Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
A new study analyzed over 14,600 scientific publications funded by more than $4 billion in NIH grants, revealing key research topics such as clinical trials, vaccine distribution, and virology. The findings suggest that half of the funding went to five states: North Carolina, Washington, New York, California, and Massachusetts.
Researchers at UTEP have developed a new therapeutic approach to treat skin and lung fibrosis by targeting and rehabilitating cells responsible for the disease. The nanoparticles successfully modified the cells to stop producing excess collagen, offering hope for improved treatments and enhanced quality of life.
Scientists discover that multiciliated cells use cell division to control hair-like projections called cilia. This adaptation breaks the cancer-preventing rule of making only four centrioles per cell, producing hundreds instead.
A study found that low doses of filtered kretek cigarette smoke altered rat lung histometric measurements, increasing the size of respiratory bronchioles. P53 gene overexpression was also observed in response to exposure. The findings suggest potential health risks from even low levels of kretek cigarette smoke.
A quality improvement analysis found that many US residents live within 30 miles of a clinical trial site, highlighting disparities in access. The study highlights concerns about equity and fairness in healthcare resource distribution, particularly for marginalized communities.
Researchers discovered that children with the worst outcomes had significantly fewer microbial species overall, but marked populations of Staphylococcus bacteria and viruses. The study used metagenomic next-generation sequencing to analyze lung fluid samples from 229 pediatric patients, revealing links between microbiome composition an...
The American College of Chest Physicians' CHEST Critical Care and CHEST Pulmonary journals have been indexed with the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), enhancing their open access content's accessibility and usage. The indexation is attributed to strong editorial boards led by Hayley Gershengorn and Matthew Miles.
Weo electrolyzed water (WEW) has been shown to attenuate cellular senescence in both normal fibroblasts and breast cancer cells. The study found that WEW modulated markers of cellular senescence, inflammation, and stress response genes in a cell type-dependent manner.
Bromination of extracellular matrix proteins is a physiological modification dependent on peroxidasin, revealing a possible role for protein bromination in pulmonary fibrosis and non-fibrotic lung tissue. This study extends knowledge of halogenation's importance in the mammalian organism.
A new study by Columbia University researchers identifies ferroptosis as the major cell death mechanism underlying COVID-19 lung disease. This discovery offers hope for improving treatment outcomes and combating life-threatening cases of the disease.
Researchers report that dupilumab substantially decreases exacerbation frequency and improves lung function as well as symptom burden in COPD patients with type 2 inflammation. The study's findings are promising for these patients, who have a high risk of exacerbations.
A world-first clinical trial found that finding and treating people with undiagnosed asthma or COPD improves their health and reduces healthcare visits. The study, which involved 508 patients, showed that those treated by a lung specialist and educator averaged fewer healthcare visits and improved symptoms compared to usual care.
A phase 3 trial found that pamrevlumab did not significantly improve lung function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study's results underscore the need for effective treatments to slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School analyzed 370,000 participants to find that removing race from lung function tests would shift disease severity categorization across patient populations. This could lead to more white and Hispanic people being reclassified as having less advanced illness.
A study led by BCNatal and UPF found that growth-restricted fetuses have differences in lung vascular resistance, which can be normalized with extra oxygen. The research uses artificial intelligence techniques to analyze fetal blood flow and predicts the development of respiratory health problems later in life.
Researchers developed CT-Derived Functional Imaging, a software program that calculates lung volume changes and blood mass without contrast dye. The technology has improved diagnoses for up to 30% of patients who couldn't tolerate contrast dye, and also benefits all patients with lung issues such as COPD and cancer.
A new COVID-related syndrome, MDA5-autoimmunity and Interstitial Pneumonitis Contemporaneous with COVID-19 (MIP-C), has been identified in patients with severe lung scarring and autoimmune diseases. The syndrome was discovered through a retrospective observational study by UC San Diego researchers and UK colleagues.
Researchers discovered that IL-6 signaling in CD4-positive T cells promotes pulmonary hypertension development and progression. Treating mice with IL-6 inhibitors improved symptoms and decreased damage to the lungs and heart.
Researchers found that iron is a regulator of energy usage by immune cells in the lungs, which can help treat asthma and other allergic diseases. Blocking or limiting iron uptake may reduce asthma severity.
