Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
A University at Buffalo-led research team has developed molecules that can transport chloride ions across cell membranes, increasing airway surface liquid and restoring normal mucus clearance in cystic fibrosis cells. The synthetic anion binders offer a new potential treatment for the chronic disease.
A new AI tool developed by Brazilian researchers can detect potentially cancerous lung nodules in CT reports, missing a crucial early diagnosis. The NLP tool achieved an accuracy rate of 97% in identifying suspicious nodules.
Researchers discuss lurbinectedin as a method to treat neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), with encouraging results from phase II basket studies demonstrating activity in platinum-sensitive relapsed SCLC and other malignancies. Lurbinectedin's mechanism of action involves inhibiting oncogenic transcription, promoting apoptosis and cell death.
Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 research aims to track long-term health symptoms in survivors. A $3.7 million grant will support the development of self-supervised deep learning technologies to recognize post-COVID lung progression phenotypes.
A University of Melbourne research team is developing an oral therapeutic to restore the activity of common antibiotics used to treat community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. The project aims to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and reduce healthcare costs, with potential applications in low- and middle-income countries.
A machine learning model developed by researchers can predict lung cancer risk with an 83.9% sensitivity, identifying those who need screening for the disease. The model uses just three predictors: age, smoking duration, and pack-years of smoking, making it a simplified approach to determine high-risk populations.
Scientists have developed a trivalent vaccine candidate that provides broad and long-lasting protection against COVID-19 infection by delivering the vaccine via the nose. The vaccine triggers a strong neutralizing antibody response and protects mucosal areas, preventing disease symptoms.
A University of Virginia team has developed a new analytical tool using hydrogels to cultivate vascular sprouting from mouse lung tissue, providing new insight into idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The research aims to understand the biomechanical and biochemical cues to blood vessels in the lungs during disease progression.
A new model developed by Cleveland Clinic researchers can more accurately prioritize patients waiting for a lung transplant, taking into account their disease severity and time on the waiting list. This approach may help reduce waitlist mortality for patients with end-stage lung disease.
Five lung stem cell variants dominate CF lungs, causing inflammation, fibrosis, and mucin secretion. CFTR modulators fail to suppress these inflammatory variants, suggesting they as key targets for new drugs.
A new editorial paper highlights the importance of including older patients in lung cancer clinical trials, where they are often undertreated due to age-related factors. The paper emphasizes the need for increased collaboration among stakeholders to enhance enrollment and retention of older cancer patients.
A survey by The BMJ found that patients in deprived areas have limited access to vital diagnostic tests for respiratory conditions. Despite NHS promises, GPs report 'troubling' lack of services, while Asthma + Lung UK warns of acute and long-term deterioration without timely diagnosis.
A study comparing radiologist and AI performance in interpreting 2,000 chest X-rays found that AI tools achieved moderate sensitivity but high false-positive rates. Radiologists outperformed AI in detecting the absence of disease, especially for complex cases.
The 'Crystal Ribcage' technology enables scientists to study lung function at a cellular level while maintaining physiological processes. This innovation holds immense potential for understanding lung diseases and developing new treatments.
Preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal mortality, has increased by 37% in Texas since 2017. A new $1.47 million NIH grant will support research initiatives to address preeclampsia rates in six Panhandle counties.
Researchers have successfully developed a robot that can autonomously navigate through living lung tissue, avoiding vital structures such as airways and blood vessels. This innovation enables surgeons to reach previously inaccessible small tumors, improving treatment outcomes for patients with lung cancer.
A recent study by Boston Medical Center and Boston University's Center for Regenerative Medicine discovered that hemogenic endothelial cells in the fetal lung contribute to blood cell formation. This breakthrough expands our understanding of blood development and its relationship with overall health.
The September issue of the CHEST journal features research on long COVID, including a review on exercise pathophysiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. Original studies also explore asthma treatment with albuterol-budesonide inhalers and sleep therapy using oronasal masks.
A study found that ultrasound scans performed by emergency physicians can nearly halve the time patients spend in emergency departments. This technology, known as point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), enables faster diagnoses and treatment for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Researchers have developed a new vaccination method that induces the production of antibodies in mucus, which can disable viruses. This approach has shown promising results in monkeys, suggesting that oral vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 may be more effective and popular than traditional subcutaneous vaccinations.
