Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Regulator of plant immunity tagged

KAUST scientists have identified MAP4K4 as a key player in plant immunity, essential for proper responses to environmental pathogens. The discovery reveals targets in a molecular pathway that could be manipulated by crop breeders to make plants more resistant.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEMBO Reports·DateNov 26, 2019

New vaccine protects from widespread, costly infection, mice study shows

A newly developed experimental vaccine has demonstrated over 80% effectiveness in protecting mice from succumbing to Staphylococcus aureus infection. The vaccine targets specific proteins found on the bacteria and has shown promise in preventing biofilm formation, a major cause of hospital-acquired infections.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateNov 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Critical protein that could unlock West Nile/Zika virus treatments identified

Researchers at Georgia State University have identified the critical protein Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1), which plays a significant role in triggering an immune response to viral infections. The study found that ZBP1 is essential for restricting West Nile and Zika virus replication, preventing severe disease outcomes.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateNov 5, 2019

Ebola antibodies at work

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science and Germany's University of Cologne have identified two antibodies produced by vaccinated individuals that provide long-term immunity against Ebola. These antibodies, which target specific sites on the viral glycoprotein, demonstrate effective protection against the virus.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 10, 2019
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.

From sleeping cell to assassin -- how immune cells work

Scientists at the University of Dundee have mapped how T lymphocytes control expression of over 9,000 proteins in response to infections and tumours. The study reveals critical discoveries on how immune-suppressive drugs work and how oxygen and nutrient environments shape immune responses.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 7, 2019

New smallpox vaccine tested by USAMRIID receives FDA approval

The US FDA has approved a new smallpox vaccine called JYNNEOS, which is non-replicating and can be used to protect against both smallpox and monkeypox diseases. The vaccine developed by Bavarian Nordic was shown to have a superior immune response compared to the existing ACAM2000 vaccine.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 30, 2019

NIH awards contracts to advance tuberculosis immunology research

The NIH has awarded contracts to establish three new centers for immunology research to accelerate progress in TB vaccine development. The program aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the immune responses required to prevent TB infection and disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateSep 26, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Study shows the biological clock influences immune response efficiency

A recent study by Nicolas Cermakian and Nathalie Labrecque found that the biological clock influences immune response efficacy in CD8 T cells. The study discovered that the strength of the immune response varied according to the time of day, with mice showing a stronger response to vaccination at certain times.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2019

New factor in the development of childhood lymphoma

A study found a germline mutation in the CD137 gene to be associated with childhood lymphoma, highlighting its key role in immune surveillance against EBV infection. The research aims to develop targeted therapeutics to stop this disease process.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalBlood·DateSep 18, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

A promising HIV vaccine shows signs of cross-protective benefits

The RV144 vaccine has shown promising results with a new study indicating it may provide protection against multiple strains of HIV. Researchers discovered that the vaccine elicited stronger immune responses, particularly in men, and was well-tolerated, suggesting potential long-term efficacy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 18, 2019

Synthetic cells capture and reveal hidden messages of the immune system

The study reveals that ectosomes, tiny vesicles containing key immune messages, can be intercepted and deciphered using super resolution microscopy. This breakthrough understanding of cellular communication has significant implications for developing therapies that shape the immune response to specific diseases.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·DateSep 17, 2019

Mumps study shows immunity gaps among vaccinated people

A study by Emory Vaccine Center and CDC found immunity against mumps virus insufficient in a fraction of college-aged people who received MMR as children. The results highlight the need for better understanding of immune response to mumps and vaccines.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Experiments illuminate key component of plants' immune systems

A team of biologists has shed new light on a crucial aspect of the plant immune response, revealing how plant resistance proteins trigger localized cell death. By understanding this mechanism, scientists may develop strategies for engineering disease-resistant crops.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScience·DateAug 22, 2019
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.

