Cystic fibrosis breakthrough points to zinc as infection buster

Zinc has been found to be important in keeping lung infections at bay in people with cystic fibrosis, whose immune cell’s natural bacteria-fighting ability has been reduced by the genetic mutation that causes the disease. The discovery could result in … Continue reading Cystic fibrosis breakthrough points to zinc as infection buster

COPD improved by tweaks to microbiome via fecal transplant or diet

Improving the health of the gut microbiome by way of fecal transplant (in mice) and dietary modification (in humans), has been shown by researchers to noticeably improve COPD symptoms. The finding could lead to microbiome-targeted treatments that provi… Continue reading COPD improved by tweaks to microbiome via fecal transplant or diet

RSV found to infect nerve cells & may cause inflammatory nerve damage

Thought only to infect the respiratory tract, new research has proved for the first time that the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), very common in young children, can also penetrate nerve cells directly, triggering excessive inflammation and potential… Continue reading RSV found to infect nerve cells & may cause inflammatory nerve damage

New COVID variants better infect lungs, could cause more severe disease

A newly published study from researchers at Ohio State University has found the recently emerged BA.2.86 variant of SARS-CoV-2 has a greater propensity for infecting certain lung cells than any prior Omicron variant. The research suggests BA.2.86 could… Continue reading New COVID variants better infect lungs, could cause more severe disease

Tiny biobots made from human cells promote neuron growth without DNA mods

Researchers have used human tracheal cells to create tiny biological robots that can move on their own and work together to encourage healing in damaged neurons without requiring genetic modifications. The tiny bots have the potential to transform rege… Continue reading Tiny biobots made from human cells promote neuron growth without DNA mods

Move over long COVID, ‘long colds’ are a thing, too

A new study has found that people with non-COVID respiratory infections such as colds, flu, and pneumonia can suffer from ‘long’ symptoms that persist well beyond the acute infection stage. The findings increase awareness about the existence of long-la… Continue reading Move over long COVID, ‘long colds’ are a thing, too

Vaping with or without nicotine freezes frontline immune cells

A new study has found that even moderate exposure to nicotine-free vapor from e-cigarettes can literally stop neutrophils, the body’s frontline immune cells, in their tracks, reducing their ability to fight off foreign invaders. The researchers say the… Continue reading Vaping with or without nicotine freezes frontline immune cells

Lung immune cells “trained” to remove debris that causes inflammation

Researchers have discovered that lung-based immune cells can be “trained” to remember a previously encountered pathogen, making them more efficient at clearing out the cellular debris that accumulates during infection and reducing inflammation.Continue… Continue reading Lung immune cells “trained” to remove debris that causes inflammation