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EMBARGOED UNTIL JAN. 8 @ 3 PM EST: UTHealth Houston study: EBV-specific T-cells play key role in development of multiple sclerosis

Researchers from UTHealth Houston discovered that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific T-cells are present in high numbers in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with multiple sclerosis at its earliest stages. The study suggests that these cells may be contributing to the disease's pathogenesis.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2024

New reasons eating less fat should be one of your resolutions

A new study by University of California Riverside researchers found that high-fat diets affect not only obesity and colon cancer but also the immune system, brain function, and potentially COVID-19 risk. The study, which analyzed genetic changes in mice fed different types of fat, showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids in soybean oil ...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 3, 2024

Perceived time has an actual effect on physical healing

New Harvard study finds that perceived time influences actual physical healing time, challenging conventional beliefs about psychological influence on health. The study used a standardized procedure to mildly wound volunteer subjects and found that wounds healed faster when participants believed more time had passed.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024
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.

Revolutionary nanodrones enable targeted cancer treatment

Researchers have developed nanodrones that target and eliminate cancer cells by recruiting natural killer cells to tumor sites. The study offers a potential solution for intractable types of cancers, with promising results in suppressing tumor growth without causing side effects.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Today·DateDec 29, 2023

Melbourne-made COVID-19 vaccines show robust boosting potential

Two Melbourne-made COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated strong boosting capabilities against SARS-CoV-2 variants in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The vaccines focus the immune response on the receptor binding domain, potentially providing a more efficient approach to boost immunity.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2023
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.

Scientists navigate uncharted waters in fish immunology research

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine have identified a novel type of lymphoid microenvironment in fish that generates antibody responses. This discovery has significant implications for understanding immune system evolution and developing effective vaccines for the aquaculture industry.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Immunology·DateDec 1, 2023
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.

Can we crack this cancer’s immune response?

Researchers confirm that pancreatic cancer triggers a response in the immune system, but T cells struggle to infiltrate tumors. This finding could guide future treatment development for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a deadly form of pancreatic cancer.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalJCI Insight·DateNov 29, 2023

Fractional COVID-19 booster vaccines produce similar immune response as full-doses

A new study found that a half-dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine elicited a non-inferior immune response to a full dose in Mongolian adults, with fewer side effects. The study suggests that fractional dosing may improve booster acceptability and reduce costs.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 23, 2023

A potential early esophageal cancer antigen: DDX53

Researchers found that tumor-resident T-cell receptor sequences showed high complementarity with the cancer testis antigen DDX53, suggesting an immune response that selects for DDX53-negative cells. This association was correlated with worse disease-free survival rates, highlighting a potential early esophageal cancer antigen.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2023
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.

Autism brain states hold the key to unlocking childhood memories

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin discovered that autism-induced maternal immune response alters brain development and prevents infantile amnesia. Memories formed during infancy can be permanently reinstated through light-activated neural pathways in adults.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 8, 2023

Disturbances in sensory neurons may alter transient pain into chronic pain

A recent study found that transient inflammatory pain causes persistent mitochondrial and metabolic disturbances in sensory neurons, leading to failure in pain resolution. Targeting the cellular redox balance prevents and treats chronic inflammatory pain in rodents.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023

Spanish scientists identify changes in dendritic cells during the immune response with promising implications for vaccine design

A team of Spanish scientists discovered profound changes in dendritic cells during the immune response, which could lead to novel vaccines against bacterial and viral infections. The study found increased lipid peroxidation and MHC-I upregulation in post-synaptic dendritic cells, triggering efficient priming of CD8+ T cells.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Immunology: disfunction of mitochondria drives the exhaustion of T cells

Researchers have discovered that mitochondrial respiration failure leads to genetic and metabolic reprogramming of T cells, causing their functional exhaustion. However, pharmacological or genetic optimization of cellular metabolism can increase T cell longevity and functionality.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023

Resident T cells discovered in lymph nodes

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have observed a new behavior of regulatory T cells, which remain in certain lymph nodes for months and function as local memory banks of the immune system. This discovery could lead to therapeutic applications in allergies and autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2023

Machine can quickly produce needed cells for cancer treatment

A new tool has been developed to rapidly grow cancer-killing white blood cells, called T cells, which could advance the availability of immunotherapy. The bioreactor is 30% faster than current technologies and can be self-contained in a sterile cabinet.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBiotechnology Progress·DateOct 26, 2023
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.

