Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
New research published in The FASEB Journal found that tobacco smoke disrupts the circadian clock function in both lungs and brains, leading to reduced productivity, mood disorders, and depression. Quitting smoking may improve sleep quality and cognitive function by targeting a specific pathway involving the anti-aging molecule SIRT1.
Scientists have found odor receptors in lung tissue that can detect cigarette smoke and other irritants, triggering a response to constrict airways. These receptors, called pulmonary neuroendocrine cells, may be responsible for the chemical hypersensitivity characteristic of respiratory diseases such as COPD.
TB-causing bacteria mask their molecular patterns using cell surface lipids, evading immune detection. The presence of lipid molecule PGL promotes the recruitment of permissive macrophages that allow TB to establish an infection in deeper lung tissue.
The American Thoracic Society Foundation and the American Lung Association are co-funding an $80,000 grant to study Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, a rare inherited disease affecting the lungs. The research aims to understand HPS pulmonary fibrosis and explore potential treatments for common lung diseases like cystic fibrosis.
A new analysis found that children aged 6 to 11 years on the waiting list have similar mortality rates to older candidates, contradicting earlier data suggesting higher death rates. The study helps inform ongoing discussions about potential changes to the US lung allocation policy.
Researchers warn of the dangers of neglecting to clean reed instruments, which can lead to Saxophone Lung, an allergic pulmonary disease caused by specific fungi. Proper diagnosis is crucial, as corticosteroids alone are insufficient in treating this condition.
A new €6 million global research program, CF Matters, aims to develop personalized antibiotic treatments for Cystic Fibrosis patients. The study will use molecular next-generation DNA sequencing methods to detect bacteria present in patients' sputum and determine the most effective antibiotic treatment.
Dr. Avrum Spira has received the Alton Ochsner Award for his seminal research contributions to understanding the biological response of lung tissue to tobacco smoke. His work has led to the development of early detection biomarkers for lung cancer and molecular biomarkers for COPD treatment guidance.
A study by the American College of Chest Physicians found that yoga training improved lung function, breathing, and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The 12-week program involved physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation.
A study suggests that Indi's blood test can accurately distinguish between benign lung nodules and early-stage lung cancer by detecting a specific combination of proteins in the blood. The test, powered by advanced protein detection technology, has a 90% accuracy rate and could complement current clinical risk factors.
Scientists have discovered that ticagrelor reduces the risk of dying from lung infection after a heart attack, with fewer deaths due to sepsis. The study found subtle differences in blood markers of immune cell activity between ticagrelor and clopidogrel treatment patients.
A new national study found that children receiving solid-organ transplants have a high risk of developing advanced kidney disease. The study suggests the need for continued screening and preventive measures to slow or prevent disease progression.
The research team will investigate ways to reduce the burden of illness associated with prematurity by improving air-breathing transition and delaying umbilical cord clamping. They aim to develop strategies to prevent brain injury and long-term consequences such as cerebral palsy.
A Yale-led study has identified 52 genes that significantly correlate with outcome in patients with IPF, predicting shorter survival time and guiding treatment decisions. The discovery of these biomarkers may lead to better prediction of disease presence and severity.
A £139,000 grant will investigate how cystic fibrosis patients' immune cells are infected with the B.cepacia superbug, which causes serious lung damage. The research aims to develop molecules that can help immune cells clear invading bacteria and potentially treat the condition.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $5.9 million grant to the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth for its Lung Biology Center of Biomedical Research Excellence. This funding supports cystic fibrosis research and translates basic science into clinical applications.
Research on an aerosol that induces a rapid immune response to prevent viral respiratory infections and asthma attacks has earned major funding from the National Institutes of Health. The NIH-funded project aims to translate preclinical findings to clinical trials to prevent asthma attacks.
Researchers at Cardiff University have teamed up with Peking University in China to test traditional Chinese medicine's health benefits and explore its potential when combined with chemotherapy. The study found that a traditional Chinese formula can block the spread of cancer cells and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can protect vaccines from being cleared by the lungs, allowing them to generate a strong immune response in both the lungs and distant mucosal surfaces. The technology has shown promise in preventing infections such as influenza and HIV, as well as delivering cancer vaccines.
According to Swedish Research Council study, humans have musical talent due to synchronized group movement, which enhances sound perception in nature. This behavior has survival value, producing dopamine, leading to rhythmic movements and eventually music.
