Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
The new software tool, CANARY, uses data from existing CT images to match each pixel of the lung nodule to one of nine unique radiological exemplars. This classification method has an excellent correlation with microscopic analysis and may help address issues with current screening methods.
A new nuclear medicine technique can detect early changes to the lung caused by cigarette smoke exposure, providing a noninvasive method for studying lung dysfunction in preclinical models. This technique has the potential to be applied clinically to study and diagnose the early stages of COPD.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified a biological pathway that triggers excessive inflammation in pneumonia and sepsis, leading to improved lung function and survival in animal models. The team developed small molecules to inhibit this protein, offering hope for new treatments for these conditions.
A recent study found that vitamin D levels in the blood are linked to improved lung function in adults. The study also discovered that people with a history of tuberculosis had lower vitamin D levels, which improved when levels rose.
A study published by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer found that 54% of patients with early stage node-negative lung adenocarcinoma had tumors with at least one biologically relevant mutation. The researchers also discovered mutations associated with drug resistance in these patients.
A Yale University study found that hyperoxia can activate stress pathways in developing lungs, leading to conditions like bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Blocking Cox2 with a pain drug reversed BPD in mice, suggesting it as a potential treatment target.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing a wearable artificial lung to serve as a bridge to transplant or recovery in patients with acute and chronic lung failure. The device, called PAAL, is designed to provide longer-term respiratory support while maintaining excellent blood compatibility.
A study found significant variation in vena cava filter use among California hospitals, with some hospitals using them up to 38.96% of the time. Hospital characteristics such as small bed count, rural location, and private status were associated with increased VCF use.
Researchers discovered that maxillary sinuses change size to accommodate different climates, affecting nasal cavity shape and function. The study found a significant correlation between nose size and sinus volume in both African and European populations.
Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered a naturally occurring lipid, POPG, that reduces inflammation and inhibits infection by the influenza virus and RSV. The lipid offers a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of these respiratory infections.
A study found that lung ultrasound can detect asymptomatic lung congestion in dialysis patients, who are at high risk of premature death and cardiac events. Treating this condition may improve cardiovascular health and prevent deaths.
The Harvard Wyss Institute's Lung-on-a-Chip has won a UK award for its potential to revolutionize drug development by reducing animal testing. The device, which mimics the complex functions of the human lung, has been used to study a life-threatening condition and identify potential new therapies.
A Johns Hopkins study of patients with acute lung injury found that one in three ventilated ICU patients developed PTSD symptoms lasting up to two years. The researchers suggest that preventing and treating PTSD in these patients is crucial, as it can impair quality of life and slow recovery.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to repair lung damage caused by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by tweaking gene expression. They found that epigenetic regulators, including HDAC2, play a critical role in regulating lung development and regeneration.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a scarring of the lungs that causes shortness of breath and fatigue. Researchers identified a mechanosensitive cellular signaling pathway in myofibroblasts, which promotes survival and prevents normal cell disappearance after wound healing.
Scientists successfully use parthenogenic stem cells to develop functional heart muscle and treat pulmonary fibrosis. Researchers find that inhibiting a protein called ROCK attenuates myofibroblast survival and prevents lung scarring.
Researchers from Cardiff University have discovered hundreds of fungal particles in the lungs of asthma sufferers and healthy individuals alike. The study reveals that asthma patients have a distinct array of fungal species not present in healthy lungs, potentially leading to new treatment avenues.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that reduced lung function in infancy is associated with wheezing beyond childhood. The study, which followed participants from birth to age 18, suggests that early airway function and later exposures such as smoking may contribute to the development of obstructive respiratory diseases.
A recent study reveals that cigarette smoke-induced miRNA expression alterations, specifically the repression of miR-487b, play a crucial role in lung carcinogenesis. Loss of miR-487b increases oncogene expression and enhances tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in both normal and cancer cells.
Researchers discovered that steroid drugs can suppress a molecule key to rapid bone loss in rib fractures, reversing bone loss and improving lung function. The study's findings challenge the conventional understanding of steroids as causing bone loss.
