Thread by @VirusesImmunity

As we approach the cold winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, I want to share these movies of mucociliary clearance (MCC) in the trachea of mice housed at 10% vs. 50% relative humidity (RH). Captured by @ericsongg (1/n)

This is MCC at 50% RH 👇🏽

And here is MCC of mice kept at 10% RH 👇🏽

For more, please read our original paper.

pnas.org/content/116/22…
(2/n)

MCC is a key mechanism of removal of inhaled particles, including viruses and bacteria. It is a primary defense mechanism of the respiratory tract. The dry air dehydrates the mucus and periciliary layer, impairing MCC. (3/n)

annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.114…

The impact of humidity on MCC is quite striking 👆🏽 Indoor RH during winter can drop dangerously low. Let’s humidify our homes. As for public buildings, please sign our petition to the WHO to set guidance on humidity to combat respiratory infection. (End)

40to60rh.com