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Pungent ginger compound puts immune cells on heightened alert

A recent study by Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at TUM found that a pungent ginger compound puts immune cells on heightened alert. The compound, [6]-gingerol, stimulates white blood cells via the TRPV1 receptor, which plays a role in the perception of painful heat stimuli and spiciness.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 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.

Combination of immune cells could provide clearer prognoses for cancer

Researchers at Uppsala University developed a prognostic method using a combination of immune cells to provide clearer disease prognoses and predict which patients will respond best to immunotherapy. The method was shown to be associated with patient fate in several types of cancer.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with distinct changes in the microbiome and gut metabolites

Two studies reveal that ME/CFS is associated with reduced levels of butyrate-producing microbes and differences in gut metabolites. Researchers found distinct changes in the microbiome of patients with short-term and long-term ME/CFS, suggesting a potential link between gut dysbiosis and the disease's severity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Mucus-based gel improves bone graft results and promotes healing

Researchers developed a bioactive gel from cow mucus that promotes bone formation and blood vessel growth, potentially replacing traditional bone grafting methods. The gel interacts with the immune system to enhance healing of bone defects.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalBioactive Materials·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How a high fat diet allows expulsion of intestinal parasite worms

A high-fat diet allows the immune system to eliminate a parasitic worm that causes long-lasting infections in the large intestine. This discovery may lead to new treatments for millions suffering from intestinal parasitic infections worldwide.

SourceLancaster University·JournalMucosal Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Why lung cancer doesn’t respond well to immunotherapy

A new study reveals that the immune system mounts a weak response to lung cancer due to an environment created by bacteria in the lymph nodes near the lungs. T-cell responses are suppressed by regulatory T cells and interferon gamma produced in response to commensal bacterial presence.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 2, 2023

Molecular machines could treat fungal infections

Researchers at Rice University have developed light-activated nanoscale drills that can kill pathogenic fungi, providing a potential new treatment option for fungal infections. The molecular machines target the mitochondria of fungal cells, disrupting cellular metabolism and leading to cell death.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Immunocompromised patients remain at higher risk of COVID-19 death in hospital

A UK study using data from over 150,000 hospitalized patients found that immunocompromised individuals had a 44% higher risk of death compared to those with normal immune systems. The gap in mortality rates widened for immunocompromised patients over time, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as antiviral treatments an...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Transforming the way cancer vaccines are designed and made

Researchers developed a new way to increase vaccine potency by changing the structural location of antigens and adjuvants. This approach, called 'rational vaccinology,' allows for precise dosing and tailored presentation of vaccine components, leading to improved immune response and cancer cell targeting.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023
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Pusan National University researchers uncover novel gene that regulates leukemia development and progression

Pusan National University researchers have identified a novel gene, SURF4, that regulates cell death and differentiation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study found that suppressing SURF4 expression increases cell differentiation, cell death, and accumulation of ROS, leading to arrested tumor growth in mice.

SourcePusan National University·JournalCancer Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023

LJI scientists uncover the structure and function of Inmazeb, the first FDA-approved drug for Ebola virus infection

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered the detailed mechanism of action of Inmazeb, a three-antibody cocktail designed to combat Ebola virus infection. The study reveals new information about how the drug interacts with the virus and its potential effectiveness against additional species of Ebolavirus.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

OHSU researchers find immune response to COVID-19 strengthens over time

A study by OHSU researchers found that immunity from COVID-19 gathers strength over time, indicating that vaccination should not be delayed. The study suggests that vaccine boosters can be spaced no more frequently than a year apart among healthy individuals.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

Oncotarget | Intraventricular immunovirotherapy; a translational step forward

Researchers developed a translational step forward in treating brain tumors using intraventricular immunovirotherapy, which has shown safety and efficacy in recent clinical trials. This approach uses oncolytic herpes simplex virus type-1 to target high-grade glioma with promising results.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 26, 2023

University of Illinois scientists win $9.5 million to study emerging pathogens

Researchers will investigate how ducks' immune systems act as a reservoir for the highly infectious H5N1 virus and engineer antibodies to prevent transmission to other animals and humans. They aim to develop ways to purify antibody-producing cells from ducks and assemble a pool of antibodies to understand their molecular features.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences·DateJan 26, 2023

How the body's B cell academy ensures a diverse immune response

A new study reveals that high-affinity B cells trigger a change in the criteria for admission to germinal centers, allowing low-affinity B cells to join, increasing the diversity of the immune response. This process is crucial for fighting off viruses like SARS-CoV-2 but may hinder efforts against HIV.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateJan 17, 2023
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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.

