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Sex matters when it comes to immune responses against infection and disease, study shows

A University of Alberta-led study found that anemia can generate different immune responses in males versus females, making females more prone to infections. The research highlights the importance of considering sex as a variable in prevention, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies for immune-related conditions.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateOct 12, 2021

Chemical probe created to better understand immune response

Researchers have developed a new sensor that can detect chemical changes in immune cells during the breakdown of pathogens. The breakthrough could lead to early diagnosis and better treatment of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, which claims about 1.5 million lives annually.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

Alzheimer’s and COVID-19 share a genetic risk factor

A UCL-led research team has identified an anti-viral gene that increases the risk of both Alzheimer's disease and severe Covid-19. The study found that a specific variant of the OAS1 gene amplifies inflammation in the brain, highlighting the importance of the immune system in both conditions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Study questions popular COVID test, proposes new marker of disease severity

Researchers found that asymptomatic patients may not produce significant IgG antibodies, but rather a different kind of antibody count that can indicate disease severity. The study suggests using the ratio of these two counts as a marker to determine if a person has had COVID-19.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalViruses·DateOct 7, 2021

Cachexia: How do immune responses contribute to weight loss?

Cachexia is characterized by weight loss and muscle tissue shrinkage, driven by the immune system's response to chronic infections and diseases. Researchers from CeMM emphasize the need for more research into cachexia, highlighting the importance of interplay between the immune system and metabolism.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 5, 2021

More memory B cells exist in those fully vaccinated with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, study says

A study by University of Minnesota Medical School researchers found that fully vaccinated individuals with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection have a stronger immune response, producing more memory B cells. This increased immune response may reduce the risk of breakthrough infections and potentially fewer doses needed for booster shots.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 4, 2021

Finding better ways to deliver medicine in the body

University of Delaware chemical engineer Catherine Fromen aims to improve the delivery of therapeutic medicines to the body by studying how they interact with mucosal interfaces. Her research focuses on designing medicines that can overcome natural defenses in the lungs and gut, with potential applications for diseases such as lung can...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 4, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Details behind kidney transplant recipients’ immune response to the virus that causes COVID-19

Research provides insights on immune responses of kidney transplant recipients following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found that production of IgG antibodies against the virus was delayed in these individuals, but their IgM and IgA responses were similar to those observed in non-transplant individuals.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 1, 2021

For unvaccinated, reinfection by SARS-CoV-2 is likely

A study suggests that immunity from natural infection is short-lived and can wane over time, increasing the risk of reinfection. This could lead to a shift in the disease's progression from pandemic to endemic, making vaccination crucial for those who have been naturally infected.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateOct 1, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Distinct immune response identified in the early phase of SARS CoV-2 infection

Researchers identified four immune markers that are elevated in SARS-CoV-2 patients in the early phase of infection but not in other viral infections. These findings could provide starting points for future therapeutic approaches and serve as comparative parameters for further studies on chronic COVID-19 forms.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateSep 21, 2021

Patients with multiple sclerosis show robust T-cell responses to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines

Researchers found that patients with MS receiving aCD20 treatment generated robust CD4 and CD8 T cell responses to the COVID-19 vaccination. The study measured both antibody and T cell responses in 20 patients with MS who were undergoing aCD20 treatment, compared to those in a group of healthy controls.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 16, 2021

Biologists identify new targets for cancer vaccines

MIT researchers have found that vaccinating against certain cancer proteins can boost the overall T cell response and help to shrink tumors in mice. The study identifies specific neoantigens that, when targeted with a vaccine, can reawaken dormant T cell populations and lead to tumor regression.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateSep 16, 2021

New findings on B cells may improve vaccine design

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that B cells choose between cell fates to balance acute and memory responses. This understanding could optimize vaccines against viruses or other pathogens.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

COVID-19 antibodies persist, reduce reinfection risk for up to six months, study finds

A Michigan Medicine study found that most patients with mild COVID-19 infections produce antibodies that persist and protect them from reinfection for up to six months. Nearly 90% of participants produced spike and nucleocapsid antibody responses, and all but one had persistent antibody levels at follow-up.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2021

Texas Heart Institute, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and 7 Hills Pharma pioneer significant vaccine research

Researchers have identified the potential of 7HP349 as an oral medication to strengthen the effectiveness of vaccines, particularly for populations that struggle with immunosuppression. The study suggests adding 7HP349 to standard vaccination can improve vaccine efficacy without reformulating the vaccine.

