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New treatment may reverse celiac disease

A new phase 2 clinical trial shows that technology can induce immune tolerance to gluten in individuals with celiac disease, reducing inflammation and protecting the small intestine. The treatment, called CNP-101, is a biodegradable nanoparticle containing gluten that convinces the immune system it's safe.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateOct 22, 2019

Weak immune system linked to serious bacterial infection in children

A new study has found that nearly 70% of children with an immune deficiency had two or more bouts of invasive pneumococcal disease. The research suggests that a weakened immune system increases the risk of life-threatening bacterial infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 14, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Slower walkers have older brains and bodies at 45

Research found that 45-year-old slow walkers have 'accelerated aging' on a 19-measure scale, with poorer lung function, teeth, and immune systems compared to faster walkers. Early life neurocognitive testing also predicted walking speed at age 45.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 11, 2019

CNIO and University of Wurzburg solve 3D structure of 'nanomachine' that makes tuberculosis virulent

Researchers at CNIO and the University of Würzburg have solved the 3D structure of the T7SS nanomachine used by Mycobacterium tuberculosis to evade the immune system. This finding provides crucial information for developing new therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis, a disease that kills over 1.6 million people worldwide each year.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature·DateOct 9, 2019

NCI-sponsored trial explores better treatment for brain tumors in children

The study aims to examine the efficacy of a drug that inhibits an enzyme used by brain tumors to protect themselves from the immune response. Adding the inhibitor to chemotherapy and radiation therapy may enable lower doses, better quality of life, and improved survival for children with recurrent or newly diagnosed brain tumors.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateOct 8, 2019

Parkinson's disease is also present in the blood

Researchers from Aarhus University discovered that Parkinson's patients have an immune imbalance in their blood, affecting the regulation of immune cells and anti-inflammatory molecules. This finding advocates for immune modulation as a potential alternative treatment for the disease.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMovement Disorders·DateOct 3, 2019
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.

Environmental toxins impair immune system over multiple generations

New research reveals that maternal exposure to industrial pollution can harm offspring's immune system and pass on the weakness to subsequent generations. The study, conducted in mice, suggests that this multigenerational weakening of the immune system could explain variations in responses to flu infection.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournaliScience·DateOct 2, 2019

Human kidney map charts our growing immune defense

Researchers have created the first cell atlas of the human kidney's immune system, charting the communities of immune cells in different zones. The atlas shows how the immune system develops during early life and strengthens after birth, with implications for tackling kidney disease and transplant rejection.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 26, 2019

Using the immune system as a defence against cancer

Researchers at King's College London have discovered that β-Galactoside-Binding Protein (βGBP) can selectively target and kill cancer cells while stimulating the immune system to provide long-term protection against cancer recurrence. The study presents a promising new strategy for treating aggressive forms of cancer.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateSep 26, 2019

Extinct human species gave modern humans an immunity boost

A recent study found that modern humans acquired a gene variant from Denisovans that increases immune reactions and protective responses to disease-causing microbes. The Denisovan gene variant, I207L, was discovered in families with severe autoimmune conditions and was also present in an extinct human species found in the Altai Mountains.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 18, 2019
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Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

A new pathway: researchers identify potential treatment target for Crohn's disease

A new pathway has been identified as a potential treatment target for Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease that affects millions in the US. The study suggests that blocking a specific protein receptor may ameliorate inflammation and fibrosis in CD patients.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 8, 2019

Deciphering pancreatic cancer's invade and evade tactics

Two known gene mutations, KRAS and TP53, induce pathways that enhance pancreatic cancer's ability to invade tissues and evade the immune system. Mutations in these genes are closely linked to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a type of pancreatic cancer with a low five-year survival rate.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2019
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.

Keeping livestock in the yard just might help your baby's immune system

A study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that rural Amish babies had a more diverse and beneficial gut microbiome than urban babies, which led to a more robust development of the respiratory immune system. The researchers used fecal transplants from Amish babies to colonize the guts of newborn pigs, showing a connection betwe...