Scientists have found that lung-resident memory B cells, critical for pulmonary immunity, require interferon-gamma produced by T follicular helper cells to differentiate. These long-lived immune cells migrate to the lungs from draining lymph nodes and lie in wait to react quickly to future infections.
Research found alterations in proteins that can affect autophagy, a self-eating process of damaged cells. Healthy newborns showed individual responses to prenatal exposure to air pollution, with some more vulnerable than others. The study aims to understand the impact on breathing problems during infancy and childhood.
A phase 2 study of idrevloride in hypertonic saline has shown significant improvement in lung function for individuals with primary ciliary dyskinesia. The treatment, an epithelial sodium channel blocker, is safe and well-tolerated, offering hope for newly developed treatments for the rare disease.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a way to improve immunological memory produced by T cells in response to influenza infection, potentially leading to more effective vaccines and treatments. The study found that manipulating a molecular signaling pathway can strengthen and prolong the immune response.
A new genetic study revealed the link between type 2 diabetes, lung disorders, and the gastrointestinal tract. The research suggests that individual responses to GLP-1R agonist drugs depend on DNA variants in the target gene, and high blood sugar levels can directly cause lung complications.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich developed a non-invasive method using MR imaging to detect early signs of vascular disease associated with chronic pulmonary impairment in premature infants. The study presents a new tool for risk stratification and potential prevention of complications later in life.
A Michigan Medicine study found that pulmonary embolism death rates remained unchanged over the past decade, with higher mortality rates among men, Black patients, and those from rural areas. The study analyzed over 100,000 deaths related to pulmonary embolism between 2006 and 2019.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have made significant discoveries on how lung cells respond to influenza viruses, identifying two key molecular pathways that trigger the release of cytokines and cell death. These findings hold promise for treating people affected by such viruses.
A new study reveals that boys who smoke in their early teens may damage the genes of their future children, leading to increased risks of developing asthma, obesity, and low lung function. Researchers investigated epigenetic profiles of 875 people aged 7-50 and found changes associated with fathers' teenage smoking.
A nationwide study found that modern blood thinners (NOACs) reduce the risk of serious bleeding by up to 45 percent compared to traditional drug Waran. Apixaban, a NOAC substance, is associated with a lower risk of bleeding in both short and long-term treatment.
Researchers found significant reductions in microbiome diversity among people with severe symptoms soon after infection. The oral microbiomes of people with shorter cases changed in consistent ways during infection, while those with long cases changed in many different ways.
A National Institutes of Health-supported study suggests that adults with obesity may benefit from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) when in intensive care for respiratory failure. The study found lower mortality rates among patients with obesity who received ECMO compared to those without, contradicting previous concerns.
A new NIH study found that high levels of certain minerals and metals in environmental water supplies may increase the risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary infections in people with cystic fibrosis. The presence of sulfate, vanadium, and molybdenum was positively associated with increased incidence of lung infections.
HSE biologists explain how coronavirus evolves from Wuhan variant to Omicron, highlighting the crucial role of microRNA molecules in the process. The study found that substitutions in the viral genome disrupted microRNA binding regions, leading to the emergence of more contagious and resilient strains.
Researchers discuss the essential role of macrophages in metastatic growth of lung colonies in melanoma, highlighting their importance in clearing challenges to tissue integrity and promoting growth-related processes. The authors emphasize the need for targeted therapies against macrophages to combat untreatable metastasis.
A new University of Michigan poll suggests that nearly half of older adults do not know about the new RSV vaccines, while some groups show much less interest in getting the vaccine. The virus poses a significant risk to older adults with lung or immune system conditions, and those who live in nursing homes.
SARS-CoV-2's nucleocapsid protein (N) uses human body temperature to replicate, binding to RNA motifs at specific spatial folds. The study reveals new functions and potential targets for antiviral drugs.
Researchers found that dietary AHR ligands from cruciferous vegetables, such as kale and broccoli, maintain a healthy barrier in the lungs and prevent infection. The study shows that AHR activity is essential for lung barrier integrity during viral infections.
Researchers found that the flu blocks lung liquid secretion, allowing staph to infect lungs. Treatment with a CFTR-activating drug like ivacaftor restores liquid secretion and protects against staph infection.
A new imaging method developed by UC researchers can identify specific lung infections in real time, reducing diagnosis time from 2-3 days to hours. The method uses injectable probes that light up under a nuclear imaging machine, enabling faster treatment for critically ill patients.
