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Unvaccinated children mount COVID-19 immune response, but vaccination may be key to strengthening immunity

A study found that unvaccinated children develop a rapid immune response to SARS-CoV-2, which may contribute to less severe symptoms, but limits the development of an immune memory response. Vaccination is believed to strengthen immunity by inducing key components such as memory T cell and B cell responses.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalImmunity·TypeObservational study·DateJun 8, 2022

Targeted micronutrition ameliorates allergy symptoms

Researchers at the Messerli Research Institute developed a lozenge that compensates for micronutrient deficiencies in immune cells, reducing inflammation and allergic reactions. The study showed a 45% reduction in symptom burden during peak pollen season, presenting a new approach to allergy care.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalThe Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology In Practice·DateJun 7, 2022
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Studies reveal new insights into gut microbiome impact on immunotherapy response in multiple cancers, including glioblastoma

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found distinct gut microbiome signatures associated with immunotherapy response in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The study identified a link between gut microbiome signatures and immune checkpoint blockade response in melanoma, NSCLC, and sarcoma.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateJun 6, 2022

Phase separation found in immune response within cells

UTSW scientists identify protein complexes that assemble into droplets resembling oil droplets in water, concentrating proteins and triggering an immune response. The study reveals how polyubiquitin chains, NEMO, and IKK come together to activate NF-κB and regulate immunity.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 6, 2022

Decoding the language of immune responses

A new study by McGill University and US National Cancer Institute researchers reveals that antigen strength, rather than quantity, drives T cell responses. This discovery has implications for predicting vaccine efficacy and designing more effective immunotherapies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2022
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Threat of bioaccumulation: New study investigates impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on bay scallops

Researchers evaluated the toxicological effects of BaP on bay scallops, finding increased immune response-related parameters with time at higher concentrations. The study suggests that BaP dampens the immune response of scallops and decreases their capacity to respond to oxidative stress.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalFish & Shellfish Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Acute stress may be detrimental to fighting off COVID-19 and influenza

This study shows how specific brain regions control the immune response during acute stress, highlighting the detrimental effect on fighting off infection. Researchers found that acute stress prompts a major migration of immune cells, diminishing an immune response to viruses like COVID-19 and influenza.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2022

Researchers find new mechanism to turn on cancer-killing T cells

Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University of Amsterdam have identified a new mechanism that prompts T cell responses, including MHC-I cross-dressing. This discovery may lead to improved vaccine design and targeted cancer treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalImmunity·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2022
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Function follows form in plant immunity

Scientists discovered a novel biochemical mechanism in which plant immune receptors defend plants against invading microorganisms. TIR domains of these receptors break down NAD+ and process RNA/DNA molecules, leading to the production of cyclic nucleotides that activate cell death responses.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Study shines light on longevity of COVID-19 immune response

A new study analyzing 8 cohorts of COVID-19 patients found that antibody responses in previously infected individuals were relatively stable, providing protection from reinfection unless the new infection was the Omicron variant. Vaccination also boosted protection, with rapid immune responses observed even after a single vaccine dose.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2022
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

'Natural immunity' from omicron is weak and limited, study finds

A new study by Gladstone Institutes and UC San Francisco found that infection with the Omicron variant provides weak immune response in unvaccinated individuals, failing to confer broad protection against other variants. In contrast, vaccinated individuals show stronger immunity against multiple COVID-19 strains.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 2022

COVID booster needed for broad protection against omicron variants

Two studies found that a third dose of mRNA vaccine generates high enough antibody levels to neutralize BA.2 and deltacron, as well as other omicron sublineage variants. Booster shots show stronger protection against these variants than just two doses, particularly against deltacron.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 18, 2022

Study identifies first cellular “chaperone” for zinc

The study reveals that ZNG1 is a protein that puts zinc into other 'client' proteins, playing a crucial role in regulating cellular zinc homeostasis. ZNG1's identification opens up a new area of biology for exploration and may be one of the most important regulatory strategies by which humans cope with severe zinc starvation.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Biomaterial improves islet transplants for treatment of type 1 diabetes

A new biomaterial-based technique has improved islet transplants for type 1 diabetes treatment by inducing permanent immune acceptance. The microgels educate the immune system to accept the graft, making it possible to regulate blood glucose levels without chronic immunosuppression.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 13, 2022
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

mRNA booster vaccines may be a good investment in developing countries

Researchers found that a single mRNA vaccine booster shot can provide the same level of protection as three doses, making it a promising investment for resource-poor countries. The study suggests that this strategy could benefit billions of people worldwide and help combat emerging COVID-19 variants.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2022

Fruit flies prioritize mating over survival

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that infected fruit flies continue to engage in courtship and mating behaviors, similar to uninfected flies. The study suggests that animals may invest more in reproduction when faced with a potential life threat, potentially to pass on genes to the next generation

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022
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.

Usefulness of monitoring IgG against Antigen-85b for prediction of tuberculosis development from latency: From an elephant tuberculosis analysis

Researchers developed a new test method to detect tuberculosis (TB) progression from latent infection in elephants using IgG antibodies against Antigen 85B. High levels of IgG against ESAT6/CFP10 remained constant, while IgG against Ag85B increased before disease onset and declined with treatment.

