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Study identifies brain pathway that shuts down seizures

Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a brain pathway that reacts to low pH levels, shutting down seizure activity. The study reveals that an acid-activated ion channel, ASIC1a, plays a crucial role in terminating seizures, providing new insights into the condition and potential therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 8, 2008

Husbands with OSA are more likely to adhere to CPAP if their wives share the bed

A study found that husbands with OSA are more likely to adhere to CPAP if their wives share the bed. The results suggest that when both partners sleep together, the husband is more likely to continue using his CPAP mask. This is because CPAP can control snoring and excessive movements that disturb both partners' sleep.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateApr 15, 2008

Computer game helps COPD patients breathe better

Researchers found that COPD patients who used a computer game to control their breathing showed significant improvements in exercise duration and reduced exercise-induced hyperinflation. The study suggests that teaching these breathing techniques to daily activities could greatly improve quality of life for patients.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 15, 2008

Nasal cannula may be viable treatment for sufferers of sleep apnea

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that nasal insufflation using a nasal cannula significantly reduced symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea. The treatment, known as TNI, delivered warm, humidified air at a high flow rate, showing marked improvements in patients with both mild and severe disorders.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 16, 2007

The gigantic respiration of crystalline solids

Gérard Férey and his team at Institut Lavoisier have discovered a new family of trivalent metal dicarboxylates with unprecedented respiration properties, exceeding 300% volume variation upon solvent immersion. These crystalline solids possess reversible respiration mechanism without apparent bond rupture.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateMar 31, 2007

Breathing problems during sleep increase risk of depression

Individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders are significantly more likely to develop depression, especially those with moderate or worse disorders. The study found a dose-response association between sleep-related breathing disorder and depression, suggesting a causal link between the conditions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 18, 2006

Mayo clinic discovers new type of sleep apnea

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a new type of sleep apnea called complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apneas. Complex sleep apnea patients often appear to have obstructive sleep apnea but do not fully respond to CPAP machines.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalSLEEP·DateSep 1, 2006

Abolish the term 'asthma'

A recent editorial in The Lancet suggests that asthma may not be a single disease entity but rather a collection of symptoms with varying triggers and responses. This conclusion is based on the lack of understanding about what triggers inflammation in the airways, leading to the condition.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 24, 2006

Vampire bats recognise their prey's breathing

In a study by Udo Groeger and Lutz Wiegrebe, vampire bats were taught to associate different human breathing patterns with cattle blood dispensers. The bats demonstrated the ability to recognize clips of humans breathing at rest and during physical strain, while human participants struggled to do so.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 16, 2006