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers at UCSF discovered a specialized enzyme that destroys chitin, a tough natural material found in the environment, which accumulates in the lungs and triggers inflammatory lung disease. Mice with this enzyme deficiency developed severe lung disease, but restoring its activity cleared up symptoms.
Researchers developed an imaging technique using hyperpolarized helium MRI to measure the effectiveness of ivacaftor for cystic fibrosis patients. The study found a dramatic increase in lung improvement with long-term treatment.
Researchers from George Washington University have discovered a potential new drug to treat and stop the progression of cystic fibrosis. Thymosin α1 (Tα1) corrects genetic and tissue defects, reduces inflammation, and increases CFTR maturation, stability, and activity.
A new study suggests that severe acute malnutrition in early childhood may prioritize lung development over other less vital growth, resulting in shorter leg lengths and a higher risk of being severely short for their age. The findings have significant implications for the long-term health of children affected by malnutrition.
A new collagen-targeting PET probe, Ga-CBP8, has shown promise in diagnosing and staging pulmonary fibrosis, as well as monitoring treatment response. The probe can differentiate between stable disease and progressive fibrosis, allowing for more effective treatment planning.
A recent study by UC chemists found that the heat of a hookah pipe can kill 80% more lung cells than traditional charcoal, making it a surprising health culprit for smokers. The study suggests that the use of electronic heating disks may be particularly hazardous to health.
A new imaging tool can rapidly diagnose bacterial lung infections, helping prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and reducing the emergence of resistant bacteria. The bedside technology has received £2million in funding and aims to revolutionize the assessment and treatment of critically ill patients and those with long-term lung conditions.
A new study found that stem cell therapy reduces lung inflammation in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis. The treatment also improves lung structure, suggesting it may repair damaged lungs.
Researchers found that mucin proteins fail to unfold normally in CF airways due to dehydration, leading to thick and sticky mucus. This understanding could lead to therapies targeting the abnormal compact form of mucin proteins, such as rehydrating the airway lining with hypertonic saline.
Researchers found that mouse lungs produce over half of the body's platelets and contain a pool of stem cells capable of restoring blood production. This discovery suggests the lungs may also play a key role in human blood formation, with implications for treating diseases like thrombocytopenia.
A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that people with cystic fibrosis are living longer in Canada than in the United States, with a median age of survival being 50.9 years in Canada compared to 40.6 years in the US. The study found that after accounting for factors such as age and disease severity, the ri...
Researchers found that asthmatics have weaker immune systems, leading to more severe flu symptoms. The study analyzed lung samples from asthmatic and healthy individuals, showing a stronger immune response in healthy volunteers.
Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a novel cross-circulation platform that maintains the viability and function of donor lungs for several days. The technology, inspired by an abandoned surgical procedure from the 1960s, enables long-term support of living organs outside the body.
Researchers developed two new mechanistic models, Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs), to assess toxicological risk of chemicals without animal testing. The AOPs were recognized by PETA International Science Consortium for their contributions to non-animal approaches.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) is part of a $500 million program to bring whole genome sequencing and other
Researchers discovered that cigarette smoke silences the lung's natural self-healing process by blocking key receptors. Increasing these receptors can restore repair and lead to increased production of vital proteins, offering new hope for developing therapies for COPD patients.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that cells from lung transplant patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) can become activated and promote scarring. The team identified a chain of upstream signals starting with autotaxin, an enzyme that generates lysophosphatidic acid, which stimulates collagen production.
Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine identified critical errors in inhaler use, leading to reduced medicine delivery. The most common mistakes include not shaking the device or holding breath for sufficient time, resulting in medication stuck in the mouth or throat.
Researchers found that markers of cellular senescence were higher in individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and senescent cell burden increased with the progression of the disease. The findings suggest targeting senescent cells could be a viable treatment option for individuals suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina discover a peptide that reverses cardiac fibrosis and improves heart function without toxicity. The study uses a transverse aortic constriction mouse model to demonstrate the peptide's effectiveness in halting and reversing fibrotic ventricular wall thickness.
Researchers found that acute kidney injury causes a buildup of indoxyl sulfate in the blood and lungs, leading to damage. Oral treatment with AST-120 decreases IS levels and improves lung function in animal models.
A new study reveals that the first breath of a newborn releases crucial signals that shape the lifelong immunological milieu of lungs. This process protects against environmental triggers but increases susceptibility to bacterial infections, such as pneumococci.
Researchers developed Nanobodies targeting RSV's fusion protein, neutralizing the virus and providing anti-viral activity in laboratory assays and animal models. The approach holds promise for developing a new therapy against RSV, a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children.
A computational model of emphysema has been developed to compare novel and traditional treatments, showing that mechanical forces play a critical role in disease progression. The study suggests that newer lung volume reduction techniques can achieve comparable outcomes as current surgical approaches.
A compact respiratory assist device is being developed to replace traditional oxygenation methods as a bridge to transplant or recovery in children with lung failure. The device aims to allow patients mobility while awaiting a transplant, potentially leading to better post-transplant outcomes.
Researchers compared the effects of direct exposure to cigarette smoke or e-cigarette vapor on reconstituted lung tissue, finding changes in gene expression levels and increased inflammation. The study utilized a 3D airway culture system and next-generation sequencing technologies to evaluate the biological effects.
Scientists have developed a model to predict the chances of developing COPD, a deadly lung disease, based on genetic variations and smoking habits. The study, involving over 350,000 participants from 13 countries, has identified new genetic variants associated with enhanced or worsened lung function in smokers and non-smokers.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that lung ultrasound enhances pretest risk stratification for pulmonary embolism, detecting alternative diagnoses such as pneumonia or pleural effusion. This improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces unnecessary radiation exposure.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have identified a potential therapeutic solution for age-related fibrosis by pinpointing the gene responsible for the condition. Deletion of the PAD4 gene has been shown to curb fibrosis in mice, reducing organ dysfunction and improving heart function.
The GSG III Foundation has pledged over $1 million for a new research program at the University of Louisville, aiming to develop better methods for studying lung inflammation and explore potential therapies. The program will focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and asthma.
Dr. Joseph P. Mizgerd, a Boston University School of Medicine professor, has received an NIH award to study the biology of pneumonia, which kills more children worldwide than any other disease. He aims to advance lung defense against pneumonia and identify prevention strategies for chronic disease of aging.
Targeting therapeutic genes to the lungs offers potential for managing serious lung diseases that do not respond to other treatments. Preclinical and human clinical studies have targeted various genetic diseases, including cystic fibrosis, asthma, and lung cancer.