Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
A study by Japanese researchers found that watching TV for 2.5-4.9 hours daily increased pulmonary embolism deaths by 70%, with even more hours increasing the risk further. The risk is likely higher due to underreporting of deaths from this condition.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have found a potential method for preventing asthma by targeting the ADAM33 gene, which is associated with airway remodelling and inflammation. Stopping the rogue gene can significantly reduce asthma symptoms in mice, suggesting a new approach to disease modification therapy.
A five-year program project grant will investigate the genetic basis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). The research aims to develop a more personalized medicine approach to ARDS and VILI, enabling physicians to make informed medical decisions.
A DNA-modulating drug, BET inhibitor, attenuates CF lung inflammation by suppressing Th17 cell response and inflammatory factor release. In a mouse model, BET inhibitor treatment decreases lung inflammation without promoting infection, suggesting potential therapeutic use for CF patients.
A research team found that a fungus, Pneumocystis carinii, plays a more important role in pneumonia than previously thought. The fungus was detected in piglets of all ages and appeared to proliferate before bacterial pathogens, suggesting it may be a 'door opener' for secondary infections.
By inducing autophagy, researchers at Drexel University and Yale University decreased lung injury in mice exposed to high oxygen levels, offering a potential solution for preventing chronic lung conditions like Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants.
Empa researchers develop new flame retardants with improved flame retardancy and no toxic effects, highlighting the importance of toxicological cross-checking before mass production. The newly developed EDA-DOPO is a good candidate for further development, showing better safety and effectiveness than previously available products.
Researchers discovered gut bacteria in the deepest reaches of failing lungs, which was previously thought to be an impossible environment for them. The more severe critical illness, the more gut bugs outnumbered usual lung bacteria.
A new mouse model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia has been developed to study pulmonary hypertension, enabling the detection of the disease at an earlier time point through echocardiography tests. This breakthrough could lead to improved diagnoses and more effective treatments for premature infants.
Researchers have found increased expression of galectin-3 protein in pulmonary hypertension, which causes unhealthy remodeling and constriction of lung blood vessels. They also discovered that a drug already tested for liver fibrosis can block or reverse early disease progression, offering new hope for treatment.
A new study confirms that annual follow-up with low-dose computed-tomography (CT) scans is sufficient for some lung nodules, eliminating the need for biopsy or surgery. The findings suggest that these nodules can be safely monitored and do not require immediate treatment.
Researchers have developed a lung-targeted gene therapy strategy that may improve treatments for inherited diseases like emphysema. The new approach, which delivers a normal copy of the gene to lung cells, shows promise in reducing disease severity and increasing protein production.
The updated guidelines highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for invasive aspergillosis, a potentially deadly fungal infection. New therapies, including isavuconazole and posaconazole, have improved care, but aggressive diagnosis is still critical.
Johns Hopkins researchers discovered a root cause of lung damage in up to 10% of premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis, a disorder that damages the intestine. A potential treatment, a sugar-like compound similar to breast milk, was successfully tested in mice and may one day be offered to human infants.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are linked to a deficiency in nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD), which deactivates the cell's quality control system and leads to increased inflammation. This finding may lead to new treatments for rare masses of immune cells.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new blood test to measure levels of hematoma-derived growth factor (HDGF), which rise predict survival in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. Higher levels of HDGF are linked to more extensive heart failure and poorer outcomes.
A new study identified a population of monocyte-derived cells that play a significant role in destroying Legionella bacteria. These cells respond to the infection within 24 hours and can control the bacteria, with researchers hoping to develop new treatments to strengthen the immune system.
Zika virus is likely transmitted through blood transfusions, prompting calls for evidence-based approach to protect the blood supply. Researchers recommend deferring donors with symptoms, developing better screening tests, and reducing pathogen transmission.
Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München are developing new tests to assess risks posed by nanomaterials in the airways, aiming to reduce complex toxicity tests. The project uses modern methods like systems biology and computer modeling to predict nanotoxicity.
A long-term study found that cannabis users had more gum disease, while tobacco smokers showed worse lung function and metabolic health. However, the researchers noted that heavy recreational cannabis use has some adverse consequences, but does not appear to cause significant damage to physical health.