Breakthrough T cell discovery has huge potential for engineering custom immune responses

Researchers at Institute for Systems Biology have made a breakthrough discovery about T cells, finding that the genetically encoded T-cell receptor sequence determines a T cell's function. This fundamental discovery has huge potential for developing custom immune responses to specific antigens.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalCell Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2023

Researchers design gene therapy that can effectively target glioblastoma

In a phase I trial, an oncolytic virus treatment designed by Brigham researchers extended survival among patients with recurrent glioblastoma, especially those with pre-existing viral antibodies. The therapy reshaped the tumor's surrounding environment to stimulate an anti-tumor immune response.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 18, 2023

Drug-filled nanocapsule helps make immunotherapy more effective in mice

Researchers developed a nanocapsule that reduces lactate levels and releases hydrogen peroxide, recruiting and activating immune cells to attack tumors. The approach increased immune cell activity by 2-5-fold, improving cancer immunotherapy success rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 11, 2023
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.

Trivalent vaccine candidate fights measles, mumps, SARS-CoV-2

Scientists have developed a trivalent vaccine candidate that provides broad and long-lasting protection against COVID-19 infection by delivering the vaccine via the nose. The vaccine triggers a strong neutralizing antibody response and protects mucosal areas, preventing disease symptoms.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2023
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.

Allergy study on 'wild' mice challenges the hygiene hypothesis

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet challenge the hygiene hypothesis by showing that mice with high infectious exposures have a similar ability to develop allergic immune responses as laboratory mice. Despite this, they developed strong signs of pathological inflammation and allergic responses when exposed to allergens.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2023

Study finds immune cells in older adults resemble those in newborns and children, but fall short in virus detection

Research finds that immune cells in older adults are similar to those in newborns and children, but less effective at recognizing infected cells. The study, published in Nature Immunology, suggests that tailored vaccines and therapies could be developed for different age groups based on the unique characteristics of killer T cells.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Precision treatment for pneumonia care: metagenomic sequencing takes the lead

A study published in eBioMedicine identified 9 sets of biomarkers, both metagenomic and transcriptomic, associated with 30-day mortality in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia. The biomarkers were validated with an accuracy of 85%, significantly higher than existing clinical prediction models.

SourceBGI Genomics·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2023
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.

Danish researchers take another big step toward HIV cure

A large international study led by Danish researchers may have brought us closer to a cure for HIV. The study found that patients who received monoclonal antibodies before pausing their regular treatment experienced a period of virus suppression, and some even saw their immune system partially or completely suppress the virus.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2023
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.

Immune cells move more independently than previously thought

Researchers discovered that immune cells create local gradients by consuming chemokines, guiding their movement and enhancing directional movement in complex environments. This finding increases understanding of coordinated immune responses and may reveal new strategies for targeting cancer

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 6, 2023

Study reports discovery of new cell type in thymus

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a new cell type in the thymus that is similar to M cells found in the gut and airways. The newly discovered cells are like gatekeepers, acting as antigen-delivery cells for the immune system in organs such as the intestine and lung.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2023

Digging deeper into how vaccines work against parasitic disease

Scientists have established the effectiveness of vaccines against leishmaniasis in animal studies, revealing specific molecular-level changes in host cells. The vaccines, created using mutated parasites, prompt distinct immune responses in hosts, offering new insights into their mechanisms and potential applications.

SourceOhio State University·JournaliScience·DateAug 31, 2023
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.

Study helps explain SARS-CoV-2 variants’ rapid spread

New SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as BQ.11 and XBB.1.5, bind to cells more tightly and evade antibodies more efficiently than earlier variants, allowing reinfections and breakthrough infections. Previous infection or vaccination can generate antibodies that recognize some proteins on newer variants, reducing the risk of serious illness.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Can an artificial kidney finally free patients from dialysis?

