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An age-old battle: Scientists uncover what makes malaria such a wily foe

Researchers at CZ Biohub SF and UCSF create high-resolution map of human immune response to P. falciparum, revealing why durable malaria vaccines have been hard to come by. The study uses sophisticated method to analyze antibodies' binding patterns to parasite proteins, offering insight into how malaria evades the immune system.

SourceChan Zuckerberg Biohub·JournaleLife·DateMar 16, 2023

Migratory birds take breaks to boost their immune system

Researchers found that migratory birds can restore several parameters of their immune function during stopovers, not just to refuel. This discovery suggests that these short breaks are essential for the birds' overall health and immune system.

SourceLund University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMar 10, 2023
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.

C-reactive protein reduces the immune response in inflammatory disease

Researchers at Linköping University found that C-reactive protein has a beneficial function in systemic lupus erythematosus, reducing interferon activity and promoting milder disease. The study's findings suggest new treatment strategies to reduce immune complexes and elevated interferon levels.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Autoimmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

First nasal monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 shows promise for treating virus, other diseases

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital tested a new nasal monoclonal antibody treatment, Foralumab, which decreased inflammatory markers and lung inflammation in patients with COVID-19. The treatment also showed similar effects in multiple sclerosis patients, suggesting its potential use for treating other diseases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 8, 2023

The marathon runners of the immune system

A biological messenger called interleukin-33 (IL-33) plays a crucial role in maintaining cytotoxic T cells' 'marathon runner' state, allowing them to provide sustained immunity against chronic infections. This finding has implications for improving treatment of hepatitis C and cancer immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Newly identified personalized immunotherapy combination treats an aggressive form of advanced prostate cancer

Researchers discovered a new personalized immunotherapy combination that treats aggressive forms of advanced prostate cancer. By blocking PD-1-expressing macrophages and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation, the therapy significantly improves response rates in PTEN-deficient cancers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

Pregnant patients with anxiety have altered immune systems

A study published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity found that pregnant women with anxiety have higher levels of cytotoxic T cells and different immune marker activity compared to those without anxiety. This suggests a biological link between anxiety and the immune system during pregnancy and postpartum.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateMar 2, 2023

New treatment for COVID-19 is made from plants

Researchers at Arizona State University describe an innovative therapy using transient expression in tobacco plants to produce a monoclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2. This class 4 mAb provides key advantages over existing treatments, including mutation resistance and universal protection against emerging variants.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2023
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CHOP researchers identify molecules that optimize immune presentation of antigens across the human population

CHOP researchers have identified variants of a chaperone molecule that can enhance the loading of peptides across different HLA types, which could be used in cell therapy and immunization applications. The study found that chicken-derived TAPBPR proteins can react with multiple HLA allotypes and stabilize the empty MHC-I groove, boosti...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 24, 2023

Skipping breakfast may compromise the immune system

A recent study published in Immunity found that skipping breakfast can lead to a decline in immune cells and an increased risk of heart disease. The research showed that fasting triggers a stress response in the brain, which negatively affects immune cells.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

New research reveals possible COVID vaccine blood clot connection

A new Australian study found fundamental differences in how the AstraZeneca and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines impact the immune system, with some people receiving more effective protection than others. The study revealed a potential explanation for the connection between the AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clotting cases.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 21, 2023
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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Pungent ginger compound puts immune cells on heightened alert

A recent study by Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at TUM found that a pungent ginger compound puts immune cells on heightened alert. The compound, [6]-gingerol, stimulates white blood cells via the TRPV1 receptor, which plays a role in the perception of painful heat stimuli and spiciness.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Combination of immune cells could provide clearer prognoses for cancer

Researchers at Uppsala University developed a prognostic method using a combination of immune cells to provide clearer disease prognoses and predict which patients will respond best to immunotherapy. The method was shown to be associated with patient fate in several types of cancer.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with distinct changes in the microbiome and gut metabolites

Two studies reveal that ME/CFS is associated with reduced levels of butyrate-producing microbes and differences in gut metabolites. Researchers found distinct changes in the microbiome of patients with short-term and long-term ME/CFS, suggesting a potential link between gut dysbiosis and the disease's severity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Mucus-based gel improves bone graft results and promotes healing

Researchers developed a bioactive gel from cow mucus that promotes bone formation and blood vessel growth, potentially replacing traditional bone grafting methods. The gel interacts with the immune system to enhance healing of bone defects.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalBioactive Materials·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2023
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Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

How a high fat diet allows expulsion of intestinal parasite worms

A high-fat diet allows the immune system to eliminate a parasitic worm that causes long-lasting infections in the large intestine. This discovery may lead to new treatments for millions suffering from intestinal parasitic infections worldwide.

