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'Animal Farm' immunity receptors only work in a crowd, researchers find

Tiny immune receptors on T-cells recognize antigens more effectively when clustered together, leading to improved immune response. This discovery could lead to new strategies to reprogram inactive T-cells and improve treatment for cancer and deadly infections.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2016

Genetic regulation of the thymus function identified

A team of researchers has identified the genes controlled by Foxn1, a protein essential for thymus development and function. The study reveals that Foxn1 regulates vital functions in the postnatal thymus, providing insights into its role in autoimmune diseases, vaccination responses, and tumor defense.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 22, 2016

Flesh-eating infections in rheumatoid arthritis patients spur new discovery

Researchers discovered that rheumatoid arthritis patients taking IL-1beta inhibitors are 300 times more likely to experience invasive Group A Streptococcal infections, highlighting the molecule's critical role in sensing bacterial infections. The study also suggests that inhibiting this immune response can put patients at risk for infe...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Immunology·DateAug 19, 2016
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.

Getting it 'just right' in the immune system

Researchers suggest that duration of T-cell interactions with dendritic cells may be key to matching immune response to infection severity. Understanding this process could lead to advancements in vaccine development and the study of autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalTrends in Immunology·DateAug 9, 2016

Vaccines fail to protect obese mice from severe influenza infections

Researchers found that flu vaccines with adjuvants do not work as well in obese mice, highlighting the urgent need to understand vaccine response in obese humans. Obesity leaves individuals at increased risk for flu-related complications, including hospitalization and death.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalmBio·DateAug 2, 2016
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.

Resilience affects whether childhood trauma results in harmful gene response

A new study found that resilience is a key factor in determining individual response to childhood trauma at the molecular level. Researchers discovered that child soldiers with PTSD who demonstrated high resilience scores had comparable gene expression to civilian youths without PTSD symptoms.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 2016
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.

Engineers design programmable RNA vaccines

Researchers develop customizable RNA vaccines that can be manufactured in one week, inducing strong immune responses against various pathogens. The vaccines show 100% effectiveness in tests in mice, making them a promising alternative to traditional vaccines.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2016

E. coli: The ideal transport for next-gen vaccines?

A new E. coli-based transport capsule has been developed to improve the efficiency of next-generation vaccines, with promising results in fighting pneumococcal disease. The capsule uses a harmless strain of E. coli wrapped in a synthetic polymer to deliver antigens and trigger an immune response.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 1, 2016

E-cigarette use can alter hundreds of genes involved in airway immune defense

A study by UNC researchers found that vaping e-cigarettes alters dozens of genes essential for upper airway immune defense, similar to cigarette smoking. This discovery suggests that inhaling flavored liquids in e-cigarettes has consequences on epithelial cell gene expression, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory problems.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateJun 20, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Engineering the immune system to kill cancer cells

Researchers at University of Notre Dame develop new T cell receptor technology to enhance immune system's ability to target specific cancer antigens. The engineered receptors allow for a more directed and accurate immune response against cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalStructure·DateJun 15, 2016

Cancer-causing virus strikes genetically vulnerable horses

A study by Cornell University researchers found genetic links between horse immune function and the papillomavirus that causes sarcoid skin tumors. The findings suggest a complex mix of virus, host genes, and tumor development, with relevance to related human conditions like cervical cancer.

SourceCornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJun 10, 2016

Why malnutrition is an immune disorder

New evidence suggests that even with a healthy diet, defects in immune system function from birth can contribute to malnourished states throughout life. Researchers propose targeting immune pathways as a potential approach to reducing poor health and mortality caused by under- and overnutrition.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Immunology·DateMay 26, 2016
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.

