Respiratory News and Research

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New COVID variant NB.1.8.1 spreads across continents amid calls for vigilance

The Global Virus Network (GVN) is closely monitoring the emergence of a newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, NB.1.8.1, a sublineage of the Omicron family. This variant was first identified in January 2025 and has rapidly spread across Asia and into other regions, including parts of the United States.

6 Jun 2025

Alcohol and cabin pressure may harm heart health during flights

The combination of alcohol plus cabin pressure at cruising altitude may threaten sleeping plane passengers' heart health, particularly on long haul flights, suggests the first study of its kind, published online in the respiratory journal Thorax.

6 Jun 2025

Scientists identify genetic clues linking air pollution to neurodegeneration

This review highlights how air pollution and occupational inhalation exposures may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders by triggering epigenetic changes. The authors stress the urgent need for advanced research to identify early biomarkers and guide protective health strategies for high-risk populations.

6 Jun 2025

Breakthrough drug delivery system transports genetic therapies directly to the lungs

Scientists have made a key breakthrough for treating respiratory diseases by developing a new drug delivery system that transports genetic therapies directly to the lungs, opening promising possibilities for patients with conditions like lung cancer and cystic fibrosis.

5 Jun 2025

Teens who smoke or vape are more likely to use cannabis, study finds

German adolescents who use cigarettes or e-cigarettes are at higher risk for cannabis use, underscoring the need for effective school-based prevention programs.

5 Jun 2025

Early gut bacteria may help protect babies from respiratory infections

A baby's makeup of gut bacteria - their microbiome - which starts to form as soon as they are born, could help protect against viral infections later in childhood, a new study suggests.

5 Jun 2025

AI-designed drug shows early promise for lung fibrosis patients in clinical trial

Researchers report that rentosertib, an AI-discovered TNIK inhibitor, showed promising safety and potential to improve lung function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a 12-week phase 2a clinical trial. The highest dose group demonstrated a trend toward increased forced vital capacity, especially among patients not receiving standard antifibrotic therapy, supporting further clinical investigation.

4 Jun 2025

Researchers warn of bird flu survival in raw milk

The stability of H5N1 in unpasteurized milk poses potential health risks. Study findings emphasize the need for awareness among consumers and dairy workers.

4 Jun 2025

Scientists explain how eating a rainbow of foods lowers your risk for chronic illness

Consuming a variety of flavonoid-rich foods can lower all-cause mortality and chronic disease risks, emphasizing the importance of dietary diversity.

4 Jun 2025

Emerging bat viruses closely related to MERS show potential to jump to humans

A group of bat viruses closely related to the deadly Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) could be one small mutation away from being capable of spilling over into human populations and potentially causing the next pandemic.

4 Jun 2025

New mouse model sheds light on smell loss and neural regeneration

A new study suggests that stem cells thought to be dormant may offer clues to why our sense of smell declines or is lost.

3 Jun 2025

Maternal obesity linked to children's heightened risk of infection-related hospitalizations

Children born to mothers who are very obese with a BMI of 35 or higher are at heightened risk of being admitted to hospital for an infection, finds a long term study published in the open access journal BMJ Medicine.

3 Jun 2025

Real world data confirms effectiveness of nirsevimab in young infants with bronchiolitis

A single dose of the long-acting antibody nirsevimab developed to prevent respiratory syncytial virus infections (The drug has been approved at the European level to protect infants in their first season of exposure to the virus) to infants can halve hospitalizations for bronchiolitis.

3 Jun 2025

Fine particulate matter exposure may alter pregnancy outcomes

A new study by Emory University researchers, published Thursday in Environmental Science & Technology, found that exposure to the tiny particles in air pollution during pregnancy can disrupt maternal metabolisms, altering key biological pathways.

3 Jun 2025

Study uncovers how exposure to PM2.5 air pollutants causes airway dysfunction

Air pollution is the second leading risk factor for death globally, with most of the world population subject to harmful air pollutant levels. However, the mechanisms behind air pollution affecting human health and mortality remain poorly understood, leaving treatment strategies unknown.

3 Jun 2025

Gaps in surveillance leave European children at risk of acute flaccid myelitis

European researchers surveyed 28 countries and found acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) remains underreported, with only Norway maintaining dedicated surveillance. Most AFM cases coincided with years of high enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) circulation, highlighting gaps in monitoring and preparedness.

2 Jun 2025