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Exposure to air pollution associated with more hospital admissions for lower respiratory infections

Research found that long-term exposure to air pollutants like PM2.5, NO2, and ozone increases hospital admissions for lower respiratory tract infections in adults, particularly among men and people over 65. The study used a large cohort of adults from Catalonia and found stronger associations in these vulnerable groups.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2025

A new approach to detecting Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new method to detect Alzheimer's disease by analyzing changes in brain oxygenation dynamics and neuronal function. The study found that individuals with Alzheimer's disease exhibit altered respiratory frequency, which may be an early indicator of the condition.

SourceLancaster University·JournalBrain Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2025

International disease classification codes ambiguities create challenges in comparing respiratory infection diagnosis

Researchers identified regional differences in how ICD codes were applied, with some codes being used interchangeably for different conditions. The study highlights the need to address variation in physician coding practices to ensure accurate comparisons and avoid false conclusions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 27, 2025

Optical imaging technique offers more precise diagnosis of sleep apnea

A recent study has explored a new imaging approach that uses swept-source optical coherence tomography to visualize the upper airway with high precision. By integrating computational fluid dynamics, researchers were able to identify areas of turbulence and pinpoint obstruction sites, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment pla...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateJan 7, 2025

Emergency department physicians vary widely in their likelihood of hospitalizing a patient, even within the same facility

A new study found that emergency department physicians differ in their likelihood of hospitalizing patients, with those who admit more patients being discharged sooner but not less likely to die. The study suggests that differences in physician decision-making drive these variations, rather than patient health.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 23, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal review provides insights into respiratory syncytial virus

Researchers provide comprehensive review of RSV's virology, clinical impact, and prevention strategies, emphasizing the need for effective vaccines to mitigate this critical health need. The review highlights RSV's severe impact on infants, children, and older adults, as well as its potential effects on multiple organs and systems.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 20, 2024

Breathing coordinates brain rhythms for memory consolidation during sleep

A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that breathing rhythms coordinate hippocampal brain waves during sleep, strengthening memory consolidation. This synchronization is critical for proper memory formation and retrieval, with implications for treating disordered breathing during sleep, such as sleep apnea.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2024

Secret of the female orgasm uncovered by psychologists

A study by University of Essex researchers found that women who notice and attend to internal bodily signals, such as heartbeats and sensual touch sensations, experience more frequent orgasms. The research suggests that focusing on the body rather than the mind can lead to increased orgasm satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalBrain Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2024

Peer support could help millions with sleep apnea slumber easier, study says

A University of Arizona Health Sciences study found that peer support intervention improved CPAP adherence and patient satisfaction among 263 sleep apnea patients. The study showed that participants who received peer support used the CPAP machine correctly and consistently, averaging 4.5 hours of use per night, compared to those withou...

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 4, 2024

People who use vapes as well as cigarettes are less likely to quit and often switch to just smoking

Research reveals that people who use both vapes and cigarettes are less likely to quit smoking compared to those who only smoke or vape. Dual users tend to revert to only smoking cigarettes over time. The study suggests that taking up vaping while continuing to smoke will not help people stop smoking.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalERJ Open Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 3, 2024

Survey of 12 European countries reveals the best and worst for smoke-free homes

A major European survey found that seven out of ten homes are smoke-free, with countries like England and Ireland scoring high. In contrast, Greece and Romania have more than half of their homes allowing smoking. The researchers highlight the need for stronger tobacco control measures to protect children and adults from second-hand smoke.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalERJ Open Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 27, 2024

Photodynamic therapy with annatto colorant found to be effective against bad breath

A study published in PLOS ONE found that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using annatto colorant was effective in treating halitosis in mouth-breathing children. The researchers used a LED light source to target the annatto, which generated reactive oxygen species that killed bacteria on the tongue, leading to improved oral health.

Genomic surveillance studies reveal circulation of multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales in Europe

Two studies found that multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales, particularly Escherichia coli ST131 and Providencia stuartii NDM-1, are spreading in healthcare and community settings across Europe. The emergence of these resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to carbapenem treatment effectiveness.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

Neuroscientists discover how the brain slows anxious breathing

Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a specific brain circuit responsible for slowing anxious breathing, connecting the frontal cortex to the brainstem. This discovery may offer a scientific explanation for the beneficial effects of practices like yoga and mindfulness on alleviating negative emotions and could lead to the devel...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 19, 2024

Rainforest protection reduces the number of respiratory diseases

A study by the University of Bonn and Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais shows that forest protection measures significantly reduce particulate matter in the air, leading to a decrease in hospital stays and deaths due to respiratory diseases. Protective measures are estimated to save around 680 human lives per year.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2024

Asthma and fine particulate matter

A new meta-analysis suggests that almost a third of asthma cases are attributable to long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), with significant health impacts on children and adults. The study highlights the urgent need for policymakers to combat air pollution through stringent legislation.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemistry·JournalOne Earth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2024

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

Increase in air pollution corresponds with more patients at the hospital emergency department

Research finds that increases in air pollution levels correspond with a higher number of patients visiting the hospital emergency department, particularly for cases of trauma, breathing difficulties, and skin conditions. The study suggests that heavy traffic is directly responsible for increased trauma cases and indirectly contributes ...

Can adrenaline auto-injectors prevent fatal anaphylaxis?

A recent review published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy suggests that intravenous adrenaline infusions can prevent fatal anaphylaxis, but adrenaline autoinjectors may have little impact in such deadly cases. Fatal anaphylaxis is rare, with a population incidence of 0.03–0.51 per million per year.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·DateOct 9, 2024

In rats, intrauterine exposure to cannabinoid affected cardiorespiratory function and sleep quality in adulthood

Researchers found that prenatal exposure to synthetic cannabinoid led to cardiovascular problems in female rats and increased respiratory sensitivity to carbon dioxide in male rats. Sleep quality also deteriorated in both sexes, with males experiencing sleep fragmentation due to frequent wakefulness episodes.

USC-Caltech team tests new noninvasive tool to predict stroke risk

A team of researchers from USC and Caltech developed a new noninvasive tool to measure brain blood pressure, assessing stroke risk through changes in blood flow and volume during a stress test. The affordable, portable device has the potential to transform stroke care by providing more reliable data than existing questionnaires.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2024