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New warning system discovered in the immune defense

Researchers at Linköping University have discovered a previously unknown warning system in the immune defense that triggers an alarm, sending signals to surrounding cells. This process involves the release of mitochondrial DNA strands by white blood cells in response to infections like bacteria and viruses.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2018

Neutrophil-inspired propulsion

Researchers have created a novel system that enables aggregates composed of magnetized particles to roll along a channel using a combined acoustic and magnetic field. The system has shown promise for delivering drugs to hard-to-reach sites within the body, with potential applications in cancer treatment.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2017
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.

'Labyrinth' chip could help monitor aggressive cancer stem cells

A new chip etched with fluid channels sends blood samples through a hydrodynamic maze to separate out rare circulating cancer cells into a relatively clean stream for analysis. The labyrinth chip is already in use in a breast cancer clinical trial, enabling doctors to plan customized treatments and monitor genetic changes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCell Systems·DateSep 21, 2017

New hope for 'bubble baby disease'

Researchers have developed a new testing regime to diagnose severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) syndrome faster, enabling more infants to receive life-saving treatment within a critical timeframe. The regime uses a checklist of potential SCID markers, including family history, candidiasis, and low absolute lymphocyte counts.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 13, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Viral protein may help chickenpox virus spread within the body

A viral protein in the chickenpox virus enhances its ability to hijack white blood cells and spread throughout the body. The protein interacts with chemokines to attract more white blood cells to the site of infection, allowing the virus to spread to other parts of the body.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 25, 2017
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.

Starvation causes atypical cell death

Researchers have characterized the unusual cell death process triggered by starvation, where the endoplasmic reticulum plays a key role. This discovery may shed new light on tumor progression and ischemia-related cell death in cancer and other diseases.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateMay 3, 2017

Common factor links neurodegenerative disease in young and old

Scientists identify a common mechanism in two forms of neurodegeneration affecting young adults and the elderly, linked to progranulin protein mutations. The discovery advances efforts to find better treatments and cures for these diseases, including frontotemporal dementia and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 12, 2017

Uncovering the secrets of white cell power

White blood cells use their nuclei to exert force and insert themselves between endothelial cells, creating large holes in the blood vessel walls. This discovery sheds light on the movement of immune cells and may aid in cancer research.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 9, 2017
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.

New method predicts who will respond to lithium therapy

Scientists at the Salk Institute have developed a new method to predict which individuals with bipolar disorder will respond to lithium therapy. Using a system trained on electrical firing patterns of neurons from six patients, the method achieved 92% accuracy in classifying responders and nonresponders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 20, 2017

Study shows how H. pylori causes white blood cells to morph

Researchers found that H. pylori bacteria can alter the structure of white blood cells, known as neutrophils, allowing them to survive within the human body. This change enables the bacteria to evade the immune system, but also shares characteristics with tumor-associated neutrophils that may limit cancer growth.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMar 9, 2017
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.

NIH scientists repair gene defect in stem cells from patients with rare immunodeficiency

Researchers successfully repaired a defective gene in blood-forming stem cells from patients with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, suggesting a potential treatment approach. The study used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to correct a specific mutation in the CYBB gene, restoring normal functioning of white blood cells.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 11, 2017

Blocking the migration of cancer cells to destroy them

Researchers at Université de Genève have developed an antibody that blocks the migration of cancer cells, preventing their spread and proliferation. The 'H225' antibody reduces cancerous cell transit into organs by over 50% and limits cell proliferation, offering a promising new therapeutic strategy against lymphoma.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateAug 4, 2016

An antibody-based drug for multiple sclerosis

Researchers developed an antibody that prevents the immune system from attacking the myelin sheath, reducing demyelination and axon degeneration. In experimental mouse models, treatment with the antibody blocked progression of motor disorders and reduced lymphocyte infiltration into the nervous tissue.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalBrain·DateJul 19, 2016

In the gut, nervous cells are the 'eyes and ears' of the immune system

A team of scientists has discovered that the intestinal nervous system protects the bowel's lining against inflammation and microbial aggressions. The researchers found that this mechanism is under control of the Ret protein, which regulates the production of interleukin-22, a molecule important for gut repair.

SourceJLM&A, SA·JournalNature·DateJul 13, 2016
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.

Slime mold reveals clues to immune cells' directional abilities

Biologists have uncovered a key protein in the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum that enables it to home in on bacteria, similar to human white blood cells. This discovery provides new insights into immune cell directionality and may lead to effective treatments for cancer and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMay 26, 2016

Lipid helps lymphocytes patrol

A new lipid, LPA, has been found to regulate lymphocyte motility in narrow lymph nodes. LPA enables efficient movement through spaces jammed with immune cells and stromal cells. This discovery may lead to novel strategies for controlling immune responses.

SourceOsaka University·DateApr 10, 2016

Neutrophils 'vacuum' microbes away from the brain

Researchers discovered that neutrophils can internalize C. neoformans in the brain vasculature and circulate them back into the bloodstream for removal. This process enables the prevention of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, a deadly brain infection.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateMar 1, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Physics: It's happening inside your body right now

Researchers used model blood vessel systems to show that white blood cells' mechanical properties determine their location within the circulation. The study found that changes in cell stiffness can be triggered by drugs commonly used to fight inflammation or boost blood pressure.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

Important step toward preventing and treating some MRSA post-implant infections

Researchers have identified a new way in which methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) exploits the body's own immune system to persist in infected tissues. By understanding this process, new treatments may be developed to reduce complications from infection after prosthetic surgery.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateDec 1, 2015
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.

