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3-D printing aids in understanding food enjoyment

Researchers used a 3D printed model of the human airway to study how airflow affects the transfer of volatile particles from the back of the mouth to the nasal cavity. They found that slow, steady breathing optimizes the delivery of these particles, leading to better food enjoyment.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2015

CPR by medics: Keep pumping or stop for rescue breathing?

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that continuous chest compressions during out-of-hospital CPR did not provide better outcomes for patients with cardiac arrest. In contrast, interrupting manual chest pumping to perform rescue breathing appeared to improve survival rates among those who received this approach.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

Significant breath from streams and rivers

Research by Umeå University reveals that streams and rivers release notable amounts of carbon dioxide from organisms' respiratory processes. This finding highlights the importance of understanding these mechanisms in predicting the impact of climate change on greenhouse gas concentrations.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 12, 2015

Breath taking

Scientists have identified two sensory neuron subtypes controlling different respiratory functions in mice, revealing a complex vagus nerve system that may lead to targeted therapies. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying breathing control and has implications for treating various conditions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateApr 16, 2015

Ben-Gurion U. researchers develop groundbreaking approach to evaluate sleep disorders

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a non-contact breathing sound analysis algorithm to reliably estimate whole-night sleep evaluation for detection of sleep quality, snoring severity, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The new approach shows promising results in distinguishing between sleep and wake segments with high accuracy.

Hazy road to Mecca

During the annual hajj pilgrimage, scientists detected high levels of air pollutants, including carbon monoxide and benzene, in Mecca. The exposure to these chemicals increases the risk of heart failure, headaches, and other serious health issues, highlighting the need for improved regulations and reduced emissions.

Why lizards have bird breath

Scientists at the University of Utah have found that iguanas, not known for high-capacity aerobic fitness, have bird-like breathing patterns in their lungs. This discovery bolsters the case that unidirectional airflow evolved long before the first birds, suggesting a common ancestor among lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and dinosaurs.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

Indoor mold poses health risk to asthma sufferers

A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has found that indoor mold can lead to breathing problems and increase the likelihood of developing asthma. The research highlights the importance of adequate heating, ventilation, and home maintenance to reduce mold growth and its effects on health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 28, 2014

A new look at old forests

A new study by Marine Biological Laboratory scientists has determined that as forests age, their ability to grow decreases due to reduced carbon dioxide uptake and respiration. This finding suggests the future growth of US forests will decline, potentially impacting the country's role as a carbon sink.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 2014

The mystery of lizard breath

A study by University of Utah researchers found that monitor lizards have a mostly one-way, looping air flow in their lungs, challenging previous notions about the function of this breathing pattern. The discovery raises questions about the evolutionary origins of this unique pattern, which may be as old as 270 million years.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateDec 11, 2013

Women have greater shortness of breath than men when exercising

A new study published in Experimental Physiology found that women exhibit greater shortness of breath when exercising compared to men. The study suggests that this disparity is caused by a stronger electrical activation of the respiratory muscles, specifically the diaphragm, needed to compensate for smaller lungs and airways.

SourceWiley·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateNov 7, 2013

Stress makes snails forgetful

Researchers trained pond snails to forget how to breathe air and found that single stressful events impaired memory, but multiple stresses blocked all learning and memory. The study published in PLOS ONE reveals that stress affects animals' ability to form long-term memories.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 6, 2013