Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
A study by Cambridge researchers found that a routine lung function test used to diagnose asthma is more reliable in the morning. The reliability of the test decreases throughout the day and differs significantly between winter and autumn, with individuals being 33% less likely to receive a positive result during autumn.
Researchers have discovered a family of genes essential for tuberculosis survival during airborne transmission, providing new drug targets. The study sheds light on the bacterium's protective mechanisms, which could prevent infection spread and treat existing cases.
The Vanderbilt Lung Transplant program performed a record-breaking 99 lung transplants in 2024, with two combined organ transplants. The program leads the nation in innovation in organ preservation and regeneration, and has the busiest program in the Southeast.
Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that maternal THC consumption can decrease lung volume in developing fetuses and alter lung gene expression. This study is the first to examine the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on offspring respiratory health, raising concerns for potential long-term impacts.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that using race-neutral lung function equations can identify more Black children with reduced lung function and increase asthma diagnosis rates. This is crucial as under-diagnosis can lead to delayed treatment and long-term health issues.
A new University of Texas at Arlington study reveals high concentrations of microplastics in bird lungs, with average particles per species and gram of lung tissue measured. The study highlights the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its far-reaching impacts on ecosystem health and human health.
Researchers found that aged biomass smoke is more toxic and can have serious health consequences, including respiratory diseases. Using HEPA air purifiers, sealing homes, and avoiding indoor pollution sources can help minimize exposure.
Scientists discovered a protective variant of the HAQ-STING gene that prevents COPA Syndrome. This finding opens the door to a new gene therapy for the condition, which currently has no cure.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered that human lung tissue contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) capable of producing red blood cells, platelets, and immune cells. The finding suggests the lungs could be a potent source for life-saving stem cell transplants, particularly for patients with leukemia.
Researchers studied how bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae cause systemic infection by tracking its movement in mouse models using a barcoding system. They found that bacteria can spread through two routes: metastatic dissemination and direct dissemination, with the former correlating to a stronger infection.
A new study found that interventions before, during, and after abdominal surgery did not reduce the severity of lung complications in patients compared to usual care. Lung function can make recovery more difficult and increase the risk of serious complications.
A new study uses advanced lung MRI to detect regional blood flow abnormalities in children and adolescents with long COVID, which may explain persistent symptoms. The researchers found reduced blood flow patterns that correlated with fatigue symptom severity, suggesting a possible biological basis for ongoing symptoms.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has developed an educational program and formal certification exam for nurse practitioners and physician assistants/associates in critical care. The program validates clinical expertise and demonstrates professional acumen, aiming to improve patient care.
Lung transplant patients with higher preoperative nutrition risk scores and longer post-operative mechanical ventilation durations are more likely to experience unplanned early rehospitalization within 30 days. Improving preoperative nutritional status and reducing mechanical ventilation duration may help reduce early readmissions.
Researchers identified 19 metabolites and found that levels of certain compounds correlated with increased blood pressure, worse obstetric outcomes, and poorer end-organ function. The study expands scientific knowledge of preeclampsia and its mechanisms, paving the way for future therapeutic strategies.
Scientists have pinpointed two proteins in immune cells that, when blocked, can significantly reduce lung tissue scarring and restore regeneration. Blocking YAP and TAZ can curb scar formation by dampening inflammation, maintaining a healthy immune cell ratio, and disrupting their communication with nearby cells.
Researchers have developed two therapeutic cocktails that inhibit key molecules, stopping immune cells from overreacting to allergens. The treatments reduced asthma attacks in mice by erasing the immune system's memory of asthma-causing allergens.
Researchers have successfully modeled a treatment-resistant form of asthma in mice, shedding light on the role of CD4+T resident memory cells and MHC-II molecules in lung inflammation. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for this severe and debilitating condition.
A preclinical trial has uncovered how beta-glucan can 'reprogram' immune cells to prevent lung inflammation and reduce the risk of illness and death from influenza. The study's findings highlight beta-glucan as a promising therapy for influenza and other emerging viral pathogens.
A new study by the University of Southampton has found that brake pad emissions can be more toxic than diesel exhaust, particularly due to high copper content. The research highlights the need for policy changes to mitigate the health effects of vehicle particulate matter, as electric vehicles are not emission-free.
