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How a fungus can cripple the immune system

Researchers discovered that gliotoxin, a mycotoxin from Aspergillus fumigatus, inhibits the production of leukotrieneB4 in neutrophilic granulocytes, disrupting communication between immune cells. This allows fungal spores to infiltrate tissues and organs, posing a fatal threat to people with weakened immune systems.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateFeb 8, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Molecule silences barrel, bullet pointed at transplanted organ

A powerful molecule, HLA-G dimer, helps protect transplanted organs from rejection by quietening two other immune molecules. The study provides more evidence that this molecule should be an effective therapy for protecting transplanted organs, and its potential to improve outcomes in organ transplant patients.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 5, 2019

Heat waves, food insecurity due to climate change may weaken immune systems

Research in mice at the University of Tokyo found that heat waves can reduce the body's immune response to flu. However, providing supplemental nutrition before and after infection can help restore normal immune function. The study suggests that food insecurity may weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to illness.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 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.

Protein engineering extends the language of immune cells

Researchers have successfully engineered a protein that balances an overreaction of the immune system, making it a promising candidate for sepsis therapy. By understanding how interleukins mediate communication between immune cells, scientists can now modulate their reaction in a targeted manner.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2019

Prolonged spaceflight could weaken astronauts' immune systems

A new study found that prolonged spaceflights can impair natural killer cell function in astronauts, increasing the risk of cancer and viral reactivation. The effects are more pronounced in first-time astronauts, suggesting stress or age may play a role.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJan 23, 2019
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.

New nanoparticle targets tumor-infiltrating immune cells, flips switch

A Vanderbilt University team developed a nanoparticle to target tumor-infiltrating immune cells and activate the STING pathway, a natural mechanism to mount an immune response against cancer. The breakthrough offers hope for patients who don't respond to checkpoint blockade therapies.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 21, 2019

Scientists learn how common virus reactivates after transplantation

A new study finds that antibodies produced by B cells play a dominant role in controlling cytomegalovirus reactivation in people with compromised immune systems. The discovery challenges long-held theories and could pave the way for safer therapies to protect patients from life-threatening infections.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2019

DNA origami: A precise measuring tool for optimal antibody effectiveness

Scientists have developed a precise measuring tool using DNA origami to optimize antibody effectiveness, with distances of approximately 16 nanometres providing the strongest bond. This technology can help better understand the immune response and design more effective antibodies for vaccines and immunotherapy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 14, 2019

VAT fat may cause pathogenic obesity

Visceral adipose tissue prioritizes over subcutaneous fat storage, leading to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Early life malnutrition and modern diets contribute to VAT accumulation.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 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.

The immune system's fountain of youth

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science found that clearing senescent cells, which contribute to inflammation and aging, improves health outcomes in mice. The study, led by Prof. Valery Krizhanovsky and Dr. Yossi Ovadya, offers hope for potential anti-aging therapies.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 31, 2018

Evolutionary origin of pathogenic obesity

Research suggests that abdominal obesity may have evolved as a protective mechanism against infections in individuals who experienced poor fetal nutrition. This study proposes that the hallmark of obesity, visceral adipose tissue, provides immunity against abdominal infections.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2018
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.

RNA proofreading mistakes drive group of autoimmune diseases

Scientists have discovered a molecular cause of rare autoimmune disorders, including Singleton-Merten syndrome and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Mistakes in RNA proofreading lead to improper interferon signaling, triggering autoimmunity.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2018

CU Anschutz to partner with Allen Institute for Immunology

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus will partner with the Allen Institute for Immunology to understand the human immune system and find novel mechanisms to halt or reverse rheumatoid arthritis. The research program aims to identify biomarkers for early detection and develop new treatments for this debilitating disease.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateDec 12, 2018
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.

