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One dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine may induce immunity in recovered patients, suggests new analysis

A new study found that a single dose of the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine can stimulate an immune response in people who have previously recovered from COVID-19. The vaccine's ability to generate antibodies and B cell responses was shown to be effective against the South African variant.

Brain seasonality: Bean bug neurons need biological clock gene for seasonal egg-laying

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered that insect neurons promoting egg-laying require a circadian clock gene for day length-dependent responses. This study provides new insights into the importance of biological clocks in regulating seasonal physiological functions like reproduction and temperature tolerance in insects.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

Affinity vs. cooperativity

UC Santa Barbara researchers develop a method to increase both affinity and cooperativity in aptamer-based biosensors, allowing for fine-tuned regulation of receptor properties. This approach enables precision biosensing applications, such as detecting low concentrations of target molecules like chemotherapy drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2020

The making of memory B cells and long-term immune responses

A new study by Tomohiro Kurosaki at Osaka University reveals that Bach2 expression and reduced mTORC1 activity are necessary for activated B cells to become memory B cells, a type of white blood cell that sticks around for years and provides rapid responses to re-infection. This understanding can help develop efficient vaccines.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 12, 2020

New immunotherapy to beat cancer

Researchers at Université catholique de Louvain have discovered a molecule that blocks immune responses in cancer patients, and are now developing an immunotherapy to neutralize it. The treatment combines anti-GARP antibodies with another proven approach to increase effectiveness in fighting cancer.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2020

Cell wall research reveals possibility of simple and sustainable method to protect crops

Scientists have found that cell wall extracts from immune-active plants can trigger plant immunity and disease resistance, providing a new approach to protecting crops against pathogens and pests. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of simple, sustainable, and effective treatments to reduce crop losses.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJun 15, 2020

Self-isolation or keep calm and carry on -- the plant cell's dilemma

Plant cells must balance trade-offs between communication, resource exchange, and protection against pathogens like fungi and bacteria. Researchers discovered that chitin perception in plasmodesmata triggers specific signaling pathways that allow cells to isolate themselves, regulating vital processes independently of immune responses.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2020

Cancer: The immune system attacks tumors remotely

Researchers at Institut Pasteur found that immune cells can attack cancer cells remotely through soluble molecules like interferon-gamma. This discovery supports a key target for future immunotherapy approaches and may enable T lymphocytes to act on a large number of cancer cells.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Cancer·DateMar 12, 2020

Single-cell sequencing of CLL therapy: Shared genetic program, patient-specific execution

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients respond differently to ibrutinib treatment due to individual genetic and epigenetic profiles. The study reveals a shared genetic program in CLL cells responding to ibrutinib, but with patient-specific execution, leading to varying disease progression rates.

Three types of cells help the brain tell day from night

Researchers at Salk Institute discover intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in humans, which respond to blue light and help establish healthy day-night cycles. The study's findings may lead to 'smart' lights that prevent depression, foster sleep, and maintain circadian rhythms.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2019

Researchers develop a faster, stronger rabies vaccine

Researchers developed a faster and stronger rabies vaccine by adding B cell activating factor (BAFF) to an existing inactivated virus-based vaccine. This new approach enhanced the immune system's response, increasing virus-neutralizing antibodies quickly and significantly.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 14, 2019

Humans more unique than expected when it comes to digesting fatty meals

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that humans have highly individualized inflammatory responses to eating a high-fat meal. The researchers used a sensitive test to analyze gene expression in response to the meal, finding that responses by more than 13,000 genes differed between subjects.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateSep 12, 2019

Control theory: Mother nature is an engineer

A University of Arizona research team discovered complex biochemical circuits in cells that follow control theory principles, controlling growth in response to nutrient availability. The study found that the TOR and PKA pathways work together like a thermostat, with one pathway speeding up response and the other maintaining stability.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2019

Researchers build artificial cells that sense and respond to their environment

Artificial cells have been created by Imperial College London scientists that can sense changes in their surroundings and respond with drug molecules or harm removal. This breakthrough uses a simpler approach to mimic complex biological responses, making it easier to engineer artificial cells for various biotechnological applications.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

COMMD3/8 protein complex: a potential drug target for treating inflammatory diseases

Researchers discovered a molecule involved in immune cell migration that plays a critical role in establishing immune responses. The COMMD3/8 complex promotes signal transduction of chemokine receptors to facilitate immune cell migration, which is essential for efficient immune responses and proper functioning of the immune system.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 30, 2019

Study of tagraxofusp reports 90% response rate for deadly blood cancer with no prior available therapies

A Phase II trial led by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reports a 90% response rate for patients with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) treated with tagraxofusp. The treatment was effective regardless of prior therapy, and survival rates were relatively high at 59% and 52% at 18 and 24 months, respe...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 24, 2019

MD Anderson study may explain why immunotherapy not effective for some patients with metastatic melanoma and kidney cancer

A new study by MD Anderson Cancer Center suggests that certain B cells with unique characteristics can predict which patients are most likely to respond to immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma and kidney cancer. The researchers found that activated B cells with specific phenotypes were associated with a better response to treatment.

Why screen time can disrupt sleep

Salk scientists discovered that melanopsin cells, responsible for regulating consciousness and sleep, respond to prolonged illumination, but can become desensitized. The study may lead to new treatments for migraines, insomnia, jet lag and circadian rhythm disorders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 27, 2018