Respiratory News and Research

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Microplastics found to trigger cancer-linked changes in lung cells

Although the respiratory system is one of the main entry points for microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) from the air into the body, little is known about the effects of these tiny particles on the lungs.

15 Jul 2025

Light-activated drug discovery identifies broad-spectrum antivirals

UC Santa Barbara researchers and collaborators from campus biotech spinoff Integrated Biosciences, as well as Harvard, MIT and genomics company Illumina Ventures are using optogenetics - the use of light to probe the functions of living tissue - to find compounds to help our bodies more effectively help themselves in times of physiological stress.

15 Jul 2025

Long sitting hours raise breast cancer odds for inactive obese women

Prolonged daily sitting is linked to a higher prevalence of breast cancer in obese women, but only among those who are physically inactive. Regular physical activity eliminates this association, highlighting the importance of movement for breast cancer prevention in high-risk groups.

15 Jul 2025

Early antibiotic exposure weakens infant immune development

A new study led by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) found that early-life exposure to antibiotics can impair an infant's developing immune system, and that a naturally occurring metabolite may hold the key to reversing that damage.

14 Jul 2025

How five months in Tibet changed the heart and lungs of Beijing workers

Long-term exposure to very high altitude significantly reduces cardiopulmonary function in healthy adults from lowland regions, as shown by declines in aerobic capacity and efficiency after five months in Lhasa, China.

13 Jul 2025

Mapping how major organs communicate during physiological stress in humans

How major organs work together to manage extreme physiological stresses such as lack of oxygen and sleep has been mapped for the first time by researchers from UCL and the University of Portsmouth.

12 Jul 2025

Therapeutic potential of houttuynia cordata polysaccharide in H1N1 and MRSA-induced acute pneumonia

This new article publication from Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B, discusses how an anti-complement homogeneous polysaccharide from Houttuynia cordata ameliorates acute pneumonia with H1N1 and MRSA coinfection through rectifying Treg/Th17 imbalance in the gut–lung axis and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

12 Jul 2025

TMP-SMX in early pregnancy increases risk of birth defects, new study shows

A large US cohort study found that using trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for UTI in the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of congenital malformations compared to β-lactam antibiotics. No increased risk was seen with nitrofurantoin or fluoroquinolones.

10 Jul 2025

New model can accurately predict lung motion during breathing

A research team led by Prof. LI Hai from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed a new model that can accurately predict lung motion caused by breathing, offering safer and more precise options for lung biopsies and radiotherapy.

10 Jul 2025

Early skin-to-skin contact boosts breastfeeding in premature babies

More premature babies who had early skin-to-skin contact with their mother were being breastfed at the time of discharge from hospital and for up to one year afterwards. However, this is far from the only benefit.

10 Jul 2025

Does soup really work when you’re down with cold or flu?

A systematic review found that chicken-based and vegetable-enriched soups may modestly reduce the severity and duration of acute respiratory tract infections. However, stronger evidence is needed before soup can be recommended as a clinical treatment.

10 Jul 2025

FDA-approved drugs can help enhance the safety of nanomedicines

An international study led by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has identified a promising strategy to enhance the safety of nanomedicines, advanced therapies often used in cancer and vaccine treatments, by using drugs already approved by the FDA for unrelated conditions.

9 Jul 2025

ECDC warns of ongoing diphtheria spread among vulnerable populations

Despite a steady decline in reported cases following a large outbreak in 2022, diphtheria is still being reported in Europe, with the number of cases higher than before 2020.

9 Jul 2025

Vaping linked to higher COPD risk, meta-analysis finds

A comprehensive meta-analysis of over 4.3 million adults shows e-cigarette use is associated with significantly higher odds of developing COPD. The risk persists even after adjusting for smoking history, with former users at even greater risk than current users.

8 Jul 2025

Tiny nanobody shows big promise in fighting Nipah and Hendra viruses

Researchers have discovered a strategy to neutralize two highly lethal viruses for which there is currently no approved vaccine or cure.

8 Jul 2025

Lasting COVID-19 vulnerability in childhood cancer survivors

The study finds childhood cancer survivors at higher risk for severe COVID-19, stressing the importance of tailored interventions for vulnerable populations.

8 Jul 2025

Flavonoid diversity, not just quantity, drives better health outcomes

This study reveals that diverse flavonoid intake is crucial for lowering chronic disease risk and mortality, advocating for a varied diet rich in flavonoids.

7 Jul 2025

Early exposure to plastics raises young children’s asthma risk

A large international study found that early-life exposure to phthalates, common chemicals in plastics, is modestly associated with increased risks of asthma, wheeze, and rhinitis in children under five. No consistent associations were found for bisphenols, and effects were generally small.

6 Jul 2025

Study uncovers the molecular evolutionary strategies of the OxPhos system

Mitochondria are the body's "energy factories," and their proper function is essential for life. Inside mitochondria, a set of complexes called the oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) system acts like a biochemical assembly line, transforming oxygen and nutrients into usable energy.

4 Jul 2025

AI transforms healthcare for faster, smarter care in emergency crises

AI technologies are transforming humanitarian healthcare, enhancing crisis response with improved decision-making, resource allocation, and timely aid delivery.

4 Jul 2025