Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Modified antibodies trigger immune response, point to novel vaccine design strategies

Researchers at Whitehead Institute developed a method called sortagging, which uses the bacterial enzyme sortase A to modify antibodies to carry various payloads. This approach allows for highly targeted and potent responses from immune cells, potentially aiding in vaccine development.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2013

New technique could make cell-based immune therapies for cancer safer and more effective

Researchers have developed a new technique to create targeted immunotherapies for cancer, recognizing antigens on cancer cells that are not found on healthy cells. The approach uses chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and costimulatory receptors (CCRs), allowing T cells to attack specific types of cancer cells while sparing normal cells.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 16, 2012

Intestinal immune cells play an unexpected role in immune surveillance of the bloodstream

A team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital has discovered that intestinal immune cells collect and process antigens from both the bloodstream and the intestine, inducing the production of T cells that suppress inflammation. This regulatory system is crucial for preventing autoimmune disorders and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalImmunity·DateDec 13, 2012

How infection can trigger autoimmune disease

Scientists confirm that an infection can trigger an autoimmune disease by identifying the exact conditions for an autoantibody response to occur. The research reveals a unique problem with the immune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self, leading to autoimmunity in certain cases.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalImmunity·DateNov 9, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New anti-tumor cell therapy strategies are more effective

Researchers have developed targeted T-cell therapies that can recognize and destroy glioma stem cells, which are resistant to traditional treatments. The new approaches involve genetically modifying T-cells to target specific antigens on tumor cells, potentially improving treatment efficacy and reducing cancer recurrence.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateOct 25, 2012

Pregnancy generates maternal immune-suppressive cells that protect the fetus

A new study published in Nature suggests that vaccines could be developed to prevent premature birth and pregnancy complications by stimulating the production of immune suppressive cells. These cells, which are generated during pregnancy, can tolerate foreign antigens and provide protection to the fetus.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2012

Early activation of immune response could lead to better vaccines

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine discovered a new 'first response' mechanism that the immune system uses to respond to infection, challenging current understanding of immunity. This fast-acting immune response is orchestrated by inflammatory monocytes and can provide immediate protection against microbes.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateAug 30, 2012
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.

Blood type A may predispose to some rotavirus infections

Baylor College of Medicine researchers found that the P[14] strain of rotavirus uses the histo-blood group antigen A as a receptor to infect human cells. Laboratory tests showed that cells with this antigen were easily infected, while those without it were not.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2012

The green light gives the game away

Researchers developed a new method to identify antigens that induce autoimmune reactions by generating cells emitting green fluorescent light when stimulated. The technique uses genetic engineering techniques and is highly sensitive, allowing for the analysis of millions of antigens in hours.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 10, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers identify unexpected player in intestinal immunity

Goblet cells, previously thought to only secrete mucus, have been found to chaperone food antigens in the intestine, connecting them to dendritic cells. This discovery provides new insights into intestinal immunity and potential targets for therapies against inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and food allergies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 14, 2012

New universal platform for cancer immunotherapy developed by Penn-led team

Researchers have created a universal approach to personalized cancer therapy based on T cells, offering a highly adaptable and effective treatment option. The system uses engineered T cells capable of targeting multiple tumor antigens simultaneously or sequentially, significantly extending conventional CAR approaches.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 5, 2012

Blood mystery solved

Researchers have identified two proteins responsible for the Langereis and Junior blood types, shedding light on a long-standing medical mystery. The discovery may improve treatment options for breast cancer patients and enhance blood transfusion safety for rare blood type carriers.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 23, 2012

Breaking down cancer's defense for future vaccines

A new study reveals how tumours exploit the lymphatic system to evade immune cells, but also identifies a weakness that can be targeted to boost vaccine efficacy. By understanding this mechanism, future cancer vaccines may be able to bypass the tumour's defence and effectively kill cancer cells.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 23, 2012

Sensing self and non-self: New research into immune tolerance

Scientists discovered that T cells can temporarily lose their ability to fight cancer when exposed to self-antigens, but return to normal function under certain conditions. Researchers hope to develop new cancer therapies by understanding and overcoming this tolerance mechanism.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2012
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.