SourceNiigata University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2022

Model finds COVID-19 deaths among elderly may be due to genetic limit on cell division

A University of Washington model found that the body's ability to create cloned immune cells falls significantly with age, leading to increased susceptibility to COVID-19 in the elderly. The study suggests that genetic limits on cell division may play a role in the devastating effects of COVID-19 on older adults.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 6, 2022

Why do some people get sicker than others from COVID?

Researchers found that individuals with a diverse population of macrophage cells, which include M2 and regulatory macrophages, are better protected against severe COVID-19. The study suggests that a balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses is key to preventing the worst symptoms.

SourceBoston University·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 5, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Aging lymph nodes: Seeking a solution for weakened immune systems

Researchers discovered that aging lymph nodes near the skin deteriorate faster than those deeper in the body, compromising the immune response. This can lead to weakened immunity against skin infections, vaccinations, and even skin cancers.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2022

Hormonal teamplay in trees

Researchers found that salicylic acid and jasmonic acid increase in response to fungal infection, increasing plant resistance without negatively affecting growth. High levels of both hormones make trees more resistant to fungal attack.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

Researchers assess the power of T-cell immune response to Omicron BA.1 and BA.2

The study found that T-cell immunity was effective against Omicron variants in approximately 90% of vaccinated Europeans. The researchers identified a specific HLA-DRB1*03:01 variant that allowed the virus to evade immune recognition, particularly affecting individuals with this genetic variation.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 27, 2022
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.

Some cases of long COVID-19 may be caused by an abnormally suppressed immune system, UCLA-led research suggests

A UCLA-led team found that an abnormally suppressed immune system, not a persistently hyperactive one, may be to blame for some cases of long COVID-19. The study suggests boosting immunity in those individuals could be a treatment option.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 22, 2022

Study: Black kidney transplant patients exhibit faster clearance rates of key immunosuppressive medicine tacrolimus

A new study found that Black kidney transplant recipients exhibit a faster clearance rate of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug. The study suggests that considering both sex and race when dosing tacrolimus may reduce adverse effects and enhance transplant outcomes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPharmacotherapy The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy·DateApr 18, 2022

How do fungal infections spread in the human lung?

A team of researchers developed a novel chip-based infection model to study invasive aspergillosis, a mold infection that affects the lungs. The model allows for live microscopic observation of damage caused by fungal hyphae and the response of immune cells.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022
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.

A small mutation can make Zika virus even more dangerous

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a Zika virus mutation that boosts its ability to replicate and infect humans. This mutation allows the virus to evade protective immunity from previous dengue exposure, increasing its transmission potential.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022

How ovarian cancer defies immunotherapy

Researchers at UC San Diego found that ovarian cancer tumors activate FAK protein to regulate CD155 expression, creating a shield against immune detection and evading treatment. New molecular targets may boost immune response and lead to new combinatorial strategies for this disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022

Cancer-fighting viruses soften up their victims before attacking

Researchers developed a virus that infects cancer cells, killing them while sending signals to nearby uninfected cells for viral attack. This approach shrinks tumors and enhances cancer-killing efficacy in various models, including pancreatic and ovarian cancers.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2022

Depressive disorders can lead to changes in immune cells

Researchers discovered that individuals with depressive disorders have increased blood cell deformability, particularly in lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils. This suggests a potential link between immune system changes and sustained immune responses.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateApr 8, 2022
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.

Mini-livers on a chip

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes create mini-livers on a chip to study the immune system's response to hepatitis C infection. The platform enables precise control over cellular interactions, allowing for detailed insights into how the liver interacts with the virus and T cells.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalOpen Biology·DateApr 6, 2022
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.

Scientific consortium established by national institutes of health provides real-time risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection

The SAVE program, a NIH initiative, provides real-time risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection. It uses a coordinated approach to identify and curate data about these variants, their impact on immunity, and their effects on vaccine protection.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 31, 2022

Prior COVID-19 infection linked to robust, accelerated immune response after first vaccine dose, researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University report

Researchers at Temple University found that individuals with prior COVID-19 infection experienced rapid antibody production after the first vaccine dose, but showed little increase after the second dose. This contrasts with those without a history of infection, who exhibited massive responses after the second dose.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJCI Insight·DateMar 29, 2022
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.

Tuberculosis infection protects mice from developing COVID-19

Researchers discovered that mice infected with tuberculosis are resistant to developing COVID-19, suggesting a potential protective effect against the virus. The findings may explain why double infections of both diseases are rare in humans and contribute to the high rates of infection for each disease individually.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022

Development of a sugar-based vaccine for melioidosis

A team led by Professor Charles Gauthier is developing a glycoconjugate vaccine using sugars expressed on the surface of Burkholderia pseudomallei. The vaccine aims to stimulate an immune response and increase its efficacy.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateMar 24, 2022

Treating TB: uOttawa scientists collaborate to identify new drug for unique therapeutic approach

Researchers develop novel therapeutic approach for treating tuberculosis using phosphatase inhibitors, offering potential benefits for TB research and basic biology exploration. The discovery provides a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic-based treatments and has significant implications for combating antimicrobial resistance.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

Huddersfield scientists first to show how coronavirus triggers immune response in brain

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have identified a key mechanism by which the coronavirus causes inflammation in the brain's immune cells, potentially explaining some symptoms experienced by COVID-19 patients. The study suggests that adequate funding is needed to further develop this research and its potential applications.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

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