Researchers have found a compound that blocks the production of excessive mucus, which could point the way to better treatments for asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis and other diseases. Mucus, a thick fluid produced by mucus membranes, moistens and protects areas such as the digestive and nasal canals. Excess production of mucus in diseases such as asthma can block airways.Scientists working with asthmatic mice found that excess mucus production could be sharply reduced or eliminated using a peptide called MANS. It blocks the protein that causes the excess secretion.