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJul 23, 2019

How plague pathogens trick the immune system

Scientists deciphered how YopO changes its shape to confuse the immune system, disrupting communication and allowing bacteria to evade digestion. Understanding this process may lead to developing targeted, tailor-made substances to inhibit plague pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalStructure·DateJul 11, 2019

Shingles vaccine safely prevents outbreaks among stem cell transplant patients

A new shingles vaccine has been shown to effectively prevent outbreaks of the painful rash among patients who have undergone stem cell transplantation. The study found that the vaccine reduced the incidence of shingles by 68% and related complications, offering promise for patients with immune-compromising conditions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJul 10, 2019

Old protein, new tricks: UMD connects a protein to antibody immunity for the first time

Scientists have discovered a newly found function of the US11 protein that impairs antibody immunity, allowing human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) to evade white blood cells and potentially leading to birth defects and immune system dysfunction. This breakthrough has significant therapeutic prospects for treating autoimmune diseases like lupus.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Fear of predators increases risk of illness

Research at Lund University reveals that prey animals with a weaker immune system have an increased risk of illness due to chronic stress from predator presence. The study found that bold individuals with a greater need for defense exhibit a better immune response.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJul 9, 2019

Immune anticipation and bed bug feeding cues

Female bed bugs exhibit induced antibacterial humoral immune responses when fed regularly, with a 22% increase in longevity compared to unpredictable feeding schedules. Anticipation of mating-associated infection through feeding cues may influence reproductive immune anticipation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2019
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.

Women caught in a pickle by their own immune systems

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new hypothesis to explain the phenomenon of women being more prone to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and lupus. The Pregnancy Compensation Hypothesis suggests that women's immune systems evolved to facilitate survival during pregnancy, leading to heightened immune su...

SourceArizona State University·JournalTrends in Genetics·DateJun 11, 2019

A pluralistic approach to thinking about the human microbiome

Researchers Nicolae Morar and Brendan J. M. Bohannan examine five common conceptual frameworks describing the human microbiome, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks. The study suggests a pragmatic approach considering all metaphors to explore therapies for diseases and disorders.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateJun 5, 2019

Could boosting the gut microbiome be the secret to healthier older age?

A new study by immunologists at the Babraham Institute has shown that fecal transplants from young mice can replenish and boost the gut microbiome of older mice, rejuvenating their immune system. The research suggests that targeting the gut microbiome could be a way to treat age-related symptoms and facilitate healthy aging.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2019
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.

How chronic inflammation may drive down dopamine and motivation

A new study suggests that chronic inflammation disrupts the brain's dopamine system, leading to motivational impairments in depression, schizophrenia, and other disorders. The researchers developed a computational method to test their theory, which may yield insights into treating cases of depression and behavioral disorders.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateJun 4, 2019

When macrophages are deprived of oxygen

Under hypoxic conditions, fewer metabolites are produced in the citric acid cycle, reducing bacterial reproduction in macrophages. This discovery provides a new method for pathogen control that doesn't rely on oxygen levels.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 24, 2019
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.

Filming how our immune system kills bacteria

Researchers use atomic force microscopy to track the formation of deadly holes in bacterial surfaces, discovering a bottleneck that prevents harm to human cells. The study provides insight into how the immune system kills bacteria and may guide the development of new therapies harnessing the immune system against bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 6, 2019

Susceptibility to disease develops during childhood

Researchers identify five classes of early immune-system programming, linking childhood experiences to chronic inflammatory diseases and psychiatric disorders in adulthood. The study found that children with resilient immune systems were better protected against both conditions.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBMC Medicine·DateApr 29, 2019

Lifetime flu vaccine?

A new vaccine approach could protect against pandemic flu by teaching the immune system to recognize the shared 'cone' portion of the flu virus, rather than just the seasonal 'scoop'. Researchers have shown early promising results in lab animals.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2019

Humanization of antibodies targeting human herpesvirus 6B

Researchers have successfully created 'humanized' antibodies that can neutralize human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) infection. The antibodies target the gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 protein complex and CD134 receptor, essential for HHV-6B infection.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateApr 26, 2019

Rare disease gives new insight into regulatory T cell function

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet mapped immune system targets in patients with rare IPEX disease, revealing that regulatory T cells control gut-related immunotolerance. The study provides insights into the role of these cells in preventing autoimmune diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateApr 23, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Revealed: The secret superpower that makes C. difficile so deadly

Researchers identified a new way C. difficile causes severe disease by triggering an immune response through Th17 cells, explaining why patients with inflammatory bowel disease are more susceptible to severe infections and increasing mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 23, 2019

Vitamin D study sheds light on immune system effects

Researchers found vitamin D affects dendritic cells' ability to activate T cells, hindering the activation process and reducing immune reactions. The study sheds light on how vitamin D deficiency may regulate the immune system and influence susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateApr 17, 2019

