From basic physiology to clinical research

The Dyspnea Lab at Harvard (Headed by Bob Banzett and Bob Lansing)  worked for more than 3 decades to discover the basic neural mechanisms  underlying the symptom of dyspnea (shortness of breath, breathlessness).  We utilized methods from respiratory physiology, experimental  psychology, and neuroscience. Using pharmacological interventions,  clinical lesions, and functional brain imaging we defined neural  pathways and brain regions subserving dyspnea.  We went on to improve measurement of dyspnea, and to apply what we had learned to clinical investigation.  

(Disclaimer - this website emphasizes the significant contributions of the Dyspnea Lab, but we could not have done so much without the terrific work of the many scientists who went before us and beside us.  They are generally not cited on this website, but they are cited in our published papers.)

March 2024: Although the lab is closed now, we are rebuilding this  website to include summaries of our work, links to our papers, and  educational videos. This site will continue to grow throughout the year.  Please check back later.  Our comprehensive review of Air Hunger is now available in free PMC form.  CLICK HERE

Join us for Dyspnea 2026 in Lund, Sweden!   This is a 2 1/2 – day international scientific meeting for  physiologists, psychologists, neuroscientists, and clinicians with an  interest in dyspnea research.  Visit https://dyspneasociety.org/index.html for more info.

 The  image shown in the header is the first functional brain image of  dyspnea. Dyspnea is a perceived sensation, thus it must be sited somewhere in the cerebral cortex.  Prior to this image we had no idea where in the cortex dyspnea  is perceived.  The main activation found was in the right anterior insula, a location also important to perception of pain, thirst, and hunger. 

(Banzett, Adams et al Neuroreport 2000)