Scientists at EMBL and Regensburg University identify DGKi as a potential drug target for cystic fibrosis, which regulates ENaC activity and reduces mucus thickness in patients' airways. The discovery uses large-scale screening to uncover genes not previously linked to the disease.
Researchers found that a combination of interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin reduced viral replication and lung damage in monkeys infected with the MERS-CoV virus. The treatment worked by moderating the immune response and promoting repair of damaged lung tissue.
A global study led by McMaster University researchers found large differences in lung function between healthy people from different socioeconomic and geographical regions. South Asians had the lowest lung function, by 30% compared to North Americans and Europeans. The findings have important public health implications.
A new study found that exposure to fumes from military small arms can lead to a decline in lung function, with effects comparable to other occupational risk factors. The research, conducted on Norwegian Armed Forces members, revealed a mean average decline of 5% in lung function after shooting and 7% at 24 hours post-exposure.
A new study found that living close to a major road is associated with a higher risk of death in people with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The study showed a significant decrease in mortality risk as distance from the road increased.
A new set of evidence-based guidelines recommend lung cancer screening for high-risk populations in Ontario using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). The guidelines suggest annual screening for two years, followed by biennial screenings until a negative result is obtained. The recommended parameters for LDCT include 120 to 140 kVp and...
A Stanford study found that blocking an inflammation-producing molecular pathway reverses pulmonary hypertension in rats, suggesting a potential cure for the deadly disease. The research could also lead to better understanding of other inflammatory diseases.
A new study confirms that arsenic exposure can impair lung function, with doses of 120 parts per billion causing damage comparable to decades of smoking. The study found significant impairment of lung function associated with lower concentrations than previously reported.
A new study has found that two forms of iron are needed to control cystic fibrosis lung infections. Targeting both ferrous iron (Fe(II)) and ferric iron (Fe(III)) was more effective in preventing biofilm formation than targeting only one form.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a new therapeutic target for COPD by linking acute viral infections to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Viral infection triggers the production of IL-33, a signaling molecule that activates immune cells to produce excess mucus in the lungs.
Researchers found that the signaling protein calcineurin upregulates Ang-2, promoting angiogenesis in lung endothelial cells. This pathway is crucial for metastasis, offering new targets for lung cancer therapy.
Researchers found increased expression of interleukin-33 (IL-33) in human airways, linked to mucus production and other genes implicated in COPD. A mouse model also showed IL-33-producing epithelial progenitor cells induced by viral infection, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at University of Southampton have discovered new markers of tuberculosis that may help in developing new diagnostic tests and treatments. Lung damage releases specific proteins, which can be used to screen individuals and halt transmission between population groups.
A large nationwide study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of developing potentially fatal blood clots in the legs and lungs. The study revealed that patients with rheumatoid arthritis were more than twice as likely to develop these clots, with the risk being highest among younger adults.
Research reveals that burning incense generates indoor air pollutants that cause inflammation in human lung cells, similar to cigarette smoke. The study recommends improving ventilation and using alternative combustion devices to mitigate this health risk.
A new study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that oversized donor lungs are associated with a 30% increased chance of survival one year after the operation. The researchers analyzed data from over 4,500 double lung transplants and single lung transplants performed between 2005 and 2010.
Researchers found that injected methamphetamine significantly enhanced colonization of the lungs by Cryptococcus neoformans and accelerated progression of the disease. The fungus can cause a deadly brain infection when it crosses the blood-brain barrier, which is more susceptible due to drug-induced changes in the blood-brain barrier.
Scientists at NIST have developed a new standard reference material (SRM) for medical computed tomography (CT), enabling hospitals to calibrate their CAT scanners and link tissue density measurements to international standards. The SRM allows for accurate calibration, which is crucial for diagnosing lung diseases effectively.
A recent study published in Nature identifies a population of multi-potent cardiopulmonary progenitor cells, named CPPs, that coordinate heart and lung co-development. These cells are essential for adaptation to terrestrial existence and have implications for diseases such as pulmonary hypertension.
A study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that even healthy-looking smokers have damaged airway cells with characteristics similar to those in aggressive lung cancer. The researchers discovered that these cells express human embryonic stem cell genes, which are normally only active in developing embryos.