Researchers at West Virginia University are tracing the cause of diabetic heart disease using diabetic animal models to examine mitochondrial function. They hope to understand how faulty protein import affects the mitochondria and explore potential treatments to improve energy production and reduce cardiovascular risk.
A network meta-analysis found that breathing training combined with aerobic exercise, and yoga training, enhance lung function in adults with asthma. The study highlights the importance of integrating appropriate exercise training into asthma management plans.
A study by Duke University researchers has found microplastics in the fats and lungs of two-thirds of marine mammals, suggesting that ingested plastics can travel into tissues. The presence of polymer particles and fibers in whales' fat and organs may cause harm, including hormone disruption.
A large study published in ERJ Open Research found that people with low levels of vitamin K in their blood are more likely to have poor lung function and experience respiratory issues. The research suggests that vitamin K may play a role in keeping lungs healthy, but further studies are needed to confirm this link.
Researchers at TUM develop an RNA agent for a lung spray that slows macrophage activity, reducing lung inflammation and fibrosis. The active substance RCS-21 is delivered via an inhaler through a special sugar molecule, showing promise in treating acute inflammatory lung damage.
Researchers found that clinical strains of Aspergillus fumigatus differ significantly from environmental strains in amino acid synthesis. The fungus appears to shape the lung microbiome to its advantage, surviving on vital metabolites produced by other microorganisms.
Critically ill children on ventilator support can experience patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA), which worsens outcomes. Researchers are using machine learning to develop a common set of definitions and measurements for PVA in pediatric patients, aiming to minimize risks and improve clinical outcomes.
Researchers have discovered two major mechanisms that contribute to the high risk of complications from lung infections in individuals with Down syndrome: poor ciliary function, which impairs the respiratory tract's ability to clear mucus and viral particles, and immune hyper-reactivity, which leads to an overactive immune response. Th...
A new study by UCSF found that half of participants with extensive tobacco exposure had persistently high respiratory symptoms, yet performed well in COPD tests. The study highlights a gap in effective care for tobacco-exposed individuals and emphasizes the need for broader definition of smoking-related lung disease.
Researchers found that human senescent fibroblasts trigger progressive lung fibrosis in immunodeficient mice by inducing paracrine senescence and pro-fibrotic activities. The study also suggests that senolytic compounds like navitoclax can ameliorate lung fibrosis induced by senescent human fibroblasts.
A UBCO researcher says Canada is falling behind in developing effective intervention programs to stop young people from beginning to vape. The study analyzed government-funded campaigns and found that many relied on telling teens about physical health harms, which may not be enough to prevent vaping uptake.
A new study published in Radiology found that AI can use data from low-dose CT scans of the lungs to improve risk prediction for death from various causes. The study used data from over 20,000 individuals and found that body composition measurements derived from lung screening LDCT were strong predictors of mortality.
A new study found that babies with food allergies are more likely to develop asthma and have reduced lung function by six years of age. Early life food allergy was associated with an increased risk of both conditions, even if the allergy resolved or persisted.
Researchers identified a new class of molecules capable of preventing excessive inflammation in severe COVID-19. Blocking the link between peptide C5a and its cellular receptor reduced lung damage and other complications in mice. This finding suggests that antagonists of C5aR1 could be useful for treating severe COVID-19.
The July issue of CHEST journal features 49 articles on clinically relevant topics, including disability rights and life-sustaining treatment. The journal offers complementary web resources, such as visual abstracts, to expand the reach of its research.
Workers cutting, grinding, and polishing artificial-stone slabs for countertops are developing silicosis due to high concentrations of silica and polymer resins. Researchers call for public health measures, including banning the product and improving worker safety.
Extracellular vesicles from fibrotic lungs can activate dormant fibroblasts in healthy lungs, initiating fibrosis development and spreading. The study's findings support the potential use of EVs as a targeted drug therapy platform to slow fibrosis progression and improve patient outcomes.
A new study found that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are associated with reduced lung function decline and better lung health. The research supports the inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet to promote lung health.
A recent study found that PCSK9 inhibitors may impair lung function in some patients, while statins have a protective effect on the brain, increasing hippocampus volume which may reduce dementia and depression risk. The study used genetic data from 340,000 UK Biobank participants.
The Omicron subvariant BA.5 efficiently infects lung cells due to a mutation in the spike protein, enabling efficient entry and fusion with lung cells. This finding suggests that future SARS-CoV-2 variants may regain the ability to cause severe illness in risk patients and people with insufficient immunity.