A study found that DNA methylation clocks used in forensic science and epigenetics are less reliable when applied to non-blood tissues, such as lungs, colon, and kidneys. The researchers suggest that organ-specific epigenetic clocks may be needed to improve biological age prediction.
A preclinical study reveals that tumors drive clot formation by releasing chemokines, prompting immune cells to release small vesicles that attach to cell fragments, forming life-threatening clots. The findings may lead to diagnostic tests and safer therapies to target the root of blood clotting risk.
Researchers at TUM found that cystic fibrosis causes changes in the immune system as early as birth, leading to frequent inflammation and infections. These changes are not affected by CFTR modulator therapies.
A recent study suggests that prolonged exposure to low-dose traffic-derived PM2.5 particles can cause fatty liver disorder in mice. The study found changes in liver function, inflammation, and scar tissue formation, highlighting the potential health risks of air pollution on the liver.
Researchers have found that surgical lung volume reduction (LVRS) for advanced emphysema patients offers better outcomes than previously reported, including lower mortality rates and fewer procedure-related complications. In contrast, endobronchial valve (EBV) placement was associated with higher occurrences of complications over time.
The ASCENT project provides real-time advanced air pollutant measurements, including PM2.5 aerosols and chemical components, to help increase public safety amidst the LA fires. The network measures chemicals emitted by burning structures and household materials, such as lead and chlorine, which can have toxic or carcinogenic effects.
The TARIPH Centre will conduct patient-centric translational research on respiratory health in collaboration with nine institutions, focusing on factors unique to Asia. The five-year programme aims to provide a clearer understanding of lung disease in Asians and develop effective national strategies for improvement.
Researchers discover how cigarette smoke alters the function of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a key type of immune cell in the lungs. This impairment increases susceptibility to respiratory infections and worsens chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A multicenter study shows trained health professionals with AI assistance can meet diagnostic standards for lung ultrasounds. This technology has the potential to increase access to lung ultrasound in areas without expert personnel.
A recent study found that U.S. soldiers are 10 times more likely to use nicotine pouches, which can cause serious health issues, compared to the general population. The study analyzed anonymous responses from 1,957 soldiers and found that 23.8% reported using nicotine pouches in the previous 30 days.
A recent study found that biomass burning products are toxic to human lung cells, causing inflammation and oxidative stress. The research emphasizes the need for extended air quality networks across the European Union to monitor key biomass burning markers.
Researchers discovered how cigarette smoke alters the function of Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells in the lungs, making smokers more susceptible to respiratory infections and worsening COPD. Cigarette smoke components bind to protein MR1, blocking activation of MAIT cells.
Research led by University of Pittsburgh scientists found that exposure to long-wavelength red light reduces blood clots in humans and mice. The study's findings have the potential to reduce deaths and disabilities caused by blood clots worldwide.
A new self-destructing vaccine provides improved safety and protection against TB in macaque monkeys, outperforming the standard BCG vaccine. The 'kill switch' mechanism eliminates the risk of accidental infection, offering a safer vaccination option for immunocompromised individuals.
A new study found that while lung cancer deaths decreased globally from 1990 to 2019, mortality linked to tobacco use and air pollution increased. Tobacco remains the leading cause of death, accounting for 66% of TBL cancer deaths in 2019, while particulate matter pollution is a growing concern.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that extracorporeal photopheresis significantly reduces acute rejection episodes and chronic rejection risk in lung transplant patients. The treatment involves exposure to UV light, leading to apoptosis of immune cells and minimizing side effects.
A study published in ERJ Open Research found that women are less likely to receive a lung transplant and wait an average of six weeks longer for one. Despite this, women who undergo transplantation have higher survival rates five years post-transplant.
Researchers developed a novel inhalable therapeutic delivery system for lung cancer using mucoadhesive protein nanoparticles inspired by marine mussels. The approach leverages the adhesive properties of mussel proteins to enable selective payload release and minimize adverse effects.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a non-invasive nasal swab test that diagnoses specific asthma subtype, or endotype, in children. The test, published in JAMA, shows promise for improving asthma treatment outcomes and paving the way for better treatments for lesser-studied asthma types.
A new scanning method allows experts to see the effects of treatment on lung function in real time and enable early identification of decline. The scan method enables researchers to quantify the degree of improvement in ventilation when patients have a treatment, which could be valuable in clinical trials.