Loneliness triggers cellular changes that can cause illness, study shows

A recent study by the University of Chicago has found that loneliness triggers fight-or-flight stress signaling, leading to increased production of white blood cells and impaired antiviral responses. This shift in monocyte output contributes to loneliness' associated health risks, including premature death.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2015

Mucus -- the first line of defense

Research at Lund University reveals that mucus in the saliva stimulates white blood cells to form effective nets of DNA and proteins, capturing and killing bacteria. Patients with aphthous stomatitis and Behçet's disease often lack saliva with this property, highlighting a potential link between mucus and these diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalBlood·DateNov 6, 2015

Male and female mice respond differently to inflammation

Researchers found that male mice recruit more white blood cells to the site of inflammation than females, highlighting the importance of sex differences in inflammatory responses. This discovery has implications for how we design and interpret experiments and evaluate anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateNov 2, 2015
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.

Scientists identify progenitor cells for blood and immune system

Researchers at UCSF have identified a family of daughter cells, called MPPs, which arise from stem cells in bone marrow to generate the entire blood system. The discovery raises the possibility of manipulating these cells to overcome imbalances and deficiencies in the blood system due to aging or cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 18, 2015

A turning point in the physics of blood

Researchers have developed a new equation that predicts the behavior of blood cells during flow, shedding light on mechanisms behind blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia. This theory could lead to innovative solutions for blood transfusions and disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 11, 2015

Diabetes drug spurs host defense

Researchers found that pioglitazone enhances ROS production in white blood cells, killing difficult-to-treat pathogens. This finding demonstrates a relevant contribution to host defense in mouse and cellular models of chronic granulomatous disease.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 11, 2015
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.

New research finds pathogenic connection between autoimmune disorders and cancer

A new study by George Washington University researchers found that autoimmune disorders and cancer share common pathogenic mechanisms. The study identified survivin as a key mediator of autoreactive cell survival in myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that can lead to severe muscle weakness. The findings suggest a potential therap...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2014

Deployment-related respiratory symptoms in returning veterans

A study of 50 returning veterans found that non-specific respiratory symptoms were common, with evidence of airway hyperreactivity in 36% of patients. Underlying mental health and sleep disorders were present in 66% of the patients. Airway hyperreactivity was seen in both asthma and nonspecific cases.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 1, 2014

Immunologists discover immune system precursor cells that fight infection

A team of scientists has identified a previously unknown form of lymphocyte that protects against intracellular infection, providing important insights into the human immune system. The discovery of these 'precursor cells' could lead to the development of new vaccination strategies to prevent intracellular infections.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalCell·DateMay 26, 2014
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.

Hundreds of genetic mutations found in healthy blood of a supercentenarian

Scientists discovered over 400 genetic mutations in the white blood cells of a 115-year-old woman, indicating that these mutations may not contribute to disease. The study also found extremely short telomeres in the blood cells, suggesting 'stem cell exhaustion' as a possible cause of death at extreme ages.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 23, 2014

Sensitive balance in the immune system

A study published in Cell Death & Disease found that an overabundance of c-FLIPR protein disrupts the immune system's balance. Researchers discovered that this imbalance leads to autoantibodies attacking the body's own tissues, resulting in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateApr 11, 2014

Study further illuminates heart-healthy benefits of Mediterranean diet

A new study published in Blood journal found that adhering to a Mediterranean diet is associated with lower levels of platelets and white blood cells, two markers of inflammation. This eating plan is linked to reduced inflammation and heart disease risk, particularly among healthy individuals.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateMar 31, 2014

Study finds that fast-moving cells in the human immune system walk in a stepwise manner

A team of biologists and engineers at the University of California, San Diego has discovered how white blood cells generate traction forces to propel themselves forward by coordinated action of contractile proteins. This finding is crucial for developing new pharmacological strategies to treat chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 17, 2014
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.

2 players produce destructive cascade of diabetic retinopathy

A study by researchers at the Medical College of Georgia has identified two players that must work together to destroy vision in patients with diabetes. The findings suggest that blocking the production of reactive oxygen species by either retinal cells or white blood cells may be a viable strategy for intervention.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 13, 2014

New research shows promise for possible HIV cure

Researchers used RIT to destroy HIV-infected cells in blood samples, reducing infection levels to undetectable. The treatment also showed effectiveness in targeting brain and central nervous system infections.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateDec 3, 2013
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.

Scientists discover novel functions of platelets

Researchers found that platelets activate a screening process allowing lymphocytes to exit the bloodstream without causing bleeding. This discovery opens avenues for further research into the role of platelets in vascular health and inflammation.

SourceOklahoma Medical Research Foundation·JournalNature·DateSep 1, 2013

Removing a protein enhances defense against bacteria in CGD mice

A study by the NIH found that deleting a protein called Olfm4 improves white blood cells' ability to fight bacteria in mice with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). This suggests a novel strategy for developing new treatments against common and deadly infections.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2013

When cloning mice, a little drop of blood'll do ya

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology successfully cloned mice using a drop of peripheral blood from its tail. This method uses white blood cells, which allow for repeated sampling with minimal risk to the donor mouse. While not surpassing the success rate of cumulus cells, this technique demonstrates a promising altern...

SourceSociety for the Study of Reproduction·JournalBiology of Reproduction·DateJun 26, 2013
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 surprising ability of blood stem cells to respond to emergencies

Researchers have discovered that hematopoietic stem cells can perceive signals from the body during emergencies and produce specialized white blood cells, such as macrophages. This discovery could lead to new strategies for protecting patients undergoing bone marrow transplants from infections.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature·DateApr 10, 2013