SourceTexas Heart Institute·Journalnpj Vaccines·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Impaired T cell function precedes loss of natural HIV control

A study found that the ability to lose control over HIV is linked to a decrease in proliferative and cytolytic ability of immune cells, years before actual virus loss. In contrast to other infections, T cell dysfunction here impairs their response only to HIV.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

Lasting immunity and protection from new single-shot, room-temperature stable COVID-19 vaccine

A novel gene-based COVID-19 vaccine leveraging an adeno-associated viral vector platform was highly effective in eliciting neutralizing antibody responses and cellular immunity from a single dose. The vaccine provided near-complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in nonhuman primates for at least 11 months.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

A gene that controls the severity of colon cancer

Researchers found that the gene TCF-1 regulates specific Treg cells, leading to more severe and inflammatory colon cancers. Without TCF-1, these cells become activated and gain a gut-homing feature, resulting in harsher cancer outcomes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeCase study·DateSep 8, 2021

Biological clue to why stressed out fruit flies die sooner

Researchers found that stressed fruit flies have the biggest change in their microbiome, suggesting a link between social stress, immunity, and longevity. The study used Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies and found sex- and age-specific variations in their microbiome composition.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateSep 8, 2021

How do pathogens evolve novel virulence activities and why does it matter?

Scientists are still unraveling how pathogens adapt to changing conditions, including climate change and global trade. Genome sequencing and big data technologies have revealed that dramatic events like hybridization between pathogen species can lead to rapid evolution of virulence on new host plants.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 7, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Long COVID ‘brain fog’: Neurocognitive tests to harmonise global methods

A UNSW psychology researcher recommends a set of neurocognitive and mental health questionnaires to harmonize the assessment of long COVID patients. These tests can be used internationally and in various cultural settings to address key questions about the problem, including brain fog and dementia risks.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 2, 2021

Novel mechanism links genetic defect in IBD patients to gut leakiness

A UC Riverside-led study identifies how loss-of-function mutations in the gene PTPN2 affect intestinal epithelial cells' ability to maintain a barrier. The researchers found that increased fluid loss and diarrhea are linked to the mutation, which can be reversed by treating cells with synthetic matriptase.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New study: Heat stress in dairy cows damages health of calves

A new study found that heat stress in pregnant dairy cows reduces fetal growth and influences the performance and immune development of offspring. Calves born to heat-stressed cows have lower birth weights, organ weights, and higher rates of cell death, suggesting compromised placental and fetal development.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2021

Immune response to COVID-19 may be proportional to illness severity, duration

A Rutgers study found that people with severe or prolonged COVID-19 have higher antibody levels against the virus. The study of 831 participants showed that immune responses vary by symptom severity, with those having persistent symptoms producing more antibodies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2021

Scientists decipher how neuro-immune interactions burn deep fat

Researchers uncover a neuro-immune process by which brain signals instruct immune function in visceral fat stores, providing new approaches for fighting obesity and related illness. The study identifies a critical mediator of neuro-immune communication, mesenchymal cells, and reveals the molecular messages exchanged across all steps.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature·DateAug 18, 2021

Russian scientists investigate the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers assessed effectiveness of T-cell immune response to 11 SARS-CoV-2 variants, identifying HLA gene variants with significantly changed virus peptides. The T-cell COVID-19 Atlas portal (T-CoV) provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the impact of viral mutations on immunity.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 15, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

