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Microplastics detected in dolphin breath

Researchers detected microplastic particles in the breath of wild bottlenose dolphins, suggesting inhalation may be a key route of exposure. The study supports the idea that dolphins could be exposed to potentially harmful microplastics through this pathway.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 16, 2024

Trinity researchers find ‘natural killer’ cells that live in the lung are ready for a sugar rush

Researchers have identified a key metabolic feature of human tissue-resident NK cells in the lung that enables them to rapidly respond to increased glucose levels. This unique adaptation could be a major target for future therapies in lung diseases, including cancer and infections.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 10, 2024

Vape residue may harm unborn babies

New research suggests that exposure to vape and e-cigarette residue on surfaces during pregnancy can cause immune system damage in unborn babies. The study found that maternal third-hand exposure to e-vapour results in significant, long-lasting effects on lung and bone marrow immune cell responses.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

E-cigarette brands are skirting the rules about health warning labels on Instagram

A new study by Boston University researchers found that the majority of social media posts from e-cigarette brands left out health warnings, despite a federal requirement to include them. The study used AI to analyze over 2,000 Instagram posts and discovered that only 13% complied with FDA health warning requirements.

SourceBoston University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2024

Experimental blood test predicts risk for developing COPD, other severe respiratory diseases

A new preclinical blood test identifies adults most likely to develop severe respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), by analyzing 32 proteins that accurately predict lung health data. The risk score indicates a high likelihood of hospital care, COPD development, and respiratory disease death.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 10, 2024

Young vapers perform worse in exercise testing

A recent study presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress found that young vapers performed worse in exercise tests compared to non-vapers and smokers. The research showed that vaping was associated with lower peak exercise capacity, reduced oxygen consumption, and signs of blood vessel dysfunction.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2024

Gut bacteria influence responses to immunotherapy in patients with asbestos related cancer, Leicester study finds

A University of Leicester study has found that certain gut bacteria may influence whether a patient's immune system is successful in fighting mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer. Researchers suggest that dietary changes, such as increased fibre intake, could improve the benefits of immunotherapy for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 5, 2024

Spike mutations help SARS-CoV-2 infect the brain

Researchers found a specific deletion in the spike protein that enhances the virus' ability to infect brains of mice, which could help understand 'long COVID' and develop treatments. The study suggests viruses with this deletion can traffic from the lung to the brain, leading to neurological symptoms.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 23, 2024

Chronic cough may be hereditary

A study published at Uppsala University found that chronic cough is hereditary, with a 50% increased risk for offspring if one parent has the condition. The research also revealed differences in care between regions and highlights the need for better guidelines.

SourceUppsala University·JournalERJ Open Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2024

Recurrent wheezing in children linked to 'silent' viral infections

Research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals that nearly a quarter of children with recurrent wheezing have undetected lung infections that do not respond to commonly prescribed steroids. The study suggests that antiviral medications such as azithromycin may be a more effective treatment for these cases.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 8, 2024

Blood test can help predict chronic lung disease in preterm babies

A new study from Murdoch Children's Research Institute has identified changes in certain blood proteins that can predict bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm babies. By combining these protein changes with gestational age, birth weight, and sex, clinicians can make more accurate predictions of BPD risk within 72 hours of life.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2024

Recent study reveals key immune cells as critical factors in lung cancer prognosis

A recent study published in Frontiers in Immunology highlights the crucial role of tissue-resident memory T cells in non-small cell lung cancer. The research found that these cells can significantly impact patient outcomes and guide personalized treatment strategies, particularly those involving immunotherapy.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2024

Mini lungs make major COVID-19 discoveries possible

Researchers have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can infect more types of lung cells than previously thought, including those without known viral receptors. The study also found that the lung can independently muster an inflammatory antiviral response without immune system help when exposed to the virus.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

Children living in greener neighborhoods show better lung function

A meta-analysis of 35,000 children from eight European countries has found a robust link between exposure to green spaces and better lung function. Children living in greener neighborhoods had higher forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), indicating improved airway function.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

Roles of PEDF in exercise-induced suppression of senescence and its impact on lung pathology in mice

The study found that exercise increased PEDF levels in skeletal muscles and suppressed senescence markers in the lungs. PEDF also reduced senescence markers in multiple tissues and attenuated decline in respiratory function in pulmonary emphysema mouse model, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for age-related diseases.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

Targeting ABC transporters in PDAC – past, present, or future?

Researchers from Leiden University discuss targeting ABC transporters in pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC), a cancer with poor survival rates. The authors highlight the potential of inhibiting ABC transporters to overcome chemoresistance and suggest developing stratification protocols to identify patients most likely to benefit.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 10, 2024

Active plant substance reduces pulmonary hypertension

Researchers found that a compound from the Ardisia crenat houseplant inhibits Gq proteins, which can help relax pulmonary vessels and alleviate symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. The study showed significant vascular relaxation in mice with pulmonary hypertension, improving their health condition.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2024

Innovative, highly accurate AI model can estimate lung function just by using chest x-rays

Researchers developed an AI model that can estimate lung function from chest radiographs with high accuracy, potentially expanding options for pulmonary function assessment in patients who have difficulty performing spirometry. The study found a remarkably high agreement rate between the AI model's estimates and actual spirometric data.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 8, 2024

Air pollution exposure during childhood linked directly to adult bronchitis symptoms in new research

A new study reveals a direct connection between childhood air pollution exposure and adult bronchitis symptoms, suggesting that subtle effects on the respiratory system can persist into adulthood. The research, based on the USC Children's Health Study, found that even when adjusting for asthma or bronchitis symptoms in childhood, expos...

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 28, 2024

Researchers shed light on cause of 'happy hypoxia' in COVID-19 patients

A team of researchers has made a breakthrough discovery about the mysterious condition known as 'happy hypoxia,' which affects some COVID-19 patients despite critically low blood-oxygen saturation. Elevated hemoglobin levels in certain patients' blood may play a key role in enabling the respiratory system to sustain low oxygen levels w...

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalBiological Cybernetics·DateJun 17, 2024