Aging | Single-cell transcriptomics of peripheral blood in the aging mouse

Researchers identified 17 clusters of single cells in peripheral blood, showing upregulation of antigen processing and presentation pathways and downregulation of genes involved in ribosome pathways with age. The study also found senescent T cells resistant to apoptosis, potentially targeted for treatment.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2023

How gut bacteria evade the immune system

Researchers identified a new type of flagellin in the human gut that binds to Toll-like receptor 5 without inducing an inflammatory response. This discovery provides a mechanism for the immune system to tolerate beneficial microbes while remaining responsive to pathogens.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Immunology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 16, 2023

UCalgary study offers new insight into deadly fungal invasion of the lungs

Researchers discovered that viral infections like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza destroy a natural immunity needed to resist fungal infections. This leads to impaired cooperation between white blood cells, allowing fungi to take root. The study reveals potential repurposing of current therapies to replace damaged antibodies.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Enhanced cancer immunotherapies through cytokine-labeled T cells

A new method utilizes an unnatural sugar to anchor cytokines to T cells, enhancing their functions without systemic side-effects. The approach has shown promise in stimulating the host immune system against tumor cells and inhibiting tumor growth in mice with melanoma.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023
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.

More than two billion are infected with this disease; Vitamin D can help

Researchers found that vitamin D strengthens immune cells' ability to fight tuberculosis by producing cathelicidin toxin. Vitamin D treatment can prevent and treat the disease, particularly in populations exposed to high risk of infection. However, supplements do not protect against infection with tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeCase study·DateJan 6, 2023

Newly discovered anatomy shields and monitors brain

Researchers have identified a previously unknown component of brain anatomy, dubbed SLYM, which acts as a protective barrier and immune monitoring platform. The discovery is expected to shed light on the glymphatic system's mechanisms and its potential role in brain diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 2023
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Alveolar macrophages help CD8+ T cells go (anti-)viral

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology found that alveolar macrophages act as antigen-presenting cells to prime CD8+ T cell expansion in the lungs. This process involves the production of interleukin 18, leading to the development of resident memory-type cell populations.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 27, 2022

Cellular messengers improve cancer therapy

Extracellular vesicles from immune cells have been shown to activate the immune system in mice with skin cancer, rendering them sensitive to checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The treatment improved survival rates when used in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCancer Immunology Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022

Turncoat T cells: When exhausted, cancer-fighting T cells may switch sides

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that exhausted cancer-fighting T cells can become immunosuppressive when working in low-oxygen tumor environments. Targeting these conditions can reinvigorate these cells, improving response to immune-based cancer therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Infant gene therapy is a breakthrough for Artemis-SCID patients

A new gene therapy treatment has shown promising results in a clinical trial for Artemis-SCID patients, improving their immune function and reducing treatment complications. The treatment involves adding a healthy copy of the Artemis gene to the patient's own cells, resulting in improved T-cell and B-cell immunity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 21, 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.

New biomarker strategy devised to screen for, diagnose deadly heart complication from cancer treatment

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a new biomarker-based strategy to screen for immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis, which can cause muscle damage and liver injury. Early detection of these biomarkers can lead to earlier treatment and improved survival rates.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJACC CardioOncology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2022

Tracking plasma cell survival

A study by Osaka University tracked the survival of antibody-producing plasma cells, finding that most die shortly after immune response, but a small population can survive for months or years. The researchers identified molecular markers distinguishing these long-lived plasma cells from short-lived ones.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

LJI scientists confirm smallpox vaccine also teaches T cells to fight mpox

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have confirmed that the smallpox vaccine MVA-BN (JYNNEOS) can teach T cells to recognize and fight the mpox virus. The study suggests that the JYNNEOS vaccine may provide protection against severe disease and could be effective in immunocompromised individuals.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 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.

Experimental cancer therapy shows success in more than 70% of patients in global clinical trials

Researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital found that talquetamab, a bispecific antibody, was successful in killing multiple myeloma cells in over 70% of patients. This therapy directs the immune system to target cancer cells and has shown promise even for those who have resisted all other treatments.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 2022

Infection of visceral fat cells may contribute to severe COVID-19, study suggests

A study suggests that visceral fat cells, rather than subcutaneous fat cells, are more susceptible to infection by the COVID-19 virus. This increased susceptibility leads to a higher viral load and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can exacerbate severe disease.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2022

Immune system irregularities found in women with postpartum mood disorders

Researchers found that women experiencing prolonged mental health issues after childbirth had genetic evidence of higher immune system defense mechanism activation. The study also identified reduced antiviral immune response genes, which may offer protection from pathogens.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Reproductive Immunology·DateDec 5, 2022

Common immune cells can prevent intestinal healing

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have shown that B cells can prevent intestinal healing by increasing in numbers after bowel damage. The study found that mice lacking B cells recovered more quickly after bowel damage than regular mice.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 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.