Researchers developed a wearable system called Health and Environmental Tracker (HET) to monitor users' environment, heart rate, and other physical attributes to predict and prevent asthma attacks. The system uses novel sensing devices, including a spirometer, to track lung function and feed data into the system.
The review assesses the fibrotic potential of various nanomaterials, including multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and recommends in vitro approaches to predict lung fibrosis development. This scientific study aims to advance non-animal methods for studying nanomaterial effects on human health.
Cardiac arrhythmia is a significant complication following lung transplantation, affecting long-term patient survival. Researchers found that about 30% of patients developed arrhythmia, mostly during the first week post-surgery, with older patients and previous heart surgery being risk factors.
A study published in mSystems found that Burkholderia multivorans bacteria evolve and adapt in bursts to survive in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. The bacteria target adherence, metabolism, and changes to the cell envelope to evade antibiotics and persist in the host.
A new study reveals that suppressing a key protein, Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1), restores multiple antitumor responses in the lungs of mice, preventing cancer spread. Researchers tested an intervention that boosted the RIG-like helicase pathway, which counteracts CHI3L1's effects and decreases tumor-inducing responses.
Children with sickle cell disease show significant improvement in lung function after receiving hydroxyurea treatment. The study found a reduction of over one-third in the annual pulmonary function decline, indicating potential benefits for patients.
A new gene therapy has been developed to repair lungs damaged by chronic allergic asthma, reducing inflammation and improving airway structure and function. The study used a novel biodegradable platform to deliver the thymulin gene therapy, showing effective results in mice with experimental asthma.
A new study shows that helmet-based ventilation outperforms face mask ventilation for patients with respiratory distress syndrome, reducing the need for intubation and improving survival rates. Patients using helmets spent less time in the intensive care unit and had better outcomes.
Exacerbations of COPD accelerate lung-function loss among patients with mild disease, according to researchers. The study found that exacerbations resulted in significant additional decline in FEV1 lung function, particularly among GOLD 1 patients.
A new study found that exacerbations in COPD patients are associated with excess loss of lung function, particularly in those with mild disease. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,800 patients and found that each exacerbation was linked to a decline in FEV1, the amount of air a person can forcefully blow out of their lungs.
A new study found that nickel and vanadium, emitted by burning fuel oil, may be damaging to children's developing lungs. The research, presented at the ATS 2016 International Conference, analyzed data from 1,911 elementary school-aged children in Southern California communities.
Researchers found that participants with the top quartile of baseline fitness experienced the least annual decline in pulmonary function. Sustained or improved fitness was also associated with the least decline in lung function over 20 years, regardless of obesity and smoking status.
Researchers found that patients with ARDS were more likely to have ILA, and those with ILA on CT imaging prior to ARDS development had a greater risk of in-hospital mortality. This suggests ILA may be a risk factor for ARDS.
The minimally invasive implantation of tiny coils improves exercise ability, lung function and quality of life for patients with severe emphysema. Patients who received coils showed a modest improvement in walking distance and lung function compared to those who didn't receive them.
Nearly half of patients with severe asthma had very poorly controlled symptoms over a decade, associated with comorbidities and poorer lung function. Persistent VPC asthma was linked to higher disease burden, compromised lung function, and lower medication adherence.
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have discovered a new molecule that can potentially prolong the life of individuals with cystic fibrosis by improving airway hydration and mucous clearance. The treatment targets the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), preventing chronic infections and inflammation that cause progressive lung damage.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a link between persistent childhood asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in early adulthood. Children with low lung function at a young age were more likely to develop COPD later in life, regardless of treatment or smoking exposure.
Scientists have discovered novel driver mutations in lung cancer cells that may be responsive to targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The study identified 38 significantly mutated genes in lung adenocarcinoma and 20 in lung squamous cell carcinoma, with only 6 shared by both types.
The Wilderness Medical Society has released comprehensive guidelines for preventing and treating drowning, with a focus on rescue, resuscitation, and clinical management. The new recommendations aim to reduce the 10 daily US fatalities and 3,800 annual drownings, emphasizing importance of water safety measures.
