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Immune system may have another job -- combatting depression

A new study suggests that gamma interferons, a type of immune cell, may help prevent depression by preserving mental health. Researchers found that healthy individuals have similar immune cells to those with multiple sclerosis, but without the damaging inflammatory response.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 18, 2020

Increasing the effectiveness of immunotherapy against skin cancer

Researchers have discovered a signal molecule called Interleukin-32 that can make tumors attackable again, improving the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This combination treatment shows promise in animal models and may lead to improved life expectancy for melanoma patients with higher IL-32 activity.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalJCI Insight·DateSep 18, 2020

Improving the efficacy of cellular therapies

T cells play a crucial role in immune response and cancer treatment. Researchers have identified key factors influencing T cell development, which can impact the body's ability to control infections or tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 17, 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.

UCLA study shows how interferon-gamma guides response to cancer immunotherapy

A new UCLA study identifies two key drivers of the immune system's attack on cancer cells: T cell infiltration and interferon-gamma signaling. The research found that blocking immune checkpoints amplifies interferon-gamma signaling, leading to enhanced antitumor immune responses.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 10, 2020

The neurons that connect stress, insomnia, and the immune system

Researchers at CSHL and Stanford University found a direct connection between stress-sensitive neurons and insomnia-inducing neurons in mice. Stimulating this connection enabled mice to sleep peacefully, while disrupting it caused insomnia. The same connection also affects the immune system, weakening its defenses against threats.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 9, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Obesity may alter immune system response to COVID-19

A new study finds that obesity can lead to an overactive immune response to COVID-19, impairing the body's ability to fight the virus. The review highlights the importance of understanding how obesity interacts with new COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateSep 3, 2020

Giant nanomachine aids the immune system

Researchers have created an atomic structure of the peptide-loading complex, a biological nanomachine that loads antigens onto MHC molecules. This allows for detailed molecular dynamics simulations to study its dynamics and mechanism, enabling targeted interventions in immune processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2020
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.

Mosquito immune system mapped to help fight malaria

Researchers discovered new types of mosquito immune cells and molecular pathways implicated in controlling the malaria parasite. A rare cell type called a Megacyte was found to have high levels of a key molecule needed for immune priming, which could limit malaria transmission.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2020

New blood, new hope: Transfusions protect the brain from stroke damage

Researchers at West Virginia University discovered that blood substitution therapy can rescue the brains of mice from ischemic damage and improve outcomes. The study found that replacing 20% of the blood reduces damage to the brain, and the technique may be administered beyond the current three-hour window for stroke treatment.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2020

Flexible targets help immune system make finely-tuned antibodies

Researchers discovered that when the foreign antigen is more flexible, the germinal centre can employ a greater number of evolution strategies to make antibodies that bind foreign but not self-molecules. The study provides new insights for vaccine design and may help address the major roadblock in generating effective HIV vaccines.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

Childhood syndrome linked to COVID-19 causes profound immune changes

Researchers discovered that a rare COVID-19 related illness in children, known as PIMS-TS, causes severe inflammation and alters the immune system. The study found increased levels of cytokines and reduced white blood cells in affected children, but these changes gradually returned to normal after recovery.

SourceNational Institute for Health Research·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 18, 2020

World film premiere: Watch cell infected by tuberculosis die

Researchers at NTNU have filmed the process of tuberculosis infection in a cell, revealing how the bacterium evades the body's immune system. The study shows how TB bacteria hide inside macrophages and trigger an explosive immune response to spread further.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 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.

Potentially predictive humoral immune response markers in COVID-19 patients

A study published in Immunity identified five humoral immune response markers that can correctly classify convalescent COVID-19 patients and those who did not survive the disease. These markers, including IgM and IgA1 responses to S protein and N protein, were able to predict patient outcomes more accurately than demographic factors.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalImmunity·DateAug 7, 2020

COVID-19: Immune system derails

The study found that immune cells are produced in large quantities but their function is defective, leading to an ineffective immune response against the virus. In severe cases, immature cells with inhibitory effects on the immune response prevail.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCell·DateAug 6, 2020

How tumor cells evade the immune defense

Researchers have developed a method to investigate how cancer cells evade the immune system, revealing that some genes can be downregulated over time to avoid detection. The study suggests that targeting these genes could lead to more effective immune therapies.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateAug 5, 2020
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.