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: First ever phase 1 trial of genital chlamydia vaccine finds it is safe and provokes immune response

A new chlamydia vaccine has shown promising early signs of effectiveness in a phase 1 clinical trial, provoking an immune response in all participants. The vaccine, CTH522, demonstrated improved performance with added liposomes, producing higher antibody levels and a more consistent cell-mediated immune response.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 12, 2019

Existing anti-parasitic drug could offer treatment for Ebola

A new study suggests that nitazoxanide, an FDA-approved anti-parasitic drug, could potentially treat Ebola by enhancing the immune system's ability to detect the virus. The drug inhibited Ebola replication and worked by broadly amplifying the interferon pathway and cellular viral sensors.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournaliScience·DateAug 8, 2019

New study on the immune system of plants: It works differently than expected

A new study published in The Plant Cell found that plant immune systems vary between species, contradicting previous assumptions based on Arabidopsis thaliana research. Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing techniques to investigate the tobacco plant Nicotiana benthamiana's immune response.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 15, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

An 'EpiPen' for spinal cord injuries

The approach demonstrated in mice enhances healing by reprogramming aggressive immune cells to work for the body, reducing inflammation and promoting regeneration. This technology could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with spinal cord injury and inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 2019

How the mosquito immune system fights off the malaria parasite

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that mosquitoes employ a multi-stage immune response to combat malaria parasites, involving a complement-like pathway and phenoloxidases. This understanding could lead to opportunities to eliminate malaria parasites in the mosquito, reducing human cases.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2019

Immune anticipation and bed bug feeding cues

Female bed bugs exhibit induced antibacterial humoral immune responses when fed regularly, with a 22% increase in longevity compared to unpredictable feeding schedules. Anticipation of mating-associated infection through feeding cues may influence reproductive immune anticipation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2019

Childhood leukemia cannot hide from the immune system

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia mount a robust immune response to their cancer. The study suggests that the immune system may be able to effectively target pediatric ALL, potentially leading to new immunotherapy treatments.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 26, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New immune checkpoint explored for head and neck cancer

Researchers studying CD73, an enzyme suppressing the natural immune response, hope to block its production to help treat aggressive head and neck cancers. High levels of CD73 are associated with poor prognosis in these cancers.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJun 25, 2019

Novel model for studying intestinal parasite could advance vaccine development

Researchers developed a novel mouse model of intestinal parasite infection that mimics human disease, offering protection against Cryptosporidium infection. The model uses a naturally occurring species of mouse Cryptosporidium and demonstrates the importance of T cells and interferon-gamma in immune response.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 20, 2019

Julie Marchesan received the AADR Anne D. Haffajee Fellowship

Dr. Julie Marchesan, a rising young researcher, is the recipient of the $10,000 AADR Anne D. Haffajee Fellowship to support women in oral biology research. The fellowship aims to increase female representation in science and academia.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateJun 19, 2019

Gut microbiome implicated in antiphospholipid syndrome

Researchers identified Roseburia intestinalis as a gut bacterium triggering antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome. The study suggests that eliminating this bacterium may help decrease antibody levels and open doors for future treatment options.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 18, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Could boosting the gut microbiome be the secret to healthier older age?

A new study by immunologists at the Babraham Institute has shown that fecal transplants from young mice can replenish and boost the gut microbiome of older mice, rejuvenating their immune system. The research suggests that targeting the gut microbiome could be a way to treat age-related symptoms and facilitate healthy aging.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2019

Dead cells disrupt how immune cells respond to wounds and patrol for infection

New research at the University of Sheffield reveals that dead cells can disrupt the normal function of immune cells, called macrophages, which are crucial for responding to wounds and patrolling for infection. The study's findings could lead to new therapies to manipulate white blood cells and accelerate healing processes.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 21, 2019
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.

New HIV vaccine strategy 'pumps' the immune system

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology developed a new HIV vaccine delivery strategy that enhances the protective immune response by slowly releasing vaccine doses. This approach, called escalating dose strategy, leads to stronger and more neutralizing antibodies against the virus.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell·DateMay 9, 2019

Challenging metabolism may help fight disease

Researchers at Swansea University's Medical School have found that immune cells can re-programme their metabolic pathways to provide energy and building blocks when challenged. This discovery suggests that manipulating metabolism could lead to new therapies for infectious diseases and cancer.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2019

Vaccine design can dramatically improve cancer immunotherapies

Researchers at Northwestern University have designed spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) that stimulate powerful anti-cancer immune responses, completely eliminating tumors in 30% of animals and improving overall survival. The study's findings highlight the importance of chemical structure and three-dimensional presentation in vaccine design.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Tumor-selective angiotensin blockers may improve response to cancer immunotherapy