At high altitudes, pulmonary hypertension develops as a normal adaptive response but can become life-threatening if exaggerated. Research highlights the need for targeted drug therapy, with potential new directions emerging in understanding epigenetic mechanisms and their role in disease
A Loyola University Medical Center study found that treating acid reflux through laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery could help prevent chronic rejection in lung transplant patients. Certain biomarkers in lung fluid can predict BOS and immune system activity.
A new rodent study reveals that chronic drinking intensifies lung damage caused by particulate matter, leading to decreased lung function. Chronic drinking impairs alveolar macrophage function, which plays a critical role in protecting the lungs from particulates and airway repair.
A new lung probe using advanced technology will enable doctors to detect and monitor up to 20 key indicators of disease in critically ill patients, improving diagnosis and treatment. The probe will also help premature babies by replacing regular blood tests with real-time disease readouts.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that digital chest tomosynthesis (DT) holds promise as a first-line lung cancer screening tool. DT improved sensitivity in detecting lung nodules compared to conventional chest radiography, while providing lower costs and radiation dosages.
Researchers found a genetic risk factor for pulmonary fibrosis in people with the MUC5B gene variant, associated with increased lung inflammation and scarring. The study suggests that pulmonary fibrosis may be part of a larger syndrome, potentially leading to early detection and treatment.
A common genetic variant of the MUC5B gene is linked to an increased risk of interstitial lung disease and symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough. The study suggests that this variant may be a key indicator for predicting individuals at risk for pulmonary fibrosis, potentially paving the way for prevention efforts.
Treatment with A1-PI slows the progression of emphysema in patients with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency by preserving lung density. The study showed significant clinical and statistical benefits, confirming the efficacy of augmentation therapy.
A new device, Lung Volume Reduction Coil (LVRC), has shown significant improvements in lung function, ability to exercise, and quality of life for patients with severe emphysema. The device, implanted through a minimally invasive procedure, gathered and compressed diseased lung tissue, allowing healthy tissue to function more efficiently.
Researchers have discovered that carnitine supplements can normalize blood vessel dysfunction associated with congenital heart defects and even prevent damage after corrective surgery. High daily doses of carnitine for the first four weeks of life may also prevent endothelial dysfunction in children with heart defects.
Researchers discovered that lungs with fluid in the lungs no longer pump water out as believed, but instead pump it in. This finding has important implications for treating lung edema, a common symptom of heart disease.
Researchers found that ambrisentan treatment worsened IPF progression and hospitalization rates. Assessing acute changes in Lung Allocation Score can inform organ wait-list strategies to reduce post-transplant mortality. Inexpensive behavioral interventions helped TB patients in poor countries quit smoking, offering a basis for effecti...
A new pumpless paracorporeal lung assist device has been successfully used to support young children with severe respiratory failure until they can undergo a lung transplant. The device helped patients recover or reach the average wait time for pediatric donor lungs, offering improved survival chances.
A consortium of scientists found that breathing ultrafine particles from engineered nanomaterials can cause lung inflammation and damage. The study examined the health effects of two types of nanomaterials and showed similar findings across different labs.
Scientists studying the Human Coronavirus-Erasmus Medical Center have discovered a potential treatment strategy for the new Middle East virus. The researchers found that certain compounds could treat the infection by altering lung cells' response to infection, which might help prevent the virus from reproducing.
Researchers found that tumors with ALK gene rearrangements can harbor up to 20% of additional mutations, including EGFR and MET genes. These coexisting mutations may impact treatment response to targeted therapies.
A commonly used drug, ACE inhibitor, can limit radiation damage to the lungs and heart in cancer patients. The study found that this treatment improved the heart's function and decreased fibrosis in the heart after irradiation.
The study found that lymph node volumes were estimated at 30% lower in low-dose scans compared to high-dose scans. Lung nodule volume was also significantly affected, with 46% lower volumes in low-dose scans.
Researchers from BUSM have developed a genetic signature for COPD from airway cells, providing a new way to study the disease and monitor patient response to treatments. This approach has shown consistent gene-expression changes in both airway and lung tissue cells in individuals with COPD.
A study using neutrons has explained how ozone causes severe respiratory problems by attacking the fatty lining of lungs. The attack leads to increased surface tension, impairing oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.