Ancient part of immune system may underpin severe COVID

Researchers found that people with age-related macular degeneration, a disorder caused by overactive complement, are at greater risk of developing severe complications and dying from COVID. Complement inhibitors may help treat patients with severe disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 3, 2020

Your brain parasite isn't making you sick -- here's why

Researchers at UVA School of Medicine discovered that brain defenders called microglia release a unique immune molecule to control the parasite in the brain, preventing symptomatic toxoplasmosis. This finding has implications for brain infections, neurodegenerative diseases and autoimmune disorders.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2020

Sense of normalcy bounces back fast: New study

Researchers found that psychological recovery can take place while still experiencing stressful conditions, contrary to previous research. Employees reported feeling less powerless and more authentic within two weeks of the crisis beginning.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJul 29, 2020

Gene variations at birth reveal origins of inflammation and immune disease

A study has identified genetic variants that may contribute to the development of chronic immune and inflammatory diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, in early childhood. The research found thousands of genetic variants driving gene expression across different conditions.

SourceBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New role for white blood cells in the developing brain

Researchers discovered brain-resident immune cells that play a crucial role in normal brain development and are essential for the regulation of brain functions. The findings suggest a connection between gut bacteria, white blood cells, and neurological diseases.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCell·DateJul 22, 2020

Scientists discover how immune cells mobilize to fight infection

Researchers have uncovered how immune cells use chemical signals to navigate to the lymph nodes, where they help combat harmful bacteria and viruses. This discovery may pave the way for new treatments and a better understanding of why the immune system sometimes fails.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2020

The immune system facilitates alcohol addiction

Researchers discover that alcohol activates microglia in the brain, altering geometry and increasing dopamine diffusion, which may promote addiction. This study provides a new understanding of alcohol's effects on the brain and suggests potential treatments.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 21, 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.

New technology promises to revolutionize nanomedicine

Researchers developed a breakthrough technology to resolve the problem of nanoparticles being cleared from the bloodstream too quickly. By exploiting the body's natural process of eliminating old red blood cells, they found an elegant solution that prolongs blood circulation for virtually any nanomedicine.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 17, 2020

HIV alone not a risk factor for cavities in children

A Rutgers researcher has found that a weakened immune system, rather than HIV itself, contributes to the prevalence of dental cavities in children. The study, published in Scientific Reports, sampled nearly 300 children and found that those with normal immunity levels had lower cavity rates, regardless of HIV status

SourceRutgers University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 15, 2020

Scientists found a way to identify diseases by blood serum

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University and Tsinghua University created a dynamic light scattering method to determine immune complex sizes in blood serum. The new method can detect diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and cancer, by analyzing changes in immune complex concentrations.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalBiology·DateJul 14, 2020

Bats offer clues to treating COVID-19

Researchers found that bats' ability to control inflammation may hold clues to developing new treatments for diseases in humans. By understanding the mechanisms underlying bats' unique abilities, scientists may be able to develop therapies to fight diseases like COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 9, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Mirror image tumor treatment

Researchers developed a stable 'mirror-image' peptide that effectively blocks the interaction between TIGIT and its ligand PVR, inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. This approach offers an alternative point of attack for cancer immunotherapy, potentially outperforming existing anti-PD-1 therapy.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 8, 2020

Host cell fusion in bacteria infection alarms immune system, causing host cell destruction

The study reveals that Burkholderia pseudomallei infection sets off a series of events that provoke the host's immune system, causing infected cells to self-destruct. The researchers found that abnormal cell fusion stimulates the type 1 interferon signaling pathway, leading to autophagy and cell death.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 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.

New weapons for fighting Devil disease

New cost-effective technology enables advanced immunology studies on Tasmanian devils and reveals conserved immune pathways across 160 million years of evolution. The system can be applied to any vertebrate species, including humans.