Researchers discover new disease with 'Bubble Boy' roots

A team of researchers from the RI-MUHC discovered a new human disease called combined immunoficiency (CID) and its genetic cause ICOSLG. The disease is characterized by a weakened immune system, making patients susceptible to recurrent life-threatening infections.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 6, 2018

Putting the brakes on tumor stealth

Scientists at Monash University have identified a new immune brake called CD96 that enables tumors to evade the immune system. Blocking this receptor may lead to more effective cancer treatments. The research has significant implications for cancer immunotherapy.

SourceMonash University·JournalStructure·DateDec 6, 2018

Sea invertebrate sheds light on evolution of human blood, immune systems

Researchers have found that Botryllus schlosseri, a marine invertebrate, has a blood-forming system with uncanny similarities to humans. This discovery may provide a way to improve immune function and find new tools for biological discovery. The study also reveals parallels between the blood systems in Botryllus and mammals.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

NIH-funded tissue chips rocket to International Space Station

A set of immune system tissue chips is scheduled to launch on SpaceX's 16th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station, where they will simulate the aging process of the immune system. The goal is to gain new insights into the molecular basis for many human conditions and develop novel therapies.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·DateDec 4, 2018

Altered microbiome after caesarean section impacts baby's immune system

A study found that specific bacteria from the mother's gut stimulate the baby's immune responses during vaginal birth, but this transmission is impacted in children born by caesarean section. This may explain why caesarean-born children are more prone to chronic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2018

How skin cancer cells sidestep the immune system

Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center discovered a new signal pathway employed by skin cancer cells to evade the immune system. The ICER protein plays a significant role in this process, leading to rapid tumor growth and inflammation.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 29, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

On the trail of rare genetic disease, scientists uncover key immune regulator

Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a crucial immune system-regulating protein called ABHD12, which is linked to a rare genetic disease featuring brain and nerve problems. The study suggests that targeting ABHD12 may offer new avenues for treating cancers and chronic viral infections.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 27, 2018

Scientists unveil completely human platform for testing age-specific vaccine responses

Scientists developed a human tissue culture construct to test immune responses to vaccines, enabling rapid assessment of candidates and accelerating the development process. The platform replicates immune responses in different populations and age groups, allowing researchers to select human vaccine candidates before human trials.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateNov 20, 2018

DICE: Immune cell atlas goes live

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have created an immune cell atlas, DICE, to decipher how natural genetic variation shapes the immune system's ability to protect health. The database provides detailed profiles of 15 immune cell types and 91 healthy donors, revealing a wide impact of genetic variation on gene activity.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell·DateNov 15, 2018

Treating the 'bubble babies'

An international study published in Blood highlights the urgent need for better treatment strategies for patients with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID). The study found that survival rates were higher after cell transplants from matched sibling donors and that young age and absence of active infection were key factors for impro...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBlood·DateNov 15, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How mitochondria deploy a powerful punch against life-threatening bacteria

Researchers discovered that mitochondria deploy ROS to destroy invading MRSA bacteria by packaging and delivering these molecules to the phagosome, bypassing traditional immune mechanisms. This backup system helps immune cells fight off pathogens with increased effectiveness.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 12, 2018

New clues to the origin and progression of multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that oligodendrocytes, cells responsible for myelin production, may play a significant role in MS development. This finding could lead to new therapies targeting areas beyond the immune system.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 12, 2018

Double whammy for grieving spouses with sleep problems

A new study from Northwestern University finds that grieving spouses with sleep problems have a two-to-three times higher risk of chronic immune activation and increased inflammation, making them more susceptible to heart disease or cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy is highly effective in treating sleep disturbances, and physicians ...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateNov 8, 2018
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.

