Dr. Ferran Morell, head of the Pneumology group at Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), was awarded with one of the “Premios Mejores Ideas 2014”, by Diario Médico, for the discovery of one of the causes of the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The journal specialized in health also awarded a pioneer surgery carried out at the Vall d’Hebron Hospital and led by Dr. David García Dorado, head of the Cardiocirculatory Pathology group at VHIR. The research conducted by Dr. Morell determined that one of the main causes of the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the exposure of occult avian antigens from commonly used feather bedding (eiderdown and pillows), as well as the exposure to birds and fungi in little but persistent quantities. These surprising results, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, will help the prevention and early detection of this pathology, avoiding advanced stages.On the other hand, Dr. García Dorado coordinated a surgery on a 22 weeks’ pregnant woman, who suffered a congenital heart disease and was wearing a prosthesis that replaced the aortic valve. The prosthesis failed by the stress of the heart during the pregnancy, and consequently, she suffered heart failure and a severe stenosis that put her life and the fetus’ life at risk. The medical team successfully implemented an aortic prosthesis inside the prosthesis that she was already wearing, in order to repair it.  The Catalan national theater (TNC) hosted on Monday the XIII edition of these prizes that recognize outstanding institutions and professionals in the field of healthcare in the last year. Among the winners, the former responsible of the Alzheimer’s group at VHIR, Dr. Mercè Boada, was awarded for starting a phase III clinical trial that could modify the course of the disease and stop the cognitive impairment.