SourceLancaster University·JournalMucosal Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Why lung cancer doesn’t respond well to immunotherapy

A new study reveals that the immune system mounts a weak response to lung cancer due to an environment created by bacteria in the lymph nodes near the lungs. T-cell responses are suppressed by regulatory T cells and interferon gamma produced in response to commensal bacterial presence.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 2, 2023

Molecular machines could treat fungal infections

Researchers at Rice University have developed light-activated nanoscale drills that can kill pathogenic fungi, providing a potential new treatment option for fungal infections. The molecular machines target the mitochondria of fungal cells, disrupting cellular metabolism and leading to cell death.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Immunocompromised patients remain at higher risk of COVID-19 death in hospital

A UK study using data from over 150,000 hospitalized patients found that immunocompromised individuals had a 44% higher risk of death compared to those with normal immune systems. The gap in mortality rates widened for immunocompromised patients over time, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as antiviral treatments an...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Transforming the way cancer vaccines are designed and made

Researchers developed a new way to increase vaccine potency by changing the structural location of antigens and adjuvants. This approach, called 'rational vaccinology,' allows for precise dosing and tailored presentation of vaccine components, leading to improved immune response and cancer cell targeting.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Pusan National University researchers uncover novel gene that regulates leukemia development and progression

Pusan National University researchers have identified a novel gene, SURF4, that regulates cell death and differentiation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study found that suppressing SURF4 expression increases cell differentiation, cell death, and accumulation of ROS, leading to arrested tumor growth in mice.

SourcePusan National University·JournalCancer Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023

LJI scientists uncover the structure and function of Inmazeb, the first FDA-approved drug for Ebola virus infection

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered the detailed mechanism of action of Inmazeb, a three-antibody cocktail designed to combat Ebola virus infection. The study reveals new information about how the drug interacts with the virus and its potential effectiveness against additional species of Ebolavirus.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

OHSU researchers find immune response to COVID-19 strengthens over time

A study by OHSU researchers found that immunity from COVID-19 gathers strength over time, indicating that vaccination should not be delayed. The study suggests that vaccine boosters can be spaced no more frequently than a year apart among healthy individuals.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023
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Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Oncotarget | Intraventricular immunovirotherapy; a translational step forward

Researchers developed a translational step forward in treating brain tumors using intraventricular immunovirotherapy, which has shown safety and efficacy in recent clinical trials. This approach uses oncolytic herpes simplex virus type-1 to target high-grade glioma with promising results.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 26, 2023

University of Illinois scientists win $9.5 million to study emerging pathogens

Researchers will investigate how ducks' immune systems act as a reservoir for the highly infectious H5N1 virus and engineer antibodies to prevent transmission to other animals and humans. They aim to develop ways to purify antibody-producing cells from ducks and assemble a pool of antibodies to understand their molecular features.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences·DateJan 26, 2023

How the body's B cell academy ensures a diverse immune response

A new study reveals that high-affinity B cells trigger a change in the criteria for admission to germinal centers, allowing low-affinity B cells to join, increasing the diversity of the immune response. This process is crucial for fighting off viruses like SARS-CoV-2 but may hinder efforts against HIV.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateJan 17, 2023

Aging | Single-cell transcriptomics of peripheral blood in the aging mouse

Researchers identified 17 clusters of single cells in peripheral blood, showing upregulation of antigen processing and presentation pathways and downregulation of genes involved in ribosome pathways with age. The study also found senescent T cells resistant to apoptosis, potentially targeted for treatment.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2023

How gut bacteria evade the immune system

Researchers identified a new type of flagellin in the human gut that binds to Toll-like receptor 5 without inducing an inflammatory response. This discovery provides a mechanism for the immune system to tolerate beneficial microbes while remaining responsive to pathogens.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Immunology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 16, 2023
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UCalgary study offers new insight into deadly fungal invasion of the lungs

Researchers discovered that viral infections like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza destroy a natural immunity needed to resist fungal infections. This leads to impaired cooperation between white blood cells, allowing fungi to take root. The study reveals potential repurposing of current therapies to replace damaged antibodies.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Enhanced cancer immunotherapies through cytokine-labeled T cells