Scientists at UCSF have developed an artificial kidney that can mimic key functions of a real kidney. The bioreactor keeps kidney cells alive for up to seven days and has shown promising results in animal trials. If successful, the device could improve treatment for kidney disease, making it more effective, tolerable, and comfortable.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2023

How being in space impairs astronauts’ immune system

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that weightlessness affects T cells in astronauts' immune systems, making them less effective at fighting infections. The study's results could lead to new treatments for reversing these changes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2023

SARS-CoV-2: how the history of human populations influences their immune response

Researchers investigated SARS-CoV-2 responses in 222 donors from Central Africa, Europe and East Asia. They found disparities in immune responses due to blood cell composition, latent cytomegalovirus infection and human genetic factors. These population differences may help improve patient management in future epidemics.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

Study IDs secret of stealthy invader essential to ruinous rice disease

Researchers have identified an essential stage in the takeover of rice cells by a fungus, which could accelerate treatment or prevention of rice blast disease. The discovery involves a modification in tRNA molecules that aid in protein construction, and its absence leads to reduced virulence.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 24, 2023
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.

Estrogen-negative cancers respond to anti-estrogenic therapies

Researchers have discovered that estrogen promotes tumor growth in ERα-negative cancers, such as triple-negative breast cancer. Anti-estrogenic therapies, when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, drastically suppress tumor progression in mice models.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2023

Can we assess our own immune system?

A study by the University of Konstanz found that people's self-assessments of their immune response to vaccination corresponded surprisingly well with actual antibody levels, especially when the immune response was weak. The researchers suggest that patients' self-perceptions provide valuable clues about their state of health, and phys...

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalBiological Psychology·DateAug 16, 2023

What is the next step in preventative therapies for treating liver cancer?

Recent studies have identified molecular inflammatory mechanisms that trigger the growth and transformation of progenitor cells into cancer stem cells, a key step in liver cancer development. Maintaining progenitor cell compartment integrity could be an attractive therapeutic strategy, while targeting IL-17 production may eradicate CSC...

SourceFirst Hospital of Jilin University·JournaleGastroenterology·DateAug 16, 2023
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.

Rural environment supports children’s immune systems

A new study has found that children raised in rural areas with plenty of outdoor time and animal exposure develop better-regulated immune systems than urban counterparts. Early life immune development is highly dependent on living environment and lifestyle factors, and researchers say this can have long-term consequences for disease risk.

SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalAllergy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 2023
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.

Important step toward next-generation probiotics

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new strategy for producing oxygen-tolerant probiotics, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which can improve glucose control. The combination of bacteria increased biomass and butyrate production, making it safe for human consumption.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2023

Three doses of COVID-19 vaccine leads to catch-up antibody responses among the particularly vulnerable

A study from the University of Gothenburg found that even vulnerable people with compromised immune systems achieved good antibody levels after three doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. This is particularly significant for those at risk of severe Covid-19, as they showed catch-up antibody responses and high levels of hybrid immunity.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInfectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023

Alternative cellular ‘fuels’ boost immunity

A recent study published in Immunity has found that ketone bodies, produced by the liver during fasting or low glucose levels, power immune cells and improve T cell function. This discovery may pave the way for personalized dietary recommendations to augment treatments for infection, cancer, and other diseases.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023
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.

CiDRE renders alveolar macrophages susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 invasion

Researchers found that expression of CiDRE in alveolar macrophages makes patients more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 invasion and promotes cytokine storm. The genetic quirk is associated with severe COVID-19 symptoms, suggesting potential treatments targeting IL-10R and CiDRE.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalImmunity·DateJul 25, 2023

Tracing maternal behavior to brain immune function

Research in rats suggests that loss of immune cells late in gestation may factor into the onset of maternal behavior. Depletion of microglia, a type of immune cell, sped up care for rat newborns in non-mom female rats.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

The double face of RNase as a treatment for systemic autoimmune diseases

Researchers from Osaka University found that RNase treatments can either enhance or weaken immune activation in systemic autoimmune diseases. The study suggests that the composition of immune complexes plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of RNase treatment.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2023