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Food dyes may cause disease when the immune system is dysregulated, researchers report

A new study found that artificial food colorants like Red 40 and Yellow 6 can cause disease in mice with dysregulated immune systems, specifically colitis. Researchers are now investigating the potential impact on humans, given that similar cytokine IL-23 dysregulation is a factor in human inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 13, 2021

The triple threat of coronavirus

SARS-CoV-2 employs a three-pronged strategy to outsmart the immune system, including reducing gene translation, degrading messenger RNAs, and preventing mRNA export. This 'host shutoff' tactic delays and muddles the immune response, resulting in severe symptoms of COVID-19.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2021
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.

Bacteria and viruses infect our cells through sugars: Now researchers want to know how they do it

A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals how sugar molecules bind to cell receptors, activating the immune system in autoimmune diseases. The discovery also sheds light on the development of Alzheimer's disease, identifying a potential natural sugar that binds to the Siglec-3 receptor.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2021

Overgrowth of gut yeast in newborns may increase asthma risk

A study published in eLife found that an overgrowth of yeast in the gut within the first few months of life may increase the risk of asthma later on. The period after birth is critical for immune system development and gut microbiome health, and disruptions to gut bacteria can lead to asthma.

SourceeLife·DateApr 20, 2021
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.

New findings suggest organ tissues become increasingly immune throughout life

A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that organ tissues develop immunity to viruses over time, leading to a broader understanding of the immune system's role in surveillance. The research reveals that up to 25% of cells in organs are immune cells, significantly contributing to the body's cellular makeup.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2021

One year of SARS-CoV-2 evolution

Research identifies SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging from immunocompromised hosts, leading to increased frequency of mutations. The study highlights the importance of monitoring genetic changes in SARS-CoV-2 to design effective vaccines and diagnostics.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateApr 15, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

For good health, trust your gut

University of Cincinnati assistant professor Ashley Ross is developing tools to detect and study chemical signals between the brain and immune system using a federal grant. Her research aims to understand how neurons regulate inflammation and develop new therapies.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 19, 2021

Researchers boost potency of an HIV-1 antibody, tracing new pathways for vaccine development

Scientists have identified a promising antibody that can effectively fight HIV-1 by tracing new pathways for vaccine development. The study found that the binding strength of the antibody is directly correlated to its ability to neutralize HIV-1, and researchers discovered genetic mutations that enhance the antibody's potency against d...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2021

LJI research leads to promising combination therapy for type 1 diabetes

A phase 2 trial led by La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) shows a promising combination therapeutic candidate for adults with recent-onset type 1 diabetes. The treatment combines anti-IL-21 antibody with liraglutide and has been found to increase endogenous insulin secretion without safety concerns.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 9, 2021
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.

Deepwater Horizon's long-lasting legacy for dolphins

A long-term study found that bottlenose dolphins in Louisiana's Barataria Bay, exposed to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, show abnormal immune responses and are more susceptible to pathogens. The researchers observed dysfunctional T-reg cells, which may be irreversible, raising concerns for the long-term recovery of these dolphins.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMar 2, 2021

High fructose diets could cause immune system damage

A new study published in Nature Communications found that high fructose diets can cause the immune system to become inflamed, leading to damage and increasing the risk of disease. The research also suggests a link between fructose consumption and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.

Dennis tamed the protein from hell in seven years

A team of researchers from Aarhus University successfully understood why a very extended structure is crucial for an essential protein from the human immune system. The study offers new opportunities to adjust the immune system's activity both up and down, with potential applications in cancer treatment and autoimmune disease therapy.

SourceAarhus University·DateFeb 17, 2021
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.

Gene variants increase risk of Addison's disease

A large-scale genetic study found that variants of nine genes increase the risk of developing Addison's disease, a rare autoimmune disorder. The study identified specific gene variants associated with the disease, including the AIRE gene, which plays a crucial role in immune system function.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2021

Less inflammation with a traditional Tanzanian diet than with a Western diet

A traditional Tanzanian diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables has been shown to have a beneficial effect on inflammation and immune system functioning. In contrast, an urban Western-style diet with more saturated fats and processed foods led to increased inflammatory proteins.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 11, 2021

How research on chronic illnesses will improve COVID-19 treatment

Long-COVID symptoms persist for over 12 weeks in many patients, causing health problems like cough, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. Researchers explore potential pathways and propose strategies to manage symptoms using insights from studies of chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and depression.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalOxford Open Immunology·DateFeb 10, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Scientists switch on tissue repair in inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers at KU Leuven and Seoul National University create method to stimulate immune system cells to repair damaged tissues, offering new potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. The technique involves targeting specific macrophage cells with liposomes containing a substance that triggers tissue regeneration.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalGut·DateFeb 8, 2021

Fungi in the gut prime immunity against infection

Researchers found that common fungi in the gut teach the immune system to respond to more dangerous relatives, priming immunity against infection. The discovery offers a potential new therapy to combat deadly fungal infections.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalCell·DateFeb 5, 2021

How does the immune system keep tabs on the brain?