Anthrax capsule vaccine protects monkeys from lethal infection

A new anthrax capsule vaccine protects monkeys from lethal infection, offering a non-toxin alternative to current vaccines. The vaccine works by inducing anti-capsule antibody responses and is expected to be effective against vaccine-resistant strains of anthrax.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalVaccine·DateJan 12, 2012

Team pinpoints amino acid variation in immune response gene linked with ulcerative colitis

A team of researchers has pinpointed an amino acid variation in the immune response gene DRB1 as a key factor in ulcerative colitis. This association was confirmed using sophisticated association techniques and suggests that the gene plays a significant role in determining the human immune response to extracellular antigens.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalGenes and Immunity·DateDec 15, 2011

Trudeau Institute announces latest discovery in vaccine development

Researchers at the Trudeau Institute have discovered a new properties of a potential vaccine adjuvant that suggests it could be useful for enhancing protection against a number of different infections. The discovery provides a promising lead for developing a new class of vaccines.

SourceTrudeau Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateDec 12, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Humans and sharks share immune system feature

Researchers at National Jewish Health found that T-cell receptors from mice continue to function with shark, frog, and trout receptor pieces substituted in. This interaction between the T cell and MHC molecules is crucial for immune defense and organ transplants.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalImmunity·DateSep 29, 2011

2 new cost-effective ways to predict prostate cancer

Two new risk indicators for prostate cancer have been identified, showing an association between benign prostatic hyperplasia and an increased risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer. Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in healthy men also predict long-term risk of developing prostate cancer.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateSep 23, 2011
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.

News tips from the journal mBio®

Researchers have devised a novel strategy for developing rapid, inexpensive diagnostic tests for microbial infections by identifying soluble microbial antigens. The InMAD system successfully identified antigens for biothreats Burkholderia pseudomallei and Francisella tularensis.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateAug 31, 2011

Study examines factors in pediatric kidney transplant rejection

A retrospective cohort study examines the relationship between HLA-DR mismatching and rejection in pediatric kidney transplant patients. The study found that patients with 1- or 2-HLA-DRB1 mismatches had a 70% increased risk of allograft rejection, while those with a history of rejection had a 7.7 times greater odds of graft failure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateJul 18, 2011
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.

Cancer-seeking 'smart bombs' target kidney cancer cells

Researchers developed a novel form of radioimmunotherapy that targets antigens associated with renal cell carcinoma. Patients receiving up to three doses show dramatic slowing of cancer growth and stabilization of their disease. The therapy, Lu-177-cG250, targets kidney tumors with high effectiveness for reducing cancer proliferation.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 6, 2011

Researchers identify biomarkers of poor outcomes in preemies

A study by Dr. Ardythe Morrow at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that preterm infants with a specific genetic variant (FUT2) are more likely to experience bad outcomes, including death and sepsis. The researchers identified a link between low levels of 'H antigen' in saliva and increased risk of disease progression.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 27, 2011
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Immune system's bare essentials used to speedily detect drug targets

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new epitope-mapping laboratory test that can pinpoint the unique binding site for disease-causing pathogens within three weeks. The test uses five essential proteins involved in antigen processing by immune system cells, speeding up the development of cancer vaccines and diagnostic...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 31, 2010

Most men with low-risk prostate cancer receive aggressive treatment

A study found that men with low-risk prostate cancer often receive aggressive treatment, including surgery or radiation, even if their PSA levels are low. The researchers suggest that lowering the biopsy threshold for men with PSA levels below 4 nanograms per milliliter could lead to an increase in unnecessary treatments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 26, 2010
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.

Carbon nanotubes boost cancer-fighting cells

Researchers at Yale University found that carbon nanotubes cause T cell antigens to cluster in high concentrations, stimulating the body's natural immune response. This breakthrough could improve current adoptive immunotherapy for cancer treatment by increasing T cell proliferation.

SourceYale University·JournalLangmuir·DateApr 20, 2010

New model tracks the immune response to a T

Researchers at Whitehead Institute have created novel mouse models that accurately reflect the immune system's response to pathogens. The models use somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to create mice from single T cells primed for toxoplasmosis, allowing for a more precise study of the immune system.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalScience·DateApr 8, 2010

New study questions earlier conclusions about the kinetics of T cell receptors

A new study challenges existing knowledge about the kinetics of T cell receptors, finding that interactions with potent antigens are short-lived and occur rapidly. The research uses two techniques to analyze receptor-antigen interactions on cell surfaces, revealing a broader dynamic range than previous studies.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 31, 2010
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.