A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics investigated the effects of a steroid treatment on children with ARDS, finding improved ventilation and blood oxygenation without affecting mortality rates. The study identified key biomarkers associated with lung inflammation and injury, paving the way for targeted treatment development.
Researchers designed a biomimetic environment to support the growth of engineered whole lungs. The new bioreactor system mimics ventilation and blood flow in the chest cavity, keeping lung tissue alive and functional.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that young adults who made small dietary changes and engaged in regular physical activity successfully prevented weight gain. The 'small-change' group lost an average of 1.2 pounds over two to three years, while the 'large-change' group lost nearly 5.2 pounds.
Experts gathered at EPA headquarters to discuss design of in vitro system to assess nanomaterial toxicity, with PETA International Science Consortium funding its development. The report summarizes workshop discussions and recommends aerosol generation and exposure tools.
Researchers developed SpiroCall, a system that can accurately measure lung function using a standard phone call, regardless of smartphone availability. The tool's results were within 6.2% of clinical spirometer readings, making it suitable for monitoring chronic lung diseases at home.
Scientists used gene therapy to halt pulmonary hypertension progression in a large animal model. The approach delivered SERCA2a gene via aerosol inhalation, slowing vascular changes and improving heart function. Further studies are needed to assess long-term efficacy and safety before human clinical trials.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study finds that persistent inflammation in COPD may result from a defect in the immune system allowing airway bacteria to invade deeper into the lungs. Treatment with an anti-inflammatory drug halted lung damage in mice with this defect.
A new study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that even low levels of air pollution can harm children's lung function. Children living close to major roadways had decreased lung function by age 8, with exposure to fine particulate matter and soot being the main factors.
Scientists propose aerosol generation and exposure tools to predict nanomaterial toxicity in human lungs. These non-animal tools use human lung cells grown in a petri dish, reducing the need for animal testing.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have successfully applied advanced 3D imaging technology to study Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) lung tissue samples. The study found that active scarring in IPF progresses in multiple individual sites rather than a large 'wave', offering new hope for targeted treatments.
A new study establishes a link between long-term cement dust exposure and decline in lung volumes. The research found that workers exposed to higher levels of dust experienced significant decreases in lung function over time.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center propose a new drug to treat life-threatening lung damage caused by infections, cancer treatments, and premature birth. The treatment targets FOXF1, a transcription factor that promotes recovery from acute lung injury.
Researchers have identified a biological pathway in mice that explains the ineffectiveness of current asthma therapies. The discovery highlights the role of neuropeptide NPY in airway hyper-responsiveness and constriction. Inhibiting NPY activity may help alleviate asthma symptoms, providing hope for millions of patients.
Researchers at Penn and Rutgers have identified a biological pathway that explains why current asthma therapies don't work well in many cases. The discovery highlights the potential for targeting non-inflammatory aspects of asthma, with neuropeptide Y emerging as a key player.
Researchers found that high-volume lung transplant centers had lower transplantation costs and fewer early hospital readmissions. The average cost of lung transplantation was $135,622, with recipients at low-volume centers being 14% more likely to experience early readmissions.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina discovered that the M10 peptide protects against fibrotic damage in a mouse model of ILD and is likely due to its modulation of the TGF-β1 pathway. The anti-fibrotic effects of M10 may also be effective in treating other forms of pulmonary fibrosis.
A four-year study found substantial differences between fetal and newborn dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The researchers identified lung abnormalities and small size among stranded perinatal dolphins, suggesting they died in the womb or shortly after birth due to exposure to petroleum products.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that exposure to even low levels of air pollution affects children's lung function. Children living near major highways showed significant reductions in lung function, with those exposed to higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) a...
A vaccine developed for smallpox improved lung function in a mouse model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by inducing resident memory CD4+ T cells. This immune response was associated with reduced fibrosis and increased survival rates.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine screening for COPD in asymptomatic adults due to lack of evidence on benefits and potential harms. Screening may divert resources from other preventive services, such as smoking cessation.
A study of young, light-use waterpipe smokers found marked changes in airway cells and increased particles shed by endothelial cells. These biological changes indicate early lung damage, highlighting the need for large epidemiologic studies to assess the harmful effects of waterpipe smoking.