However, they said the operation could still help to improve the lives of many people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

BBC: Doctors back 'controversial' operation

Trained dogs were asked to sniff out a study group that included lung cancer patients, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, and healthy volunteers.

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But in conditions such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the "brush" fails to work properly, they suggest, becoming squashed and trapping mucus, which then becomes stuck to cells.

BBC: 'Brush' offers clues to fighting lung disease

Professor Danny McAuley from the Centre for Infection and Immunity, a partner in developing the new nanomedicine, said that, if successful, this nanomedicine could also have application in other common lung disorders such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Cystic Fibrosis.

BBC: lungs

Despite the plateau in smoking rates in men in the 1980s and their subsequent decrease, men still have an increased risk of death due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

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The University of Colorado researchers are studying molecular mechanisms of normal acclimatization in healthy people to gain new treatment ideas for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, a common lung disease.

WSJ: Mayo Clinic Researchers on Everest Study High Altitude's Effects on the Body