Immune cells could hold key to therapies for spinal cord injuries

Researchers discovered large immune cells called macrophages play a vital role in repairing damaged nerve connections in zebrafish. These molecules dampen inflammation at the injury site, enabling nerve cells to bridge gaps and repair lost connections.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2018

Nature of immune cells in the human brain disclosed

A study published in Nature Communications reveals the nature of immune cells in the human brain, including their location and function. The research provides valuable insights into the immune system's role in brain disorders such as multiple sclerosis and tumors.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2018

New study to decode what makes people immune to influenza

A groundbreaking new study aims to understand the human immune system's response to influenza by analyzing gene regulation, microbiome influence, and other factors. Researchers will take comprehensive measurements from healthy participants who receive a standard influenza vaccination.

SourceHuman Immunome Project·DateNov 1, 2018
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.

Covert tactics used by bacteria to trick human immune system

Researchers at McMaster University discovered a new way bacteria evade the human immune system by shutting down flagella expression, making it difficult for the immune system to detect and respond. This finding has significant implications for understanding antibiotic resistance and developing new treatments.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 23, 2018

The dual and unknown function of the immune system

A new study by CNIC researchers reveals that immune cells like neutrophils help maintain normal function of healthy tissues, performing roles unrelated to immunity. The findings suggest that the immune system is essential for day-to-day health, with potential benefits in some tissues and risks in others.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 18, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Is the next big step in cancer therapy personalized vaccines?

A clinical trial at UC San Diego Health is testing personalized vaccines that use a patient's unique cancer mutations to stimulate an immune response. The vaccine, combined with an FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitor, aims to unleash the full potential of T cells activated by the vaccine.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 12, 2018

Link between gut flora and multiple sclerosis discovered

New findings suggest that the immune system's response to a protein called GDP-L-fucose synthase, found in both human cells and bacteria, may play a key role in multiple sclerosis. The protein is believed to activate T cells in the intestine, leading to an inflammatory cascade that damages the protective coating around nerve cells.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 11, 2018
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.

UVA's Jonathan Kipnis receives prestigious NIH Director's Pioneer Award

Jonathan Kipnis, a UVA neuroscientist, receives $5.6 million in funding to advance his research on the relationship between the brain and immune system. His work aims to understand how the immune system interacts with the brain and potentially develop new treatments for neurological diseases.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateOct 2, 2018

Failing immune system 'brakes' help explain type 1 diabetes in mice

A study published in Frontiers in Immunology reveals that a specific immune checkpoint molecule, interleukin-10 (IL-10), is not functioning properly in mice with type 1 diabetes. This defect leads to an overactive immune response, attacking insulin-producing cells and causing the disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateAug 29, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

A non-canonical strategy may improve cancer radiotherapy

Researchers have found that disrupting the non-canonical NF-κB pathway improves the effects of radiotherapy by enhancing the immune system's ability to interact with radiation. This new approach may lead to novel combination strategies for improving cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateAug 28, 2018

New cancer treatment uses enzymes to boost immune system and fight back

Researchers at UT Austin have developed a new approach to treating cancer using enzyme therapy, which boosts the immune system by degrading kynurenine, a metabolite that suppresses the immune system. The treatment could prove effective in treating various types of cancers and is expected to initiate clinical trials soon.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 28, 2018

New immunotherapy inhibits tumor growth and protects against metastases

Researchers developed an immunotherapy that induces antitumor immunity by provoking necroptosis in cancer cells, destroying tumors while protecting against secondary tumor formation. The treatment provides protection against disseminated tumors and stimulates the immune system to attack persistent surviving cancer cells.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2018

Dramatic development of immune system after birth

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have discovered that a baby's immune system undergoes dramatic changes within the first few weeks of life, adapting to its new environment. This phenomenon was made possible by using advanced techniques of immune cell analysis.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateAug 23, 2018
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.

Modifying the major model of a modern major mouse model

Scientists have created a more complete humanized mouse model by combining human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with mesenchymal stem cells. This allows for more realistic testing of immunotherapies, leading to improved cancer treatment predictions. The new model enables researchers to compare the interaction of the immune sys...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMolecular Carcinogenesis·DateAug 23, 2018