Notre Dame study focuses on protein dynamics

A Notre Dame study highlights the role of dynamic motion by proteins involved in the body's immune response. The research found that different antigens produce distinct motions, complicating but also simplifying recognition by T-cell receptors.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalImmunity·DateJan 21, 2010

Prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

A study analyzing 429 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma found associations between hepatitis B infection, CA19-9 levels, and lymph node metastases. Radical resection is a key prognostic factor for ICC, and future research should focus on evaluating molecule-targeted therapy.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJan 15, 2010
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.

Faithful mothers have healthier babies

A study of over 2500 pregnant women found that those in long-term relationships with their biological fathers were less likely to develop pre-eclampsia and have undersized babies. Prolonged exposure to paternal antigens may induce tolerance in the maternal immune system, reducing the risk of these conditions.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalJournal of Reproductive Immunology·DateNov 12, 2009

Study reveals a 'missing link' in immune response to disease

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered that T cell receptors are mechanosensors that rely on sheer mechanical force to shift between scanning and fighting modes. This fundamental understanding may lead to the development of precisely targeted therapies for cancers and infections, eliminating harsh side effects.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 2, 2009

Outfoxing pox: Developing a new class of vaccine candidates

A study published in Virology demonstrates that the ancient pathogen cowpox still has much to teach us about developing novel vaccines. Researchers identified 9 new protective components of the virus, which offered superior protection in a mouse model compared to existing vaccines.

SourceArizona State University·JournalVirology·DateOct 14, 2009

New vaccine shows promise for COPD patients at risk for pneumonia

A new protein conjugate vaccine, PCV7, has been found to produce superior immune responses in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to the currently accepted vaccine, PPSV23. The study suggests that PCV7 may offer improved protection against respiratory disease in COPD patients at risk for pneumonia.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 8, 2009
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.

The right messenger for a healthy immune response

Researchers from the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research found that Beta-Interferon facilitates faster immune reactions against microbial and viral threats by regulating antigen presentation. Low levels of Beta-Interferon before infection can lead to a stronger immune response, known as priming.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJul 20, 2009
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.

New discovery to aid in diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease

Scientists have identified PLA2R, a protein found in normal human glomeruli, as the target antigen in idiopathic membranous nephropathy. This discovery holds promise for developing a blood test to replace kidney biopsies and determining which patients are most likely to benefit from immunosuppressive treatment.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 1, 2009

Immune exhaustion driven by antigen in chronic viral infection

T cells wear out during chronic infections due to limited presentation of viral antigens. Mice studies show altered MHC class I molecules on blood and immune system cells but missing from other cells, leading to exhaustion.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2009

Dendritic cells ensure immune tolerance

Research suggests that dendritic cells are essential for generating and maintaining immunological tolerance. Without these cells, the immune system fails to distinguish between self and foreign substances, leading to autoimmune responses. This study highlights the critical role of dendritic cells in protecting against autoimmune diseases.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 16, 2009
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.

Immune cells reveal fancy footwork

Dutch biologist Suzanne van Helden discovered that immune cells lose their adhesive feet before migrating to lymph nodes, allowing them to move faster. This process enables mature dendritic cells to quickly activate T cells and tackle infections.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateDec 1, 2008

Statin use associated with reduction in prostate specific antigen levels

A recent study found that statin use is associated with a decline in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, suggesting potential benefits for prostate cancer screening and management. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,200 men, showed a median decline of 4.1% in PSA levels after starting statin therapy.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 28, 2008

Scripps research scientists enhance immune system attacks on cancer

Researchers enhance the body's ability to fight cancer by boosting killer T cells' activity and keeping them alive longer. The new approach has shown promise in treating cancer patients with fewer side effects than existing treatments.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2008
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Nano vaccine for hepatitis B shows promise for third world

A new nano vaccine for hepatitis B has been developed to address the drawbacks of current vaccines, which require refrigeration and can cause side effects. The vaccine uses a needle-free nasal delivery method and has been shown to be effective in producing strong immune responses in animal studies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 12, 2008

New protocol streamlines therapy that makes more kidney transplants possible

A new therapy developed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center improves transplant rates and outcomes for patients awaiting living- and deceased-donor kidney transplantation. The combination of IVIG and rituximab offers superior benefits to IVIG alone, improving transplant rates to 80 percent of treated patients.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 16, 2008

From foe to friend: Researchers use salmonella as a way to administer vaccines in the body

The researchers have developed a biologically engineered organism that can effectively deliver an antigen in the body using live salmonella bacterium. The new method is a major step forward in developing a means of biological containment for vaccine delivery, making vaccines more affordable for developing countries.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2008