A new position statement emphasizes that sleep is a biological necessity, and insufficient sleep and untreated sleep disorders are detrimental for health, well-being, and public safety. Source
Gene profile in blood predicts risk of poor outcomes, death for patients with COVID-19
A previously validated blood gene profile that predicts idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis mortality was repurposed to assess the likelihood of COVID-19 survival, a new study reports, Source
Common antibiotic found useful in accelerating recovery in tuberculosis patients
Researchers have discovered that the use of a common antibiotic, doxycycline, in combination with TB drug treatment, reduces the size of lung cavities and accelerates markers of lung recovery. This was done in a trial with 30 pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Source
‘Nanodecoy’ therapy binds and neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 virus
Nanodecoys made from human lung spheroid cells (LSCs) can bind to and neutralize SARS-CoV-2, promoting viral clearance and reducing lung injury in a macaque model of COVID-19. By mimicking the receptor that the virus binds to rather than targeting the virus itself, nanodecoy therapy could remain effective against emerging variants of the virus. Source
Cell death discovery could lead to new treatment for COPD
Inhibiting necroptosis, a form of cell death, could yield a new treatment approach for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an inflammatory lung condition also known as emphysema, new research shows. The study revealed elevated levels of necroptosis in patients with COPD. By inhibiting necroptosis activity in the lung tissue of COPD patients the researchers found a significant reduction in chronic airway inflammation and lung damage. Source
Stress during pandemic linked to poor sleep
A study found that stress, anxiety and depression during the first few weeks of the pandemic were associated with less and lower quality sleep. In a survey of more than 900 twins, about half of the respondents reported no change in sleep patterns, but 32.9 percent reported decreased sleep. Another 29.8 percent reported sleeping more. The researchers found that any change in sleep was connected to self-reported mental health issues, though more strongly associated with decreased sleep. Source
Common lung infection in infants has different subtypes with differing asthma risks
New research indicates that there are four molecular subtypes of bronchiolitis — the most common lung infection in infants. Children with different subtypes face different risks of later developing asthma. Source
Compound blocks SARS-CoV-2 and protects lung cells, study finds
Researchers report that Elovanoids, bioactive chemical messengers made from omega-3 very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, may block the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering cells and protect the air cells (alveoli) of the lung. Source
Having trouble falling asleep predicts cognitive impairment in later life
A study of nearly 2,500 adults found that having trouble falling asleep, as compared to other patterns of insomnia, was the main insomnia symptom that predicted cognitive impairment 14 years later. Source
Persistent insomnia symptoms since childhood associated with mood, anxiety disorders
A 15-year longitudinal study shows that childhood insomnia symptoms that persist into adulthood are strong determinants of mood and anxiety disorders in young adults. Source