The immune system surveils the brain from a distance and only enters when it finds a problem. This finding explains why the brain was thought to be immunoprivileged. Targeting immune cells at surveillance sites may lead to new treatments for conditions driven by brain inflammation, such as multiple sclerosis.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateJan 27, 2021

Novel molecules to combat asthma and covid-related lung diseases discovered

Researchers at Monash University have discovered two novel molecules that provide profound protection in experimental models of asthma and reduce the severity of asthma attacks. These molecules, including one commercially available as a dietary supplement, also show promise in treating respiratory illness associated with COVID-19.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateJan 25, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Killing cancer by unleashing the body's own immune system

University of Missouri scientists have discovered a genetically modified strain of salmonella that can target and kill prostate cancer cells, while leaving normal tissue intact. This breakthrough could lead to the development of personalized treatments tailored to individual patients' unique cancer characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJan 12, 2021

A new approach to study autoimmune diseases

Researchers update current research focus from 'immune-centric-only' view to better understand autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. The study identifies common gene expression changes at target tissues, highlighting the importance of studying both immune system and target tissues.

SourceIndiana Biosciences Research Institute·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateJan 6, 2021

Polysaccharides from red algae affect mice immune systems, say FEFU scientists

Researchers found that red algae polysaccharides can suppress the activity of immune cells in lab mice, reducing leukocyte count and congenital immunity cell activity. However, it is unclear whether this effect is beneficial or detrimental, and further study is needed to understand its potential as a pharmacological substance.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateDec 29, 2020

Protein tells developing cells to stick together

Researchers at Tohoku University found that a protein called Toll-1 plays a key role in regulating cell adhesion and sorting during fruit fly development. This process helps maintain the boundaries between different cell populations and ensures proper tissue formation.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 24, 2020
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.

Drinking milk while breastfeeding may reduce the child's food allergy risk

A recent study published in Nutrients suggests that mothers who consume more cow's milk during breastfeeding have children with lower rates of food allergies. The researchers found a clear connection between the mother's intake of milk and dairy products and the smaller incidence of food allergy in their children.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNutrients·DateDec 21, 2020

Neutralizing antibodies protect against severe COVID-19

Scientists at the Ragon Institute found that neutralizing antibody potency is significantly reduced in patients with severe or fatal COVID-19 compared to those with milder infections. The study suggests measuring antibody potency could predict patient outcomes and guide treatment options.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·DateDec 16, 2020

Do tumors stiff-arm the immune system?

Tumor cells produce excess complement protein iC3b to mask abnormal proteins, evading immune cell attack. The immune system relies on a flexible receptor CR3 to distinguish between 'I belong' and 'I don't belong' tags.

SourceInsideOutBio·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateDec 15, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Researchers discover new particle in the blood of septic patients

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have found elongated neutrophil-derived structures (ENDS) in the blood of septic patients, which break off from immune cells and change shape as they course through the body. ENDS are 100-fold more detectable in sepsis patients than healthy individuals.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 4, 2020
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.

New insights into how the CRISPR immune system evolved

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered that a part of the CRISPR-Cas system originated from toxin genes in bacteria and archaea, providing new insights into its evolutionary process. The study reveals an ongoing battle between microorganisms and viruses, with the discovery of anti-CRISPR proteins blocking the immune system.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2020

Dissecting the immune characteristics of severe COVID-19 responses

A study published in Clinical and Translational Immunology found that individuals with severe COVID-19 responses exhibit increased levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), a suppressor of cell inflammation. This discovery could provide a warning light for disease progression, but larger-scale studies are needed to confirm the findings.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalClinical & Translational Immunology·DateNov 13, 2020
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.

Researchers discover enzyme suppressing immune response to viral infections

Researchers have discovered a key enzyme SphK2 that suppresses the immune system's response to viral infections. The study found that inhibiting this enzyme can clear persistent viral infections and treat some types of cancer by promoting activation of the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 10, 2020

How the immune system deals with the gut's plethora of microbes

Researchers discovered that the gut's local immune system creates antibodies tailored to specific microbiota, challenging the long-held assumption of a non-specific approach. This finding has significant implications for understanding the relationship between the immune system and the composition of our microbiomes.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2020
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.

A step toward a universal flu vaccine

A new study describes a vaccine that triggers an immune response against an influenza protein segment rarely mutated by the virus, raising the possibility of effective protection against seasonal and pandemic strains. The vaccine uses nanoparticles coated with flu proteins to train the immune system to create desired antibodies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Systems·DateOct 7, 2020
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.

Strong activation of anti-bacterial T cells linked to severe COVID-19

A study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found that MAIT cell activation is strongly linked to severe COVID-19 disease. The number of MAIT cells in the blood declines sharply in patients with moderate or severe COVID-19, while pro-inflammatory MAIT cells accumulate in the airways.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 28, 2020