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Dietary supplements an important weapon for fighting off COVID-19

A recent study published in Nutrients suggests that daily multivitamins with high doses of vitamin C and vitamin D can help fight off infections. The researchers recommend taking 200mg or more of vitamin C and 2,000 international units of vitamin D to support immune function.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNutrients·DateApr 23, 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.

Individual genetic variation in immune system may affect severity of COVID-19

Research suggests that individual genetic variation in the immune system may affect susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19. The study found that certain immune system genes, such as human leukocyte antigen genes, vary from person to person and can influence how well the immune system recognizes SARS-CoV-2.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateApr 17, 2020

When fathers are pregnant

A team of scientists discovered that genetic alterations in the immune system of pipefishes and seahorses allow them to tolerate paternal genetic information and develop their offspring. The study found that genes involved in female mammalian pregnancy are also activated in male pregnancy, suggesting similar molecular mechanisms.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2020

Is autoimmunity on the rise?

A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found a significant increase in autoimmunity prevalence in the US population between 1988 and 2012. The prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) rose from 11.0% in 1988 to 15.9% in 2011-2012, affecting an estimated 41 million individuals.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateApr 8, 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.

Researchers discover potential boost to immunotherapy

Researchers at Mount Sinai have found a way to regulate special immune system cells in lung cancer tumors, suppressing them and allowing tumors to grow. By blocking this pathway, the immune system can be boosted to prevent tumor formation or growth, offering a potential new treatment for immunotherapy.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 30, 2020

Too much salt weakens the immune system

A high-salt diet can significantly weaken the immune system by reducing the function of granulocytes, a type of immune cell that attacks bacteria. This is according to a new study published in Science Translational Medicine, which found that mice fed a high-salt diet suffered from more severe bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 25, 2020

'Natural killer' cells could halt Parkinson's progression

Researchers found that natural killer cells can regulate and restrain inflammation of brain tissue, reducing protein clumping and viral resistance. The study suggests NK cells play a critical role in protecting against Parkinson's disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New understanding of immune modulator interleukin-2 guides drug discovery

Researchers have uncovered the intricate details of interleukin-2's interactions with receptor molecules, providing a blueprint for more targeted therapies. The study shows how IL-2 can act as either a throttle or a brake on the immune response in different contexts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2020

Cancer: The immune system attacks tumors remotely

Researchers at Institut Pasteur found that immune cells can attack cancer cells remotely through soluble molecules like interferon-gamma. This discovery supports a key target for future immunotherapy approaches and may enable T lymphocytes to act on a large number of cancer cells.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Cancer·DateMar 12, 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.

Babies born prematurely can catch up their immune systems, study finds

Researchers found that premature babies can catch up with their immune systems after birth, equivalent to those born at term. The study suggests that preterm and term infants converge in a similar time frame for immune development, and that early identification of infection risk can lead to improved outcomes.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2020

Cracking the code for hookworm infestation

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a key mechanism that enables hookworms to evade the human immune system. By understanding how these parasites destroy neutrophil extracellular traps, scientists may be able to develop vaccines to boost immunity and prevent reinfection.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateFeb 12, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Why the goby can conquer the waters of the world

The round goby's exceptional adaptability is attributed to its immune system, which features up to 30 times more inflammatory genes than comparable species. This enables the fish to deal with pathogens and extreme environmental conditions, facilitating its successful colonization of diverse waters around the world.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalBMC Biology·DateFeb 11, 2020

Personalized cancer vaccines

Researchers at EPFL have created a prototype vaccine that can travel to the desired location and activate immune cells, overcoming two major obstacles in therapeutic cancer vaccines. The Polycondensate Neoepitope (PNE) combines a patented technique with an algorithm for predicting mutated tumor antigens.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalACS Central Science·DateFeb 11, 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.

Protein closely linked to commonest cause of blindness

A study published in Nature Communications reveals a major link between protein FHR4 and age-related macular degeneration, affecting 1.5 million people in the UK alone. The findings show that higher levels of FHR4 in the blood increase the risk of AMD by activating part of the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2020

New understanding of childhood immune systems may improve vaccine efficacy

A new study by Swiss TPH and partners found that age, location, and anaemia status significantly impact childhood immune system development. The research suggests that considering these factors can improve the efficacy of childhood vaccinations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where anaemia is prevalent.

