Australian researchers have discovered that multiple chemicals found in cigarette smoke and e-cigarettes alter the function of a key type of immune cell found in the lungs. The study, to be published January 17 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM), suggests that these alterations make cigarette smokers, and those exposed to second- and third-hand smoke, more susceptible to respiratory infections, and exacerbate smoking-related inflammatory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Qigong, a traditional Chinese practice combining gentle movements, breathing, and meditation, was assessed for its impact on biopsychosocial outcomes on veterans with chronic low back pain. The study measured pain intensity, disability, pain interference, sleep disturbance, PTSD, depression, anxiety, positive affect, and social roles. Findings showed significant improvements in pain-related outcomes and sleep disturbance in the qigong group compared to the control group. The study also found a significant connection between biological factors, such as inflammation markers, and psychosocial outcomes.

European consortium for Solving the Unsolved Rare Diseases demonstrates the significance of international collaboration to address the unmet medical needs on rare diseases’ diagnosis 

More than 500 European patients with unknown conditions have received a diagnosis through new genetic research. This includes patients with rare neurological disorders, severe intellectual disabilities, muscle diseases, and hereditary gastrointestinal cancer. These diagnoses were achieved through extensive European collaboration, led by researchers from the University of Tübingen, Radboud university medical center, and the National Center for Genomic Analysis in Barcelona.