A new multicenter study design utilizing impulse oscillometry successfully assessed lung function in premature children, showing high technical acceptability and research-quality data. The study's protocol may provide a framework for future research on lung health in former preterm patients.
Researchers aim to make school inhaler programs sustainable and scalable to improve student health and safety, with a focus on rural areas where challenges exist. The study seeks evidence-based recommendations to inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and educators on how to implement effective asthma management strategies.
A review of 3,000 studies suggests microplastics in the air may cause serious health problems, including colon cancer, poor lung function, and infertility. The tiny plastic particles are believed to contribute to chronic pulmonary inflammation, increasing the risk of lung cancer.
A new study found that exposure to remote wildfire smoke drifting across the US led to a 20% increase in medical visits for heart and lung conditions. Patients who were older, non-smokers, and more socio-economically affluent were at higher risk on poor air quality days.
A deep learning model developed by researchers at San Diego State University can accurately diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using a single inhalation lung CT scan. The study found that the model performed similarly to traditional two-phase CT measurements, with added clinical data improving accuracy.
The PROSPECT-Lung trial evaluates the role of immunotherapy before and after surgery in resectable non-small cell lung cancer patients. The trial aims to determine whether adding immune checkpoint inhibitors to standard chemotherapy improves survival outcomes.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that long-term exposure to air pollution in India contributes to millions of deaths annually. The research highlights the need for stricter air quality regulations in the country.
Endothelial cells lining pulmonary veins contribute to blood vessel repair and angiogenesis after lung injury. The study found that these cells proliferate into the adjacent capillary bed, differentiating into capillary cells, which can help regenerate damaged tissues.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered that pregnancy enhances the body's natural immunity to block severe flu infection. By activating a powerful molecule in the nasal cavity, pregnant women may benefit from stronger antiviral defenses against the Influenza A virus.
A growing number of engineered stone countertop workers are developing silicosis, a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust. The disease can lead to respiratory failure, increased risk of infection, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Researchers found lower pulmonary gas exchange may be associated with impaired cognitive function in patients with long COVID. The study also showed a potential treatment strategy using methods that target improved gas exchange, suggesting a causative relationship between cognitive dysfunction and lung dysfunction.
Researchers identified acute effects of cigarette and e-cigarette smoking on vascular function, including decreased blood flow velocity and venous oxygen saturation. The study found that vaping with and without nicotine led to significant changes in vascular function, highlighting the potential harm of vaping even without nicotine.
Researchers use AI to predict COPD flare-ups based on daily urine tests, potentially allowing for proactive treatment and prevention. The study identifies biomarkers in urine that can forecast a flare-up seven days prior to symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a molecular pathway involving protein BLIMP1 that generates Th2 cells in response to inhaled house dust mite, driving allergic asthma. The study also found signaling molecules IL2 and IL10 are required for BLIMP1 expression, offering new therapeutic options.
Researchers developed a nasal vaccine combining traditional pertussis antigens with an innovative adjuvant called T-vant to boost immune response. The new vaccine was shown to prevent the bacteria's colonization in the respiratory tract, significantly curbing whooping cough spread.
A new study found that zinc deficiency promotes lung infection by Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria, which is a leading cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Blocking IL-13 prevented infection-associated death in an animal model, suggesting anti-IL-13 antibodies may protect against bacterial pneumonia in patients with zinc deficiency.
Researchers have made significant strides toward creating inhalable mRNA medicines using a novel lipid-polymer nanoparticle. The nanoparticles successfully deliver aerosols to mice's lungs and demonstrate uniform protein expression in tissues.
A new blood test can detect early signs of lung damage caused by antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) in cancer patients, providing a safer alternative to frequent scans. This breakthrough method analyzes specific markers in circulating DNA, enabling doctors to monitor patients for lung complications without relying solely on imaging scans.
Researchers successfully delivered anti-cancer ASO molecules to lung tumor sites using human red blood cells, demonstrating potent anti-cancer effects against NSCLC. The approach utilizes EGFR-targeting moieties to home in on cancerous cells, offering a potentially powerful treatment modality for personalized cancer medicine.
A new study suggests that berry-flavored vapes can weaken the lungs' natural defences, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. The research adds to growing evidence on how added flavourings in vaping solutions exacerbate dangers.