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Garvan scientists capture ‘housekeeping’ immune cells attacking live melanoma

Scientists at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research captured 'housekeeping' immune cells actively attacking and engulfing live melanoma cells. These macrophages patrol the edges of melanoma tumours, steadily engulfing cancer cells and slowing tumour growth. The discovery has big implications for immunotherapy.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

Penicillin–streptomycin influences macrophage mechanical properties and microenvironment mechano-sensation

Researchers found penicillin-streptomycin increases macrophage stiffness and rewires ECM mechanosensing, impairing immune function and suggesting potential off-target effects in clinical use. The study highlights the need to re-evaluate common cell culture reagents through a mechanobiological lens.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalMechanobiology in Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 13, 2026

TCR-pMHC recognition drives T cell phagocytosis: mechanobiology unlocking new potential for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers engineer T cells to express specific TCRs, demonstrating that antigen recognition drives phagocytosis and identifying key regulatory parameters, such as antigen density. The study's findings offer mechanistic insights and translational promise for immunotherapy.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalMechanobiology in Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 13, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dual targeting approach improves immunotherapy response in glioblastoma

Blocking two key 'don't eat me signals' in cancer cells heightens the immune response and sensitizes tumors to immunotherapy in glioblastoma models. Researchers found that simultaneously blocking CD47 and CD24 improved immunotherapy response, allowing macrophages to better recognize and attack cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2026

Researchers find new way to slow memory loss in Alzheimer’s

A study led by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers found that inhibiting the protein PTP1B improves learning and memory in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. This suggests that PTP1B inhibition can also improve microglial function, clearing up Aβ plaques.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2026

Targeted cell removal offers treatment hope

A team of scientists has developed a protein-based therapeutic tool called Crunch to target and remove specific living cells, such as cancer cells or overactive immune cells. The new system uses the body's natural waste removal system to clear out unwanted cells, offering hope for improved treatments.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateSep 3, 2025

When liver cleanup crews go into overdrive after injury

A new study finds that macrophages, the liver's cleanup specialists, quickly adapt after injury to clear debris and support tissue recovery. The research highlights the dynamic nature of these cells during liver injury and repair, offering promising implications for future therapies.

SourceFirst Hospital of Jilin University·JournaleGastroenterology·DateMay 7, 2025
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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Phenomenal phytoplankton: Scientists uncover cellular process behind oxygen production

Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown process in marine phytoplankton that accounts for between 7% to 25% of all oxygen produced and carbon fixed in the ocean. This discovery sheds light on how tiny organisms contribute to global oxygen production, with potential implications for our understanding of evolution.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Scientists make a breakthrough in the cellular recognition of microplastics

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have made a breakthrough in understanding how macrophages recognize microplastics, discovering an interaction between aromatic rings that drives this process. The study suggests that while microplastics may not induce acute inflammation, chronic exposure could lead to autoimmune diseases.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Stem cell-based screen identifies potential new treatments

A recent study used induced pluripotent stem cells to find drugs that enhance phagocytosis in the retinal pigment epithelium, a process critical for preventing vision loss. Several drugs showed promise, including Ramoplanin, which rescued defects in RPE from patients with a certain genetic form of RP.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 25, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

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Neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease

Researchers discovered that DAPPD promotes phagocytosis of microglia cells, leading to reduced amyloid deposition and improved cognitive function. The study suggests that targeting neuroinflammation may be a viable therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019

GAS7 protein allows cells to eat

The study reveals that the GAS7 protein's BAR domain is essential for phagocytic cup formation, enabling macrophages to efficiently consume debris. The protein's oligomerization and membrane binding are critical for this process.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2019

How immune cells kill bacteria with acid

Macrophages use a membrane protein called SLC4A7 to acidify their phagosomes, allowing them to kill bacteria. Impaired SLC4A7 leads to decreased capacity to kill bacteria and increased protons in the cytoplasm.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 17, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Cell 'cannibalism' educates our defenses

Phagocytosis not only eliminates useless cells, but also 'educates' macrophages, the immune cells that carry it out. This process helps maintain tissues in a clean and healthy state. Researchers identified specific molecular toolkits for eliminating unwanted cells in each tissue.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 3, 2017

The brain needs to 'clean itself up' so that it can 'sort itself out'

Microglial cells have been found to be 'blind' and incapable of eliminating dead neurons during epilepsy seizures, leading to inflammation and further brain damage. The study opens up new avenues for exploring therapies to encourage phagocytosis and alleviate the effects of brain diseases.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 31, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

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Effect of 6 mT SMF on phagocytosis depends on macrophage differentiation degree

A study by Dini et al. investigates the effect of 6 mT Static Magnetic Field (SMF) on phagocytosis in human macrophages, finding that it depends on the degree of macrophage differentiation. The results suggest that moderate intensity SMF can modify cell surface morphology and influence fluid-phase endocytosis and phagocytosis.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateDec 3, 2010

Immunity stronger at night than during day

Research reveals that the immune system's phagocytic response is stronger at night and weaker during the day, with flies infected at night showing improved survival rates. The study suggests that circadian proteins play a crucial role in regulating immunity, particularly during restorative functions like sleep.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 14, 2008

Discovery in the evolution of the immune system absorbing cells

Researchers find that fish and amphibian B cells exhibit strong phagocytosis in both in vivo and vitro experiments. This discovery suggests an evolutionary relationship between macrophages and B cells, with implications for understanding human immune systems.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 4, 2006
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

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UCSB researchers discover shape matters to macrophages

Phagocytosis, a key part of the immune system, depends on macrophages to remove particles from the body. Researchers at UCSB found that particle shape, not size, is more important in this process. This discovery could lead to the design of drug carriers that can be retained by the body for longer periods and vaccines that stimulate rap...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2006

The anti-inflammatory effect of apoptotic bodies

Researchers explored the anti-inflammatory properties of apoptotic bodies in various diseases, including IBD and osteoarthritis. They found that these bodies can modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation, offering new therapeutic targets for treating chronic inflammatory conditions.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2002