A potential culprit for long COVID – the immune system

+ what are muscle knots? US Edition - Today's top story: Long COVID-19 and other chronic respiratory conditions after viral infections may stem from an overactive immune response in the lungs [View in browser]( US Edition | 4 August 2022 [The Conversation]( Long COVID-19 has been described as the “pandemic after the pandemic,” with around 1 in 5 adults experiencing chronic symptoms after an infection – numbering to tens of millions suffering respiratory, cognitive and neurological impairments that can affect their daily life. Researchers are still learning why the condition develops. Some, like immunologist Harish Narasimhan and his colleagues in the Sun Lab at the University of Virginia, [point to the potential role of the immune system]( itself. Narasimhan and his team conducted a review on what’s currently known about chronic symptoms that persist after viral respiratory infections like COVID-19, the flu and the common cold. They found that while a strong immune response may be indispensable to flushing out an invading virus, an overactive immune system that rages on in the lungs long after the fight is over can lead to more damage than good. Also today: - [The US policy that led to deadlier US-Mexico crossings]( - [How religions wrestled with the bombing of Hiroshima]( - [What Chinese Americans think of Pelosi’s Taiwan visit]( Vivian Lam Assistant Health and Biomedicine Editor The immune system usually stays dormant in the lungs in times of health. wildpixel/iStock via Getty Images [Long COVID-19 and other chronic respiratory conditions after viral infections may stem from an overactive immune response in the lungs]( Harish Narasimhan, University of Virginia While a strong immune response is essential to fight against viral infection, an immune system that continues to stay active long after the virus has been cleared can lead to lung damage. Politics + Society - [Crossing the US-Mexico border is deadlier than ever for migrants – here’s why]( Joseph Nevins, Vassar College A 1994 US policy was supposed to deter migration by securing popular access points. Instead, it drives people to enter the US by more hazardous means, such as being crammed in hot tractor-trailers. - [Kansas vote for abortion rights highlights disconnect between majority opinion on abortion laws and restrictive state laws being passed after Supreme Court decision]( Matthew A Baum, Harvard Kennedy School; Alauna Safarpour, Harvard Kennedy School; Kristin Lunz Trujillo, Harvard Kennedy School Justice Samuel Alito said that abortion policy crafted by elected representatives in the states would be more responsive to what constituents want than federal protection of the right. He was wrong. - [Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan visit sparked international tension, but isn’t likely to shake up her popularity with Chinese American voters at home in San Francisco]( Jonathan H. X. Lee, San Francisco State University While Chinese American voters are not a homogeneous group, many people who have ancestral ties to the region are unlikely to question their support for Nancy Pelosi just because of her Taiwan trip. Science + Technology - [Illuminating the brain one neuron and synapse at a time – 5 essential reads about how researchers are using new tools to map its structure and function]( Vivian Lam, The Conversation From figuring out where memories are stored to how sensory information translates to behavior, new technologies are helping neuroscientists better understand how the brain works. Economy + Business - [Inflation rates are rising in the US – an economist explains why]( Martha Olney, University of California, Berkeley Rising inflation rates due to supply-side factors – COVID-19, Ukraine and supply chain shortages – make countering inflation difficult for the central bank. - [China has a new global development initiative, but who will actually benefit from it?]( Amitrajeet A. Batabyal, Rochester Institute of Technology This global initiative advanced by the Chinese government lacks much-needed transparency and specific strategies. Health + Medicine - [The US government’s call for deep nicotine reduction in cigarettes could save millions of lives – an expert who studies tobacco addiction explains]( Jonathan Foulds, Penn State The proposed standard would lower the nicotine content in cigarettes and cigars by 95% – a public health proposal that could prevent millions from becoming smokers in the first place. - [What are muscle knots? An exercise physiologist explains what those tight little lumps are and how to get rid of them]( Zachary Gillen, Mississippi State University Researchers are still trying to figure out exactly what happens within muscle to create knots, also known as myofascial trigger points. But they do know some ways you can avoid or alleviate them. Environment + Energy - [Who benefits from renewable energy subsidies? In Texas, it’s often fossil fuel companies that are fighting clean energy elsewhere]( Nathan Jensen, The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts; Isabella Steinhauer, The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts While Congress considers new renewable energy incentives, Texas’ sprawling wind farms tell a story about renewable energy ownership in the US – and who benefits from subsidies. Ethics + Religion - [Atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki left survivors wrestling with spiritual questions – here’s how Buddhists and Catholics responded]( Yuki Miyamoto, DePaul University As Japanese victims struggled to process the nuclear attack, many turned to religion. The way they understood the horror still has consequences today. Arts + Culture - [Handwriting a diary may feel old fashioned, but it offers insights that digital diaries just can’t match]( Paula Vene Smith, Grinnell College As material objects, diaries give scholars an intimate look into their subjects’ lives, including handwriting and mementos. What if diaries in the future are nothing but insubstantial digital ghosts? Trending on site - [The story behind ‘Star Trek’ actress Nichelle Nichols’ iconic interracial kiss]( - [Russians reportedly building a satellite-blinding laser – an expert explains the technology]( - [Fueled by virtually unrestricted social media access, white nationalism is on the rise and attracting violent young white men]( Today's graphic [A bar chart showing inflation in Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia/New Zealand every six months from June 2019 to June 2022.]( From the story, [Inflation is spiking around the world – not just in the United States]( - - About The Conversation: We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to [helping academic experts share ideas with the public](. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. 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