Breathing Easier (IMAGE) University of Chicago Caption Ka Yee Lee, associate professor in chemistry at the University of Chicago, and her associates study the characteristics of lung surfactant, a microscopically thin membrane that facilitates breathing. Credit Photo by Beth Rooney. Usage Restrictions This image may be used by news organizations in reports describing the research of Ka Yee Lee and her associates. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.