A comprehensive study by University of Technology Sydney researchers confirms CPAP therapy's safety without adverse effects on the respiratory system. The study uses computational modeling to assess airflow velocity and shear stress, providing reassurance for patients.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a novel device that can improve the delivery of gene therapy for patients with inherited lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis. The device uses aerosolization technology to carry messenger RNA to patients' lungs, reducing shear stress and improving precision.
A Purdue University researcher has received a $2.4 million NIH grant to develop novel inhalation therapeutics for resistant lung infections, which have established resistance to antimicrobial drugs and affect over 2.8 million individuals annually in the US, resulting in more than 35,000 deaths.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have charted a molecular pathway that can lure cells down a hazardous path of duplicating their genome too many times, a hallmark of cancer cells. The findings reveal what goes wrong when a group of molecules and enzymes trigger the cell cycle, leading to cancer development.
Researchers found PLS occurs significantly more frequently in unequal AB0 settings, leading to haemolysis and anaemia in patients. Blood group A patients with O transplants are particularly at risk.
A new study found that progressive lung abnormalities in smokers are associated with increased frequency and severity of acute respiratory diseases, highlighting the need for closer monitoring and earlier intervention.
A Swedish study published in JAMA Network Open found that over one million newborns were given unnecessary antibiotics for suspected sepsis despite a reduction in sepsis cases. The researchers argue that the treatment burden is too high, suggesting potential to reduce antibiotic use.
A new study found that offering stop smoking support alongside lung cancer screening can significantly increase quit rates among high-risk individuals. Up to half of those who attend for lung cancer screening currently smoke, and dedicated funding is urged to provide this essential support.
Researchers at UCSF have identified laryngeal and tracheal neuroendocrine cells that sense water and acid in the upper airway, triggering a cough reflex. The discovery could lead to interventions to prevent pneumonia and treat certain types of chronic cough.
Researchers uncover how tuberculosis infection drives excessive inflammation in the lungs by activating neutrophils. Targeting neutrophils could lead to new therapies for TB treatment, potentially reducing antibiotic-resistant cases.
A new study published in Thorax reveals that increased physical activity and higher body mass index can help recover early-life lung function deficits, leading to normal values in adolescence. The study analyzed data from over 1,100 children and adolescents aged 4-18 years, identifying four trajectories of lung function growth.
A study of tens of thousands of individuals found that post-TB lung disease is a significant global challenge. TB survivors experience restrictive lung damage and airflow obstruction, reducing their ability to breathe efficiently and increasing the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine discovered a pathway that reverses idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a common type of lung scarring. The study found that inhibiting the molecular brake MKP1 is essential for spontaneous resolution of fibrosis, offering new hope for patients with IPF.
A new murine model of dermatomyositis reveals the underlying immune system involvement in this highly progressive disease. The study identifies key components of the immune system responsible for disease development and suggests potential treatments targeting interleukin-6.
A team of scientists at Scripps Research and Calibr-Skaggs Institute has developed a lung-targeted drug to stimulate the growth of lung stem cells. The new findings provide a biological proof of concept for activating regenerative pathways and restoring damaged lung tissue.
Scientists have developed a new preventative treatment that can prevent lethal lung injury from the flu by targeting inflammation protein. The drug UH15-38 achieves a balance between shutting down runaway inflammation and allowing the immune system to stop the virus, resulting in increased survival rates.
A newly developed compound called UH15-38 has been shown to safely and efficiently block necroptosis, a key receptor in lung cells causing excessive inflammation and lung damage. The study demonstrates that UH15-38 can prevent influenza deaths even when administered late in the course of an infection.
Researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute have made a breakthrough discovery that suppurative lung disease and wheezing have the same inflammatory profiles despite their differing symptoms. The study found two treatable endotypes of childhood respiratory diseases, with targeted anti-inflammatory treatments showing promise.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet show that post-COVID does not mean strict exercise avoidance. Patients with post-COVID can benefit from supervised exercise, with improved fitness and muscle strength found in those who participated.
Despite therapy, cystic fibrosis patients still suffer from persistent respiratory infections due to unregulated cell signals. By studying lung cells, scientists found a disruption in TGF-β and Wnt pathways, leading to bacterial docking station formation.
A new study published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reveals high levels of silica and other silicates in the lungs of military veterans who have deployed since 2001. This research highlights the importance of controlling particulate exposures in military occupational settings to minimize risk for ...