Immune T cell defence is coping with COVID-19 variants of concern – for now

Research found that while broad T-cell response against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is currently protective, recognition of seven out of ten T-cell targets mutated in COVID-19 variants is impaired. The study suggests ongoing mutation could lead to decreased overall immune system protection.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2022

Nanotech strategy shows promise for treating autoimmune disease

Researchers at Scripps Research developed nanoparticles that target only the immune cells driving an autoimmune reaction, delaying or preventing severe disease in a mouse model of arthritis. The treatment boosts regulatory T cell populations and reduces anti-self-antigen antibody production.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 1, 2022
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.

CU Anschutz researchers find less-invasive treatment for certain head and neck cancers

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus have identified a less invasive way to treat HPV-unrelated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas by combining radiation with immunotherapy. The approach resulted in remarkable success rates, including 75% of patients experiencing major pathological responses or complete responses.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Cancer·DateNov 28, 2022

New Collaborative Research Centre for JMU

A new collaborative research centre, DECIDE, will investigate the interactions between pathogens and the human immune system, aiming to improve treatment strategies. The centre combines research on various bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and will involve numerous young researchers.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateNov 25, 2022

AI tailors artificial DNA for future drug development

Using an AI, researchers successfully designed synthetic DNA that controls protein production in cells. The technology can speed up the development of vaccines, drugs for severe diseases, and alternative food proteins.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2022
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.

New function of the CRISPR gene scissors discovered

Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn have discovered a new function of CRISPR/Cas9 gene scissors, which produce small signal molecules that bind to proteins, activating an emergency response. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating diseases using CRISPR technology.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 2022

Researchers identify how certain immune cells contribute to worse survival in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer

Researchers found that HER2-positive breast cancer patients with high levels of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in residual disease have significantly shorter overall survival. High levels of TILs are associated with poorer outcomes, while lower levels are linked to improved survival rates.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2022
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.

COVID-19 reactivates several latent viruses – particularly in ME patients

A recent study from Linköping University found that COVID-19 reactivated several latent viruses, including the Epstein-Barr virus, in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The study suggests that these reactivated viruses may contribute to the disease's symptoms and could potentially be used as a diagnostic tool.

SourceLinköping University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Gossypetin found in hibiscus may beat Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have found that gossypetin from hibiscus activates microglia in the brain, which scavenge amyloid-beta aggregates to prevent cognitive decline. The study suggests a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease using this flavonoid compound.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAlzheimer s Research & Therapy·DateNov 15, 2022

SARS-CoV-2 alters RNA in infected cells, study reveals

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 increases methylation of host cell RNA, which can help the virus evade the immune system. This discovery provides insights into how different variants escape immunity and offers potential avenues for novel COVID-19 treatments.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateNov 9, 2022

Investigating COVID-19 deaths for children and young people

A new study confirms that COVID-19 deaths among children and young people are rare, with most fatalities occurring in those with severe neurodisability or compromised immune systems. The analysis of detailed data showed that half of COVID-19 deaths occurred within 30 days of infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 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.

Portland State study finds diet high in saturated fat can reprogram immune cells in mice

Researchers discovered that a ketogenic diet high in saturated fats can reprogram the mouse immune system, making it better at fighting off infections but more susceptible to systemic inflammatory conditions. The study also found that another type of fat, oleic acid, may be able to counteract the harmful effects of palmitic acid.

SourcePortland State University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Study explores sex differences in the effects of SARS-CoV-2 in young adults

Researchers found significant immunological differences mediating sex differences in COVID-19 responses. Infected females had higher rates of symptoms but lower viral loads, with stronger immune response gene expression and molecular signatures.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Systems·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2022

Study differentiating function of two immune cells could improve vaccine design

A study published in Science Immunology clarifies the function of tissue-resident memory T cells (Trm cells) in protecting against infection and cancer. Researchers found that CD103+ Trm cells play a less critical role, while CD103- cells are more effective in attacking bacteria upon reinfection.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022