Researchers found that combining tumor-selective angiotensin blockers with immune checkpoint blockers significantly improves breast cancer treatment in mouse models. The combination treatment normalizes the tumor microenvironment, inducing changes in gene expression and activating immunosupportive pathways.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Gene therapy restores immunity in infants with rare immunodeficiency disease

A small clinical trial shows that gene therapy can safely correct the immune systems of infants with X-SCID, a rare life-threatening disorder. The treatment involves inserting a normal copy of the IL2RG gene into the patient's blood-forming stem cells.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019

Caregiving not as bad for your health as once thought, study says

A recent study published in The Gerontologist suggests that the link between caregiving and negative health effects has been overstated. After analyzing data from over three decades of research, Johns Hopkins researchers found a weak association between caregiving and immune system biomarkers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateApr 10, 2019
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.

Plant immunity cut to size

Researchers found a class of enzymes called metacaspases play a crucial role in plant immune response, releasing calcium and peptides to prevent infection. The discovery opens up new avenues for improving crop breeding techniques and boosting plant immunity.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2019

Using laser 'tweezers,' scientists grab and study tiny protein droplets

Researchers investigate the conditions that drive protein droplets to switch from a fluid to a gel-like state, finding that environmental factors play a crucial role. The study uses innovative techniques such as optical tweezers and laser poking to probe the dynamics of these tiny molecules, which may be involved in health and disease.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBiomolecules·DateMar 7, 2019

Putting the brake on our immune system's response

A novel mechanism discovered by researchers at the University of York and Queen Mary University London reveals that miR-132 controls how immune cells respond to infection. This tiny molecule acts as a 'handbrake' on the immune system, preventing over-reaction and promoting protective immunity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMar 4, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

TIGER mouse debuts as model for neurological ailments

Researchers develop TIGER mouse to track information-rich particles in brain, revealing new cell types releasing extracellular vesicles. The study aims to generate an atlas for diagnosing and treating various diseases.

SourceClemson University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2019

The FASEB Journal: GI neuroimmune disruption contributes to Gulf War Illness

A mouse model study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that gastrointestinal neuroimmune disruption is a contributing mechanism of Gulf War Illness. The research found that exposure to pyridostigmine bromide causes long-lasting gastrointestinal issues and immune system changes in the gut and brain.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 21, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Single CRISPR treatment provides long-term benefits in mice

Researchers at Duke University found that a single CRISPR treatment can safely correct genetic disease for over a year, despite immune responses. The study suggests approaches to address potential challenges and potentially deliver the therapy to infants or restrict Cas9 expression.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2019

Linking sensing to signaling during plant immunity

EDS1 protein partners with PAD4 and SAG101 to promote reprogramming of gene expression and localized cell death, carrying out a crucial link between recognition and resistance in plant immunity. A key surface on EDS1 enables its functions, promoting salicylic acid accumulation and blocking bacterial virulence molecules.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2019

Being kind to yourself has mental and physical benefits, research shows

Researchers found that self-compassion exercises calmed the heart rate and reduced stress responses in healthy individuals. This approach has been linked to improved mental health outcomes and may be beneficial for people with depression. Future studies aim to investigate this method further.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateFeb 6, 2019

Having stressed out ancestors improves immune response to stress

Researchers found that lizards from high-stress environments had more robust immune systems when exposed to prolonged stress, suggesting a potential adaptive advantage. The study's results may have implications for human stress response and disease prevention.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 22, 2019
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.

Regulation and potential drug targets of tumor-associated Tregs

Research highlights the importance of tumor-associated Tregs in evoking effective antitumour immune responses. Depletion or inhibition of Tregs may enhance antitumor effects, suggesting a promising strategy for alleviating tumour immunesuppression and improving immune responses against cancers.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateJan 15, 2019

Fighting another virus? Blame your parents

A new study of twins found that genetic factors significantly impact the body's immune defense networks. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 1835 twins and thousands of siblings to understand how effectively their bodies deploy disease-fighting molecules.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 8, 2019