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Itch maintains regulatory T cell stability

Researchers found that Itch maintains the stability of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which promotes Th2 inflammatory responses and severe airway inflammation in mice. This study highlights the importance of Itch in regulating immune responses and preventing allergic diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 25, 2013

Questions answered with the pupils of your eyes

Researchers created a simple system using just a laptop and camera to measure pupil size for communication. They found that healthy people's pupils increased in size when solving math problems, which was translated into accurate answers to yes/no questions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 5, 2013

Preventing an immune overreaction

Researchers develop nanoparticles to block immune responses, enabling precise control of the immune system. The study's findings suggest a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases and allergies by targeting specific immune cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 3, 2013

A vaccine that works in newborns?

Researchers have identified a potent compound that activates immune responses in newborns' white blood cells substantially better than anything previously tested, potentially making vaccines effective right at birth. The compound, VTX-294, produced strong immune responses and triggered production of cytokines and co-stimulatory molecules.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 4, 2013

Liquid crystal's chaotic inner dynamics

Scientists have found a new dynamic process in liquid crystal cells triggered by strong electric fields. The theory of spatio-temporal chaos explains this effect, which affects the electro-optic switching phenomenon used in devices.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJan 24, 2013

Itchy wool sweaters explained

Researchers found a specific type of sensory nerve cell that responds to itch-inducing stimuli but not pain, suggesting a possible solution for chronic itch. This discovery may help develop treatments for life-saving medications and improve our understanding of the relationship between pain and itch.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 2, 2013

A solution to reducing inflammation

A team of researchers at the University of Manchester has found a novel solution to reducing inflammation by harnessing the power of hypertonic solutions. They discovered that bathing in or applying these solutions can shrink cells and deactivate the inflammatory response.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalImmunity·DateSep 20, 2012

Gene therapy can correct forms of severe combined immunodeficiency

A recent clinical trial found that gene therapy can insert the correct ADA gene into patient bone marrow cells, leading to a good response. Defects in B cell tolerance are also corrected after gene therapy, supporting its use as an effective treatment option for ADA-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2012

A*STAR scientists discover 'switch' to boost anti-viral response to fight infectious diseases

Researchers from A*STAR identified the molecular switch Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) that triggers innate immunity and activates potent virus killers, enabling effective responses to dengue and influenza viruses. The discovery paves the way for developing anti-viral drugs targeting BTK.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2012

Why many cells are better than one

Researchers from Johns Hopkins have quantified a cell's decision-making ability, finding it to be only two possible choices. Cells can overcome their individual limitations by forming multicellular organisms, which enables them to transfer information and make decisions together.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 2011

The forces of attraction: How cells change direction

A team of researchers developed a novel technique to study how cells respond to changing concentrations of chemoattractants. The study reveals two ways cells can reorient in response to changes, and provides insights into the underlying signaling pathways that control chemotaxis. The research has clinical significance for embryonic dev...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2011

UT Southwestern researcher maps far-reaching effects of estrogen signaling in breast cancer cells

A UT Southwestern researcher has identified the most comprehensive measurement to date of estrogen's effect on breast cancer cells, showing that estrogen regulates a strikingly large percentage of all RNA molecules in a rapid and transient manner. This finding could lead to new therapeutic applications and provide a model for understan...