News

DSP Gene in COPD May Limit Ability of Lung Cells to Repair Injuries

Using the gene-editing technology CRISPR, a team led by scientists at Boston University has shown that several genes previously associated with susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect the development of lung cells. The results specifically suggest that, in COPD, increased expression or activity of a gene called…

PEP Buddy Device Available Soon for Preventing Shortness of Breath

Researchers have developed a device to prevent shortness of breath in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chronic lung conditions. When breathing through the hands-free device, called PEP Buddy, the user’s exhales are prolonged, resulting in slower breathing rates and preventing breathlessness. “There are many…

Discovery of CMA-1 Enzyme May Lead to New Treatment for COPD

Scientists say the discovery of a triggering enzyme in the lung tissue of people with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could lead to a new treatment for the inflammatory disorder. Elevated levels of the newly uncovered enzyme, called chymase-1 or CMA-1, were found in tissue isolated from the lungs…

New Virtual Management Platform Seeks to Cut Hospital Readmissions

Wellinks is investigating whether its chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) virtual management program — which offers health coaching, lung rehabilitation, and monitoring through connected devices and a mobile app — can reduce hospital readmission among people with COPD. To test the platform, the healthcare company has teamed up with…

New Soft, Wearable Stethoscope May Make It Easier to Detect COPD

Scientists have developed a soft, wearable stethoscope that could make it easier to detect lung abnormalities that are indicative of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The new device was described in a study, “Fully portable continuous real-time auscultation with a soft wearable stethoscope designed for automated…

Poor Sleep Quality Linked to COPD Flare-ups in US Study

Poor sleep significantly increased the risk of disease flare-ups in current or former smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a study found. “Sleep has not been extensively studied as a modifier of COPD outcomes,” Marishka Brown, PhD, director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) National…