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Researchers identify neural circuitry responsible for rousing the brain during sleep apnea

A common and potentially serious sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea affects at least one-quarter of U.S. adults and is linked to increased risk of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. In a paper published today in the journal Neuron, researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified specific neural circuitry responsible for rousing the brain of mice in simulated apnea conditions.

2 Nov 2017

UW study shows link between toxic air and psychological distress

There is little debate over the link between air pollution and the human respiratory system: Research shows that dirty air can impair breathing and aggravate various lung diseases. Other potential effects are being investigated, too, as scientists examine connections between toxic air and obesity, diabetes and dementia.

2 Nov 2017

Humans not as exceptional in using brain power as we like to think

For years, scientists assumed that humans devote a larger share of their daily calories to their brains than other animals. Although the human brain makes up only 2 percent of body weight, it consumes more than 25 percent of our baseline energy budget.

1 Nov 2017

Hot flashes, night sweats in middle-aged women may be linked to high risk of obstructive sleep apnea

In a new study published today in Menopause, researchers have found that the hot flashes and night sweats faced by upward of 80 percent of middle-aged women may be linked to an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

1 Nov 2017

Drexel researchers pinpoint new targets for treating chronic lung disease in premature infants

Researchers at Drexel University have revealed that inhibiting the micro-RNA miR-34a significantly reduces bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in mice.

27 Oct 2017

New research may protect Navy divers from oxygen toxicity in the deep

Special Operations divers like Navy SEALs take on life-threatening risks such as enemy combatants and harsh environments. But another hazard is silent and unseen -- oxygen toxicity, the result of breathing lethal levels of oxygen that occur at depth and pressure.

26 Oct 2017

Developmental abnormality discovered in babies linked to SIDS

International research involving the University of Adelaide has uncovered a developmental abnormality in babies - especially in premature babies and in boys - that for the first time has been directly linked to cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

25 Oct 2017

New ‘compressed sensing’ technology could reduce MRI scan times

Patients who have to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging scan may be spared the ordeal of having to lie still in the scanner for up to 45 minutes, thanks to new technology patented by Rice University, also known as "compressed sensing" technology.

24 Oct 2017

Pollutant from forest and crop fires induces genetic damage in human lung cells

When exposed in a laboratory to pollution levels comparable to those found in the atmosphere of the Amazon region during the forest and crop burning season, human lung cells suffer severe DNA damage and stop dividing. After 72 hours of exposure, over 30% of the cultured cells are dead.

24 Oct 2017

Yoga can be beneficial to people with lung cancer and their caregivers

In a feasibility trial of people with advanced lung cancer receiving radiation therapy, and their caregivers, yoga was beneficial to both parties. These findings will be presented at the upcoming 2017 Palliative and Supportive Care in Oncology Symposium in San Diego, California.

24 Oct 2017

Study discovers new genetic risk loci linked to children's food allergies

What role do genes play in egg, milk, and nut allergies? A study published in Nature Communications, led by the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, has found five genetic risk loci that point to the importance of skin and mucous membrane barriers and the immune system in the development of food allergies.

24 Oct 2017

Pharmacological stimulation of nicotinic receptor could be strategy to treat lung inflammation

It has been amply proven that smoking can cause serious diseases such as emphysema and cancer. A new study, however, shows that pharmacological stimulation of a specific type of nicotinic receptor in cells of the immune system could be a strategy to treat inflammatory lung disease.

20 Oct 2017

AASM’s new position statement describes clinical use of home sleep apnea test

A new position statement published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) describes the appropriate clinical use of a home sleep apnea test (HSAT).

13 Oct 2017

Phase 3 clinical trial for compound that shows promise in treatment of Rett syndrome

Rettsyndrome.org is pleased to share that Neuren Pharmaceuticals, today, after meeting with the FDA, will conduct a Phase 3 clinical trial for trofinetide, a compound that shows great promise in the treatment of Rett syndrome, in children and adults.

13 Oct 2017

Study examines respiratory function and exercise ability in obese children

A study underway at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine is investigating the respiratory effects of obesity in children, including obese children who may be misdiagnosed with asthma.

11 Oct 2017

New project to seek answers for effects of alcohol on the nervous system

When a drink at the local watering hole turns into five or six, what are the effects on our brains and hearts? How does too much to drink affect how we sleep? How does binge drinking affect blood pressure for people who drink socially but not usually to excess? Do women's bodies process alcohol differently depending on stages of their menstrual cycles?

11 Oct 2017

Tai Chi may improve exercise behaviors in high-risk heart attack patients

The slow and gentle movements of Tai Chi hold promise as an alternative exercise option for patients who decline traditional cardiac rehabilitation, according to preliminary research in Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

11 Oct 2017

Implantable device receives FDA approval as treatment option for central sleep apnea

A device serving as a new treatment option for moderate to severe central sleep apnea has been approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

9 Oct 2017

Limiting damage after donation could reduce discard rate of organs, study shows

A new study indicates that many donated organs that are discarded might be suitable for transplantation if certain steps are taken to limit damage following donation. The findings appear in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

9 Oct 2017

FDA approves new treatment option for patients with moderate to severe central sleep apnea

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved a new treatment option for patients who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe central sleep apnea.

9 Oct 2017