A COVID-19 vaccine strategy to give the body ‘border protection’

A new research strategy enhances COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness by providing 'border protection' immunity in the nose, mouth and blood. The approach involves suppressing an enzyme that breaks down both pathogens and immune cells, resulting in a robust antibody response and improved protection against infections.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 remain stable, or even increase, seven months after infection

A study found that SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remained stable or increased in healthcare workers seven months after infection, indicating potential protection from pre-existing antibodies against common cold coronaviruses. The results suggest that individuals with higher levels of anti-HCoV IgG and IgA had lower susceptibility to COVID-19.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Researchers uncover a way to harness the power of immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer

Researchers have found a way to harness the power of immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer by targeting a protein called PIKfyve. Blocking PIKfyve with the inhibitor ESK981 has been shown to increase tumor death and recruit immune T cells, offering new hope for patients with this challenging form of cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

Off-target antibodies undermine HIV vaccine efforts

A recent study from Scripps Research found that proof-of-concept HIV vaccines generate off-target antibodies that degrade the vaccine's payload, hindering protection. The research provides critical insights for improving HIV subunit trimer vaccines and offers a promising avenue for design improvements.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Blocking how the malaria parasite suppresses the immune response

Researchers define the atomic-level architecture of a protein-receptor connection that allows the malaria parasite to evade the immune response. A drug designed to fit into this space could block the interaction, allowing the immune system to clear away the pathogen and potentially reducing severe malaria cases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Eija Kononen wins IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Research in Oral Biology

Eija Kononen is a Professor and Chair of Periodontology at the University of Turku, Finland, known for her pioneering work on oral microbiology and its role in immune response. Her novel salivary diagnostic method, the Cumulative Risk Score, has been used in several studies to diagnose periodontal status.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateJul 21, 2021

When mad AIOLOS drags IKAROS down: A novel pathogenic mechanism

Researchers at TMDU discovered a novel disorder resulting from a mutation in the AIOLOS protein, which causes immune deficiency and interferes with IKAROS protein function. The study found that the mutant protein forms a heterodimer with IKAROS, recruiting it to incorrect regions of the genome and leading to immunodeficiency.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 16, 2021

New study provides data on protections of ebola vaccines

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reports on the protection offered by Ebola vaccines. The research found that different vaccine platforms conferred varying levels of protection, with RBD-specific antibodies and Fc-mediated immune functions playing key roles.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 14, 2021

Study reveals how our immune system reacts to COVID-19 variants

Australian scientists found that COVID-19 survivors produced sustained antibodies but they were less effective against contemporary variants. The study suggests vaccination is more effective than the body's natural response and highlights the need for new vaccine designs to keep pace with emerging variants.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 7, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Why wild African fruits can supplement low protein staple foods

Research from University of Johannesburg uncovers essential amino acids in wild African fruits. The study reveals several species exceed daily nutritional values recommended by WHO. The white olive and jacket plum are good candidates to boost immune function against viruses due to high lysine content.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalPlants·DateJul 7, 2021

Researchers discover way to improve immune response

A team of researchers has identified a mechanism explaining how Tpex cells can maintain their function for long periods, potentially improving the success rate of immunotherapy. The discovery was made by identifying increased amounts of an immunosuppressive molecule, which reduces activity of mTOR and dampens the immune response.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalImmunity·DateJul 6, 2021

Study finds genes role in immune response of Florida corals to rapidly spreading disease

A new study by University of Miami researchers documents how coral genes respond to stony coral tissue loss disease, a rapidly spreading disease killing corals in Florida and the Caribbean. The study found that a network of genes important for cell death, immunity, and tissue rearrangement are triggered in response to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJul 5, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

COVID-19-mRNA vaccine induces good immune response against coronavirus variants

A new Finnish study found that healthcare workers who received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had strong antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, with similar effectiveness against the alpha variant as the original virus. The immune response was weaker against the beta variant, but still provided relatively good protection.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.