A USC study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 causes a stage of mild symptoms followed by severe inflammation in some patients. The virus exploits two different pathways to interact with immune cells, one leading to inflammation and the other preventing it.
The experts recommend setting standards for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, PM2.5, and ventilation rate to ensure adequate indoor air quality in public spaces. A CO2 concentration level of 800ppm is proposed with a focus on removing and diluting human-emitted pollutants.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a signal protein called ERK that plays an active role in causing growing lung tissue to curve. This finding reveals a previously unknown regulatory system governing the development of intricate branching patterns in mouse lungs.
A team of researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine has discovered a critical protein sensor called SEL1L that regulates collagen clearance from tissue. This finding provides new insights into the development of therapeutic strategies for diseases like lung fibrosis, which currently have no effective treatments.
Researchers have discovered a new way to inhibit immune cells that drive allergic asthma by targeting the Piezo1 protein. The study found that switching on Piezo1 channels can reduce lung inflammation and alleviate symptoms of airway hyperreactivity in mice with ILC2-dependent airway inflammation.
Researchers found that patients with lung disease have a higher risk of developing heart disease, regardless of age or smoking status. The study, published in Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, suggests that Proteinase 3 enzyme may play a key role in this increased risk.
Scientists have discovered six proteins that can accurately diagnose tuberculosis (TB). The breakthrough study paves the way for a simple blood test to detect the bacteria, which could prevent millions of cases annually. TB is the world's deadliest infectious disease, killing over one million people each year.
University of Calgary researchers found that communication between the lungs and brain triggers symptoms of sickness, changing treatment approaches for respiratory infections and chronic conditions. The study also suggests targeting neurological pathways alongside antibiotics to combat infections.
Artificial intelligence has been developed to spot COVID-19 features in lung ultrasound images, combining computer-generated images with real scans to identify signs of disease. The tool holds potential for developing wearables that track illnesses like congestive heart failure and monitor fluid buildup in patients' lungs.
A recent NIH-supported study found that SARS-CoV-2 can damage the heart by triggering inflammation in cardiac macrophages. The research suggests that suppressing this inflammatory response may help minimize cardiovascular complications.
Researchers demonstrate efficacy of airborne ultrasound technology to detect low-amplitude movements produced by vocalizations at the chest surface. The technology allows for contactless mapping of surface vibrations, offering a better window on respiratory health and enabling better diagnoses of respiratory diseases.
Researchers at UVA Health discovered a potential blood test to predict patients with severe COVID-19 who are likely to recover well and those at risk of long-term lung problems. The study found that patients with late-resolving symptoms had fewer immune cells in their blood, correlating with symptom severity.
A new study from the University of Chicago analyzed DNA methylation in tissue samples from former smokers, finding evidence of the body's attempts to defend itself from tobacco smoke. The research team identified new regions associated with smoking and found that DNA methylation varies dramatically across cell types and tissue types.
A study published in PNAS reveals that increased concentration of lysolipid can cause severe impacts on lung inflation, leading to respiratory distress. The research identifies frequency dependence and proposes a way to tailor treatment processes for each patient.
A new reflex of the vagus nerve helps counteract restricted breathing, while a rare cell type detects airway closure and relays the signal. The discovery provides valuable insight into how the brain and body are connected to monitor and modulate respiration.
Researchers discovered that lung cancer cells can persist in the presence of cigarette smoke due to a protein pump called ABCG2, which clears damaging molecules from the cells. This mechanism could also contribute to resistance to pharmaceutical treatments in cancer cells.
Researchers have designed a candidate drug to target the K-Ras G12D mutation, responsible for nearly half of all pancreatic cancer cases. The molecule permanently modifies the mutation, stopping tumor growth in cancer cell lines and animal models.
Researchers investigated combining Sacituzumab govitecan with platinum-based chemotherapeutics for triple-negative breast cancer, urinary bladder carcinoma, and small-cell lung carcinoma. The study showed additive to synergistic antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo, with improved outcomes in tumor-bearing animals.
A study by Texas A&M University found that only 9% of older Americans had been vaccinated against RSV prior to this fall and winter. The study also revealed that men were more likely to be vaccinated than women, and those who were vaccinated had higher levels of concern about the disease.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new method to efficiently determine which lipid nanoparticles are likely to bind to the lungs, rather than the liver. This breakthrough enables targeted delivery of mRNA therapeutics beyond the liver, offering new hope for treatments of cystic fibrosis and lung cancer.