Two new methods for detecting and measuring the levels of antisense drugs in cells have been developed, allowing researchers to track PMO delivery to individual cells and quantify its presence in tissue. These methods will advance the field of PMO research and provide valid alternatives to current time-consuming detection techniques.
A University of Liverpool study found that people with cystic fibrosis who live in deprived areas have lower weight, height, and BMI compared to those from more affluent areas. They are also more likely to experience worse lung function and pick up severe lung infections.
Researchers identify metabolic switch that turns on aggressive infection in antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The discovery could lead to new treatments for cystic fibrosis patients and superbugs.
Researchers at Temple University Health System have identified a potential target for treating sepsis: the STIM1 protein. By blocking its activity, they halted a cascade of cellular events that lead to out-of-control inflammation and protected lungs from severe damage. The findings may lead to new treatment strategies against sepsis.
Scientists use magnetic levitation to create laboratory techniques for growing tissues virtually identical to those found in people's bodies. Researchers combined four cell types to replicate bronchiole deep inside the lung, creating realistic lung tissue.
A UT Arlington bioengineering researcher, Kytai Nguyen, is working on a drug-delivery portion of a project to develop nanoparticles that will stimulate lung growth and remodeling. The project aims to help patients with destructive lung diseases by introducing drugs through inhaled nanoparticles.
A UAlberta research team found that medications for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) could have adverse effects on the heart. ERAs decrease the strength of contraction in diseased right ventricles, which may be beneficial due to increased endothelin levels.
Researchers have identified specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by certain bacteria, which can be used to diagnose lung infections. The findings suggest a potential breath test to detect bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, in just minutes.
A new study validates the IASLC/ATS/ERS classification for lung adenocarcinomas among Japanese patients, revealing prognostic value in histologic subtypes. The classification identifies specific molecular markers, such as EGFR and KRAS mutations, associated with prognosis and treatment outcomes.
A recent UC Davis study reveals that general thoracic surgeons perform the majority of complex noncardiac thoracic surgeries, including esophageal and lung procedures. The research supports the recognition of general thoracic surgery as a distinct specialty, benefiting patients in selecting surgeons for specific procedures.
Dr. Bernard Thébaud's team presents promising findings on treating bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a lung disease affecting thousands of premature newborns annually. Their study suggests the use of human umbilical cord-derived stem cells as a potential treatment, paving the way for further research and clinical trials.
A study identified a single gene, ABCA3, associated with significant cases of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in full-term babies. The researchers found that mutations in this gene account for about 10% of RDS cases and can be treated with neonatal intensive care.
The University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences successfully performed the nation's first
The study provides the first report of state-level COPD prevalence, revealing significant regional variations. Nationwide, 6% of non-institutionalized adults reported having COPD, with higher prevalence in select states.
A new study by a University of British Columbia medical resident found that hypothermic patients in cardiac arrest have a 50% chance of surviving if transported to a hospital with advanced heart and lung support equipment. Non-invasive rewarming techniques, such as hot air blankets, are recommended for mild cases.
The UK BiLEVE study aims to discover the genes affecting lung function and susceptibility to COPD. Researchers will analyze data from 50,000 UK Biobank participants to identify genetic variants associated with COPD, shedding light on why some people are more prone to lung disease.
Exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells reduce lung inflammation and prevent pulmonary hypertension in a mouse model. The findings suggest exosome research could lead to new stem cell-based therapies for chronic lung disease and other inflammatory conditions.
Researchers found that maternal smoking during pregnancy increases lung function issues in children and grandchildren due to increased levels of proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The effects are so long-lasting that stop-smoking education for expectant mothers is necessary.
A study by multiple institutions found that roflumilast increased lung function in moderate and severe COPD patients, with significant improvements in FEV1 after 6 months. Roflumilast was compared to placebo, showing consistent increases in lung function across treatment groups.
Children with sleep apnea who underwent tonsil and adenoid removal experienced improved asthma scores, while lung function remained unchanged. The study suggests a potential treatment option for managing asthma symptoms in children.
Researchers found a carbon-dioxide-sensitive neural circuit in ancient fish that likely evolved into the lungs of vertebrates. This discovery sheds light on the origins of air breathing and its role in vertebrate evolution.