Taking control of key protein stifles cancer spread in mice

A new study reveals that suppressing a key protein, Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1), restores multiple antitumor responses in the lungs of mice, preventing cancer spread. Researchers tested an intervention that boosted the RIG-like helicase pathway, which counteracts CHI3L1's effects and decreases tumor-inducing responses.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 20, 2016

Healthy intestinal flora keeps the mind sharp -- with some help from the immune system

A recent study by Dr. Susanne Wolf found that white blood cells act as an intermediary between the gut microbiome and the brain, playing a crucial role in neurogenesis and memory function. The research suggests that antibiotics may disrupt this communication pathway, leading to impaired neurogenesis and memory deterioration.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 19, 2016

HIV vaccine design should adapt as HIV virus mutates

Researchers found that viral adaptation in HIV can predict a person's current disease status, as well as the degree to which newly transmitted HIV-1 is adapted to their new host. This knowledge can help design more effective vaccines by focusing on parts of the virus that are most difficult to undergo adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 16, 2016
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.

Exposure to routine viruses makes mice better test subjects

A new study reveals that laboratory mice infected with common human viruses develop an immune system similar to newborn humans, but unlike adult humans. This finding suggests that the lack of infection may be a reason why research mice differ from humans.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 20, 2016

Curcumin may help overcome drug-resistant tuberculosis

Researchers found that curcumin successfully removes Mycobacterium tuberculosis from infected cells in culture by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B. The study suggests a potential new treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis that could be less prone to resistance development.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateMar 24, 2016

Plant pathologist awarded nearly $2 million

Hailing Jin, a UC Riverside professor of plant pathology and microbiology, received $1.25 million from the National Institutes of Health to study small RNA machinery in plant immunity. She will also receive $700,000 from the National Science Foundation to investigate RNA trafficking pathways between pathogens and hosts.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 9, 2016
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.

Impact of climate change on parasite infections depends on host immunity

Researchers found that climate change increases soil-transmitted parasites in pastures, leading to increased infection risk. The study also showed that host immune response affects the severity of infection, with older individuals carrying more severe infections when immune response is ineffective.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2016
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.

High folic acid intake in aged mice causes a lowered immune response

A study by Tufts University researchers found that high folic acid intake causes a lowered immune response in aged mice, particularly affecting natural killer cells. The study used an aged mouse model and found that excess folic acid impaired NK cell development, leading to reduced immunity against viral infections and cancer.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateJan 11, 2016

Life-extending hormone bolsters the body's immune function

A Yale University study found that the hormone FGF21 protects against age-related loss of immune function by promoting T cell production. Increasing FGF21 levels may be an additional strategy to bolster immune function in the elderly or cancer patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2016
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.

Common signatures predict flu vaccine responses in young and elderly

A systems biology study of over 400 volunteers found that certain molecular signatures predict strong immune responses to seasonal flu vaccines in both young and elderly individuals. The researchers identified a distinct signature associated with long-lasting antibody responses, which may guide the development of more effective vaccines.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalImmunity·DateDec 15, 2015

Is chemical exposure in mothers, babies, linked to poor vaccine response?

A new study from the University of Rochester found that early life exposures to toxic chemicals like PCBs and DDE reduce infants' responses to vaccines. The research, which analyzed blood samples from over 500 mother-infant pairs in eastern Slovakia, shows that even small changes can lead to long-term immune system dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 9, 2015

Overcoming immune exhaustion from chronic HIV infection -- the roles of PD-L1 blockage, regulatory T cells, and viral load

A study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can increase regulatory T cell numbers and virus production, while also boosting killer T cell proliferation. The researchers found that this approach may be beneficial for HIV-infected patients, but only when combined with antiretroviral treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 3, 2015
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Blood test may predict how quickly patients recover from surgery

A blood test can predict how quickly patients recover from surgery by identifying their unique immune state before the procedure, according to a new study. This simple test may help personalize recovery approaches and have a significant impact on perioperative medicine.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesiology·DateNov 19, 2015

New research could help in the fight against infection, cancer and allergies

Researchers have discovered that the antigen-presenting protein MHC1 must 'wriggle' in a specific way to perform its vital functions, which could lead to new immunotherapies for diseases. The findings also have potential applications for reducing allergic reactions by understanding how additives are detected by the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 5, 2015

Vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus shows promise in early trial

Researchers have developed a new RSV vaccine candidate that has shown promising early results in young children, eliciting more antibodies than previous candidates. The vaccine uses a genetically engineered version of the virus with a deleted M2-2 protein to induce a stronger immune response.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 4, 2015

How to model the immune system - 10 billion components at a time

Researchers have developed methods to overcome technical limitations in studying the immune system, allowing for investigation of interdependent components and their impact on functions at the systems level. The new book provides valuable insights into team science and the application of computational tools to model immunity.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 3, 2015
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.

Tick spit protein may trigger allergic reactions

Researchers believe that tick spit proteins, such as alpha-gal, can cause severe allergic reactions in humans. A vaccine could be created to target these proteins, potentially providing protection against tick bite allergies.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateSep 25, 2015

FSU researcher: Change in environment can lead to rapid evolution

A study published in Nature found that guppies evolved 135 genes in response to a new environment, with most changes affecting biological processes like metabolism and immune function. However, the initial response was often opposite to the eventual evolutionary change, suggesting that genes can adapt quickly in the short term.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature·DateSep 2, 2015

The timing of sleep just as important as quantity

Researchers at Washington State University discovered that altering the timing of an animal's sleep can have a significant impact on its immune response and overall sleep quality. The study found that mice with disrupted circadian cycles had blunted or overactive immune responses, making them more susceptible to illness.

SourceWashington State University·DateSep 1, 2015

How to become a T follicular helper cell

A team of researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology has identified LEF-1 and TCF-1 as master regulators that control the fate of T follicular helper cells. These transcription factors pre-program CD4+ T cells to respond to TFH induction signals, making them crucial for inducing a strong and lasting antibody response.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 30, 2015

Scientific curiosity and preparedness for emerging pathogen outbreaks

The article highlights Stanley Perlman's career journey from studying mouse viruses to researching human coronaviruses like SARS and MERS. His work demonstrates the importance of basic research in understanding virus interactions with the immune system, which can inform strategies for preventing or treating diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 14, 2015
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.

Ebola vaccine trial begins in Senegal

A clinical trial testing an Ebola vaccine developed on a new cell line is underway in Senegal, aiming to provide a rapid response to outbreaks. The trial uses two vaccines, ChAd3-EBO Z and MVA-EBO Z, which have shown excellent safety profiles and promise for low-cost mass production.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·DateJul 14, 2015

The role of the microbiota in preventing allergies

The study demonstrates how the microbiota acts on the balance of the immune system, specifically blocking type 2 immune responses that lead to allergic reactions. By stimulating type 3 cells, which coordinate phagocytosis and killing of microbes, the researchers provide an innovative therapeutic approach for allergy treatment.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalScience·DateJul 10, 2015

Towards an HIV vaccine

Researchers characterize immune proteins that recognize and eliminate virus, providing insight into developing a potent Nab response against different HIV subtypes. Studies examine the efficacy of Nabs in blocking direct cell-to-cell transmission of HIV, highlighting the importance of controlling virus replication via this pathway.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 9, 2015
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.

If you look old on the outside, you're probably old on the inside

A team of researchers has found a way to measure the aging process in young adults, revealing that some people are aging three times faster than their peers. The study used biomarkers such as kidney function, liver health, and telomere length to determine biological age and pace of aging.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2015

Generic heart disease medications offer promise for Ebola treatment

Researchers report that statins and angiotensin receptor blockers, commonly used for heart disease, can stabilize endothelial cells lining blood vessels in Ebola patients. This approach may improve survival rates in infected individuals by bolstering the immune system.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJun 23, 2015

Protecting women from multiple sclerosis

Researchers found that innate lymphoid cells in males produce a protein that protects against the disease, while female mice remain inactive and do not produce this protein. This discovery opens up new avenues for investigation into sex-determined disease susceptibility.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMay 28, 2015
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.