SourceSwiss Tropical and Public Health Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2020

The invisibility cloak of a fungus

A fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, has been found to use an enzyme called chitosan deacetylase to alter its cell wall structure, making it invisible to the human immune system. Researchers have identified a new chitosan deacetylase that is crucial for the fungus's ability to evade detection.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2020
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.

A roadblock for disease-causing parasites

Researchers discovered that activating a mosquito's immune system can prevent the transmission of disease-causing parasites like Dirofilaria immitis and Brugia malayi. By boosting the immune response, mosquitoes can block parasite development, potentially stopping diseases like canine heartworm and human lymphatic filariasis.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2020

Hope for enhanced UTI treatments to minimize bladder pain

Research finds that low levels of infection can cause chronic bladder dysfunction and magnify sensations felt by patients with urinary tract infections. Understanding how nerves transmit different sensations to the brain could help limit bladder dysfunction in overactive bladder patients.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPain·DateJan 29, 2020
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.

Deciphering the sugar code

Scientists at the University of Münster have developed a vaccine-like treatment that stimulates plants' natural immune system using a specific pattern in chitosan, a biopolymer. This breakthrough could lead to reduced chemical pesticide use and improved plant growth, as well as potential applications in scar-free wound healing.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 24, 2020

Novel approach to immune system could lead to personalized therapy against sepsis

Researchers propose combining fever resistance with temporary tolerance promoted by controlled hypothermia for studying and treating severe conditions like sepsis. This innovative concept aims to understand human physiology's integrated defense strategies against infection.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateJan 23, 2020
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.

Scientists breach brain barriers to attack tumors

Scientists have found a novel method to combat glioblastoma, a deadly brain tumor, by introducing VEGF-C into the cerebrospinal fluid of mice. This approach significantly extended survival rates when combined with immune system checkpoint inhibitors, offering new hope for treatment options.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 2020

An out-of-the-box attack on diabetes

Researchers identified growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) as a key player in delaying type 1 diabetes onset in diabetic mice. Treatment with GDF15 reduced development of diabetes by 53% in non-obese diabetic mice, providing a potential target for prevention and treatment.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 9, 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.

Bacterial link in celiac disease

Scientists have discovered a molecular foundation for bacterial exposure as a potential environmental factor in coeliac disease development. Receptors from immune T cells can recognize protein fragments from certain bacteria that mimic gluten, leading to aberrant recognition and health problems.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 8, 2020

A mother's bugs

Research shows that maternal microbiota provides immunity to newborns against E. coli, a disease-causing microbe. The study reveals that antibodies are passed on to offspring through milk and the placenta, offering protection beyond just breastfeeding.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 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.

How dying cells prevent dangerous immune reactions

Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center have identified a receptor on murine immune cells that activates a protective mechanism preventing unwanted immune responses against the body's own tissues. Dectin-1 binds to annexins on dying cells, suppressing the immune response and preventing autoimmune reactions.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 8, 2020

Shifting the balance of growth vs. defense boosts crop yield

A team led by CSHL Professor David Jackson has identified a gene in corn that contributes to both plant development and immune system control. Manipulating this gene, Gß, could increase crop yields by reprogramming the balance between growth and defense.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2019
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.

Immune system can be coaxed into selecting key antibodies to fight HIV

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed an immunogen that selectively bound to antibodies with necessary mutations, which led to the production of potent neutralizing antibodies. The study demonstrates the ability to engineer the immune system to create an environment where effective antibodies can be made.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2019

Humans co-evolved with immune-related diseases -- and it's still happening

Researchers describe how ancestral origins impact the likelihood of developing immune-related diseases, including Crohn's disease and cardiovascular diseases. The human immune system is evolving depending on a person's location or lifestyle, leading to new diseases emerging as our lifespans increase.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Immunology·DateNov 27, 2019

A protein tag to study the immune system

Scientists have identified nearly thousand ISG15 sites on protein targets during bacterial infection, revealing a link between ISG15, cellular metabolism, and autophagy. This discovery may lead to novel antimicrobial drugs.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 26, 2019
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.