A new method utilizes an unnatural sugar to anchor cytokines to T cells, enhancing their functions without systemic side-effects. The approach has shown promise in stimulating the host immune system against tumor cells and inhibiting tumor growth in mice with melanoma.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023
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Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

More than two billion are infected with this disease; Vitamin D can help

Researchers found that vitamin D strengthens immune cells' ability to fight tuberculosis by producing cathelicidin toxin. Vitamin D treatment can prevent and treat the disease, particularly in populations exposed to high risk of infection. However, supplements do not protect against infection with tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeCase study·DateJan 6, 2023

Newly discovered anatomy shields and monitors brain

Researchers have identified a previously unknown component of brain anatomy, dubbed SLYM, which acts as a protective barrier and immune monitoring platform. The discovery is expected to shed light on the glymphatic system's mechanisms and its potential role in brain diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 2023
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GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Alveolar macrophages help CD8+ T cells go (anti-)viral

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology found that alveolar macrophages act as antigen-presenting cells to prime CD8+ T cell expansion in the lungs. This process involves the production of interleukin 18, leading to the development of resident memory-type cell populations.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 27, 2022

Cellular messengers improve cancer therapy

Extracellular vesicles from immune cells have been shown to activate the immune system in mice with skin cancer, rendering them sensitive to checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The treatment improved survival rates when used in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCancer Immunology Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022

Turncoat T cells: When exhausted, cancer-fighting T cells may switch sides

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that exhausted cancer-fighting T cells can become immunosuppressive when working in low-oxygen tumor environments. Targeting these conditions can reinvigorate these cells, improving response to immune-based cancer therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Infant gene therapy is a breakthrough for Artemis-SCID patients

A new gene therapy treatment has shown promising results in a clinical trial for Artemis-SCID patients, improving their immune function and reducing treatment complications. The treatment involves adding a healthy copy of the Artemis gene to the patient's own cells, resulting in improved T-cell and B-cell immunity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 21, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

New biomarker strategy devised to screen for, diagnose deadly heart complication from cancer treatment

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a new biomarker-based strategy to screen for immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis, which can cause muscle damage and liver injury. Early detection of these biomarkers can lead to earlier treatment and improved survival rates.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJACC CardioOncology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2022

Tracking plasma cell survival

A study by Osaka University tracked the survival of antibody-producing plasma cells, finding that most die shortly after immune response, but a small population can survive for months or years. The researchers identified molecular markers distinguishing these long-lived plasma cells from short-lived ones.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

LJI scientists confirm smallpox vaccine also teaches T cells to fight mpox

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have confirmed that the smallpox vaccine MVA-BN (JYNNEOS) can teach T cells to recognize and fight the mpox virus. The study suggests that the JYNNEOS vaccine may provide protection against severe disease and could be effective in immunocompromised individuals.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022
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.

Experimental cancer therapy shows success in more than 70% of patients in global clinical trials

Researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital found that talquetamab, a bispecific antibody, was successful in killing multiple myeloma cells in over 70% of patients. This therapy directs the immune system to target cancer cells and has shown promise even for those who have resisted all other treatments.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 2022

Infection of visceral fat cells may contribute to severe COVID-19, study suggests

A study suggests that visceral fat cells, rather than subcutaneous fat cells, are more susceptible to infection by the COVID-19 virus. This increased susceptibility leads to a higher viral load and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can exacerbate severe disease.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2022

Immune system irregularities found in women with postpartum mood disorders

Researchers found that women experiencing prolonged mental health issues after childbirth had genetic evidence of higher immune system defense mechanism activation. The study also identified reduced antiviral immune response genes, which may offer protection from pathogens.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Reproductive Immunology·DateDec 5, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Common immune cells can prevent intestinal healing

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have shown that B cells can prevent intestinal healing by increasing in numbers after bowel damage. The study found that mice lacking B cells recovered more quickly after bowel damage than regular mice.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2022

Immune T cell defence is coping with COVID-19 variants of concern – for now

Research found that while broad T-cell response against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is currently protective, recognition of seven out of ten T-cell targets mutated in COVID-19 variants is impaired. The study suggests ongoing mutation could lead to decreased overall immune system protection.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2022

Nanotech strategy shows promise for treating autoimmune disease

Researchers at Scripps Research developed nanoparticles that target only the immune cells driving an autoimmune reaction, delaying or preventing severe disease in a mouse model of arthritis. The treatment boosts regulatory T cell populations and reduces anti-self-antigen antibody production.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 1, 2022
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.