Research suggests that pulmonary vaccine delivery can induce a local immune response more effectively than traditional injections, potentially combating pathogens that cause pulmonary diseases. The unique physiology of the respiratory tract makes it an attractive alternative to injections.
Dr. Rehan's research aims to understand the long-term impact of maternal smoking on childhood asthma, as well as its potential effects on future generations. Studies have shown that nicotine exposure during pregnancy can alter lung development and increase asthma risk.
A new study found that exposure to traffic-related air pollution during infancy is associated with decreased lung function at age eight, especially in boys and children sensitized to common allergens. The findings suggest early exposure may have long-term adverse effects on respiratory health.
A portable normothermic perfusion device has been tested on a group of twelve transplant patients, showing safe and effective preservation of donor lungs. The device has the potential to greatly improve transplant success and expand the pool of adequately-functioning donor lungs.
Research suggests that maintaining healthy lungs may be crucial for retaining problem-solving and processing speed in older adults. The study found no link between poorer lung health and loss of stored knowledge or memory, but showed a correlation between reduced pulmonary function and steeper declines in cognitive abilities.
A new approach to lung scanning, called parametric response mapping, allows for better distinction between early-stage small airway disease and emphysema in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The technique enables precise diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as tracking COPD progression over time.
Researchers at Penn developed a new mouse model of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a debilitating lung disease, that replicates the pathologic features of human disease. The study suggests that two readily available drugs, an antibiotic and a statin, may help treat and reverse symptoms.
Research identifies distinct microbial communities in healthy and cystic fibrosis patient lungs, suggesting beneficial microbes contribute to health. The findings suggest a potential new approach to treating cystic fibrosis, including probiotic therapies.
A new tool allows people to monitor their lung function at home or on the go by blowing into their smartphones. The app, SpiroSmart, uses a phone's microphone to analyze sound wave frequencies and detect lung problems with accuracy within 5 percent of commercial devices.
Adult cystic fibrosis patients with lower socioeconomic status are less likely to be accepted for lung transplant after initial evaluation. The study found that Medicaid insurance, income zip codes, and education level were associated with increased odds of rejection.
A Mayo Clinic study found that endovascular repair has a low rate of complications, even in high-risk patients. Researchers analyzed data from 1,008 consecutive patients and found a lower mortality rate than open-abdominal surgery when aneurysms ruptured.
New global benchmarks for lung function have been established, providing a consistent measurement across the entire life span. These charts will help healthcare professionals better understand lung disease progression and raise awareness of its impact on people worldwide.
A new study presented at the European Respiratory Society's Annual Congress found that marathon running can trigger pulmonary oedema in some individuals. Women were at higher risk of developing pulmonary oedema than men, regardless of their marathon finishing time.
A new study found that e-cigarette use caused a significant increase in airway resistance, lasting for 10 minutes, regardless of health status. The research suggests that e-cigarettes may be more harmful than marketed, highlighting the need for further investigation.
A study led by BUSM researchers has found that the compound Gly-His-Lys (GHK) may halt the progression of emphysema and reverse some of its damage. The study demonstrates potential impact of genomic technologies in identifying new treatments for diseases using existing drugs and compounds.
A recent study published in Respirology reveals that water pipe smoking can have severe respiratory effects, comparable to those of cigarette smoking. The research, led by Mohammad Hossein Boskabady, found profound impacts on lung function among water pipe smokers and deep inhalation cigarette smokers.
A study published in Genome Medicine identified genes whose activity is altered with increasing lung damage. The compound Gly-His-Lys (GHK) was found to affect the activity of these genes and restore normal gene activity, repairing cell function in human cells from lungs damaged by emphysema.
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin found that immunodeficient patients with secondary lung disease can experience improved pulmonary function and radiographic abnormalities when treated with a combination of rituximab and azathioprine. This treatment targets specific types of lymphocyte...
The Houston Clean Air Network provides real-time air quality updates using maps of the greater Houston area. The site allows users to track ozone levels and plan their day accordingly, benefiting those with health concerns about ozone or respiratory illnesses like asthma.