From childhood cancer to mapping human development

Professor Muzlifah Haniffa has made significant contributions to biomedical science, including mapping the maternal-fetal interface and discovering new immune cells in the skin. Her work aims to improve understanding of health and disease, particularly in childhood kidney cancer.

SourceAcademy of Medical Sciences (UK)·DateNov 18, 2019

New technique to identify a common cause to TMA diseases for which there is a treatment

Researchers develop a new technique to detect activated complement pathway in patients with thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA), allowing clinicians to determine potential use of existing treatment for other diseases. The technique could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of secondary TMAs, such as pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 8, 2019
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 treatment may reverse celiac disease

A new phase 2 clinical trial shows that technology can induce immune tolerance to gluten in individuals with celiac disease, reducing inflammation and protecting the small intestine. The treatment, called CNP-101, is a biodegradable nanoparticle containing gluten that convinces the immune system it's safe.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateOct 22, 2019

Weak immune system linked to serious bacterial infection in children

A new study has found that nearly 70% of children with an immune deficiency had two or more bouts of invasive pneumococcal disease. The research suggests that a weakened immune system increases the risk of life-threatening bacterial infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 14, 2019
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.

Slower walkers have older brains and bodies at 45

Research found that 45-year-old slow walkers have 'accelerated aging' on a 19-measure scale, with poorer lung function, teeth, and immune systems compared to faster walkers. Early life neurocognitive testing also predicted walking speed at age 45.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 11, 2019

CNIO and University of Wurzburg solve 3D structure of 'nanomachine' that makes tuberculosis virulent

Researchers at CNIO and the University of Würzburg have solved the 3D structure of the T7SS nanomachine used by Mycobacterium tuberculosis to evade the immune system. This finding provides crucial information for developing new therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis, a disease that kills over 1.6 million people worldwide each year.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature·DateOct 9, 2019

NCI-sponsored trial explores better treatment for brain tumors in children

The study aims to examine the efficacy of a drug that inhibits an enzyme used by brain tumors to protect themselves from the immune response. Adding the inhibitor to chemotherapy and radiation therapy may enable lower doses, better quality of life, and improved survival for children with recurrent or newly diagnosed brain tumors.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateOct 8, 2019

Parkinson's disease is also present in the blood

Researchers from Aarhus University discovered that Parkinson's patients have an immune imbalance in their blood, affecting the regulation of immune cells and anti-inflammatory molecules. This finding advocates for immune modulation as a potential alternative treatment for the disease.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMovement Disorders·DateOct 3, 2019
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.

Environmental toxins impair immune system over multiple generations

New research reveals that maternal exposure to industrial pollution can harm offspring's immune system and pass on the weakness to subsequent generations. The study, conducted in mice, suggests that this multigenerational weakening of the immune system could explain variations in responses to flu infection.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournaliScience·DateOct 2, 2019

Using the immune system as a defence against cancer

Researchers at King's College London have discovered that β-Galactoside-Binding Protein (βGBP) can selectively target and kill cancer cells while stimulating the immune system to provide long-term protection against cancer recurrence. The study presents a promising new strategy for treating aggressive forms of cancer.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateSep 26, 2019

Human kidney map charts our growing immune defense

Researchers have created the first cell atlas of the human kidney's immune system, charting the communities of immune cells in different zones. The atlas shows how the immune system develops during early life and strengthens after birth, with implications for tackling kidney disease and transplant rejection.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 26, 2019

Extinct human species gave modern humans an immunity boost

A recent study found that modern humans acquired a gene variant from Denisovans that increases immune reactions and protective responses to disease-causing microbes. The Denisovan gene variant, I207L, was discovered in families with severe autoimmune conditions and was also present in an extinct human species found in the Altai Mountains.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 18, 2019
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.

A new pathway: researchers identify potential treatment target for Crohn's disease

A new pathway has been identified as a potential treatment target for Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease that affects millions in the US. The study suggests that blocking a specific protein receptor may ameliorate inflammation and fibrosis in CD patients.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 8, 2019

Deciphering pancreatic cancer's invade and evade tactics

Two known gene mutations, KRAS and TP53, induce pathways that enhance pancreatic cancer's ability to invade tissues and evade the immune system. Mutations in these genes are closely linked to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a type of pancreatic cancer with a low five-year survival rate.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2019