SourceMenzies Institute for Medical Research·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 2, 2020

In mouse study, black raspberries show promise for reducing skin inflammation

A mouse study found that consuming black raspberries can reduce swelling caused by contact hypersensitivity, a condition that triggers redness and inflammation in the skin. The researchers believe that black raspberries modulate dendritic cells, which help regulate the immune system's response to allergens.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNutrients·DateJul 2, 2020

Identified genes that predispose to cancer by impairing the immune system

A study has identified genetic variants that predispose to cancer and impair the immune system. The research found up to 57 genetic variants in 13 types of cancer, which affect the body's defenses. The immune system plays a key role in protecting against malignancies, but cancer cells have mechanisms to escape immune responses.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournaliScience·DateJun 25, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

LJI scientists investigate a powerful protein behind antibody development

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have identified a key protein controlling T follicular helper cell (Tfh) differentiation. The protein Bcl6 acts as a master regulator in the immune system, blocking or promoting gene expression to control immune responses. This study opens the door to designing vaccines and therapies tha...

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 22, 2020

Parasites and the microbiome

Researchers found that parasite infection was strongly associated with the overall composition of the microbiome, which could accurately predict a person's country and lifestyle. The study also discovered that the presence of four soil-transmitted gut parasites tended to co-occur at a higher rate than chance.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 12, 2020

Antihypotensive agent disrupts the immune system in sepsis

Researchers from Radboud University Medical Center found that norepinephrine suppresses the function of white blood cells, impairing the body's ability to combat infections. The study suggests that alternative antihypotensive agents like vasopressin may be more effective in sepsis patients.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 11, 2020

ANCA-associated vasculitis: The ADVOCATE Study

The ADVOCATE study demonstrates avacopan's effectiveness in reducing corticoid use and achieving sustained remission in patients with AAV, particularly those with renal involvement. The treatment also showed improved outcomes with lower infection rates compared to standard immunosuppressive therapy.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·DateJun 7, 2020

Cognitive behavior therapy tops other psychotherapies in reducing inflammation

A review of 56 randomized clinical trials found that cognitive behavior therapy is superior to other psychotherapies in reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system. CBT was most effective in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 3, 2020
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.

Tumors disrupt the immune system throughout the body

Researchers discover distinct effects of different tumor types on mouse immune system and human breast cancer patients, suggesting potential applications for cancer immunotherapy. Tumors cause widespread disruption of immune system, evolving over time, which can impact treatment efficacy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 3, 2020

Bees grooming each other can boost colony immunity

Research suggests that bees specializing in allogrooming exhibit stronger immune systems, which may enable them to withstand higher infection risks. Allogroomer bees occupy central positions in the colony's social network, benefiting a large number of bees.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 2, 2020

Human lifelong immunity depends on APRIL

Researchers found APRIL protein essential for plasmacyte development and immunoglobulin production in humans. A deficiency in APRIL leads to reduced plasmacyte numbers and increased susceptibility to infections.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJun 1, 2020

A boost for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at MIT create nanoparticles that stimulate the immune system, making cancer immunotherapy more powerful. By combining these particles with checkpoint inhibitors, they achieved a synergistic effect that halted tumor growth and even stopped tumors from spreading.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2020
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.

OU College of Medicine awarded $11 million grant to study infections

The OU College of Medicine has been awarded a $11 million federal grant to create the Oklahoma Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunity. The center will focus on researching various types of infections, including fungal, bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, and how the immune system recognizes and destroys them.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJun 1, 2020
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.

How to improve the pneumococcus vaccine

Researchers have identified a newly found pneumococcus capsule, the 100th since its discovery, and linked it to oral streptococci. This finding underscores the need for updated vaccines that can keep pace with rapidly changing bacteria.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMay 19, 2020

Lymphatic vessels in mice and humans: Alike yet different

Researchers mapped lymph node lymphatic vessels in mice and humans at the individual cell level, discovering five distinct groups of cells with similar functions. The study provides valuable insights into immune system function and will aid in developing new treatments for viral diseases and cancer.

SourceUppsala University·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateMay 5, 2020

Engineering a new model for respiratory infection treatment

A new model for respiratory infection treatment is being developed using mathematical modeling to predict and treat patients at risk of extreme lung inflammation. The University of Pittsburgh's Jason Shoemaker received a $547K NSF CAREER Award to create computational models of the immune response to seasonal influenza viruses.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateApr 29, 2020

Arctic wildlife uses extreme method to save energy

Researchers at Lund University discovered a unique energy-saving strategy used by Arctic birds during the polar night, involving weakening their immune system. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy on keeping warm and finding food, but may pose risks when climate change alters migratory patterns and disease transmission.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 28, 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.