'Superbugs' found on many hospital patients' hands and what they touch most often

A new study found that nearly a third of hospital room surfaces had antibiotic-resistant bacteria on them, suggesting rapid transmission from patients to their environment. The research team suggests expanding hand hygiene efforts to include patients, as healthcare workers' hands remain the primary mode of microbe transmission.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 13, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Caregiving not as bad for your health as once thought, study says

A recent study published in The Gerontologist suggests that the link between caregiving and negative health effects has been overstated. After analyzing data from over three decades of research, Johns Hopkins researchers found a weak association between caregiving and immune system biomarkers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateApr 10, 2019

Identifying a key player in gut defense development

A joint team from Hokkaido University and Keio University has identified a key player in the gut defense mechanism of infants, a protein called Sox8. This discovery could help understand how infants develop their own intestinal immune systems after weaning.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 7, 2019

Aspirin to fight an expensive global killer infection

Researchers at the Centenary Institute discovered that the tuberculosis bacterium hijacks platelets from the body's blood clotting system to weaken immune systems. Using anti-platelet drugs like aspirin, they were able to prevent hijacking and allow the body to control infection better.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 25, 2019

Plant immunity cut to size

Researchers found a class of enzymes called metacaspases play a crucial role in plant immune response, releasing calcium and peptides to prevent infection. The discovery opens up new avenues for improving crop breeding techniques and boosting plant immunity.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2019
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.

New potential approach to treat atopic dermatitis

Researchers found that a small yeast species called Malassezia strengthens the body's defenses against pathogens, but its balance with the immune system is key to preventing atopic dermatitis. A new potential treatment targets this balance by neutralizing interleukin-17 cytokine production.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 18, 2019

Zinc could help as non-antibiotic treatment for UTIs

Researchers discovered zinc's role in fighting UTI bacteria, identifying its toxic effects on UPEC cells and potential avenues for non-antibiotic treatment strategies. This knowledge could lead to new therapies that don't develop resistance like traditional antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2019

Novel treatments offer new hope for patients with autoimmune disease

Researchers at University of Utah Health have developed a novel treatment that delays the onset of type 1 diabetes in mice and halts the progression of paralysis in multiple sclerosis models. The treatment targets misfunctioning immune cells, leaving normal immune cells intact.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 4, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Putting the brake on our immune system's response

A novel mechanism discovered by researchers at the University of York and Queen Mary University London reveals that miR-132 controls how immune cells respond to infection. This tiny molecule acts as a 'handbrake' on the immune system, preventing over-reaction and promoting protective immunity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMar 4, 2019

Typhoid vaccine may protect against other infections

The study found that the live oral typhoid vaccine Ty21a can strengthen the immune response against subsequent, unrelated infections, including those caused by other pathogens. This promising research could lead to broader protection and lower mortality rates globally.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 27, 2019

Balancing the gut

A study by researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin has identified a molecule, c-Maf, that regulates the balance between the immune system and gut microbiota. This finding may lead to new therapies for chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 26, 2019
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.

Cellular sickness linked to type 1 diabetes onset

Researchers discovered that pancreatic beta cells themselves may play a role in T1 diabetes, and found that eliminating senescent cells prevents the disease in mice. The study suggests a paradigm shift for T1 diabetes therapy and opens up new avenues for treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 21, 2019

Researchers develop new one-two punch against melanoma in mouse model

Two new forms of an older anti-cancer agent, s-DAB-IL-2 and s-DAB-IL-2(V6A), have been shown to enhance the immune system's ability to fight melanoma in mice. The agents depleted T regulatory cells and inhibited tumor growth when used individually or in combination with checkpoint blockade therapy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2019
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.

CRISPR gene editing makes stem cells 'invisible' to immune system

Scientists have developed a new technique using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to create pluripotent stem cells that can avoid rejection by the immune system. These 'universal' stem cells can be manufactured more efficiently than individualized cells and bring promise to regenerative medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 18, 2019

VUMC researchers, supercomputing effort reveal antibody secrets

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center used sophisticated gene sequencing and computing techniques to analyze antibody-producing white blood cells. They found a surprisingly high frequency of shared clonotypes, which could aid in developing universal vaccines and treatments.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 13, 2019

Masterswitch discovered in body's immune system

A new discovery by Professor Graham Lord and his team at the University of Manchester reveals a crucial molecular pathway regulated by microRNA-142, which controls Regulatory T cells. This finding has significant implications for treating autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 11, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.