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New treatment approach for autoimmune disorder

Researchers found that activating programmed cell death (necroptosis) in white blood cells leads to inflammation and auto-antibody attachment, contributing to disease progression. Inhibiting necroptosis may offer a new treatment approach for ANCA vasculitis.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2017

UMD School of Medicine researchers studying new approach to antibiotic resistance

Researchers at UMD School of Medicine are studying a new approach to tackle antibiotic resistance by targeting the immune system's response to harmful bacteria. They aim to prevent inflammation and white blood cell activation using special molecules or peptides, which could pave the way for treating a wide range of infections.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·DateNov 1, 2017
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.

Subset of stem cells identified as source for all cells in blood and immune systems

A study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center has identified a specific subset of adult blood stem cells responsible for regenerating the entire blood and immune system. The 5% subset, marked as CD34+CD45RA-CD90+, was found to rebuild all different cells of the blood and immune system within 10 days after being infused in nonhuman primates.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 1, 2017

Activation of immune T cells leads to behavioral changes

Scientists have discovered that T cell activation leads to a depletion of amino acids in the blood, which in turn affects neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, causing anxiety and fear responses. In mice without PD-1 receptor, they found behavioral changes dominated by anxiety and exacerbated fear responses.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 23, 2017

Cancer relapse linked to body's own immune system

A new study reveals that cancer cells can use the body's own immune system to wake themselves up and fuel their growth after treatment, leading to relapse. Researchers found that immunotherapies targeting this response could delay or prevent cancer return in mice, suggesting a promising approach for patients at risk of relapse.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateOct 16, 2017
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.

Norovirus evades immune system by hiding out in rare gut cells

Researchers found noroviruses hide in extremely rare gut cells that fail to communicate with T cells, allowing the virus to evade the immune system. The study informs vaccine development and may explain limited effectiveness of current vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalImmunity·DateOct 11, 2017

MicroRNA helps cancer evade immune system

Researchers at Salk Institute discover two microRNAs that help cancer cells survive and subvert the immune response by lowering cGAS levels. Inhibiting these microRNAs in tumor cells slowed tumor growth, but their effect was diminished in immune-deficient mice.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 18, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Immune system linked to alcohol drinking behavior

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found a significant reduction in alcohol drinking behavior by mice that had been given a drug blocking a specific response from the immune system in the brain, highlighting the importance of the brain's immune system in driving desire to drink alcohol.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateSep 15, 2017

Immune system changes during pregnancy are precisely timed

Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine characterized the immune system changes during pregnancy and found a precise timing pattern. The study used mass cytometry to analyze blood samples from 18 women with full-term pregnancies and validated the findings in an additional group of 10 women.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 1, 2017
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.

Gold nanostars and immunotherapy vaccinate mice against cancer

A new treatment combines gold nanostars and immunotherapy to treat cancer. The treatment successfully cured two mice and vaccinated one mouse against the disease. By destroying tumors and triggering the immune system, the treatment activates immunity against remaining cancerous cells.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 17, 2017
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.

Viruses up their game in arms race with immune system

Researchers studied viruses from different eras to understand how they evade the host's immune response. Viruses collected in the 1990s are more effective at suppressing immune systems than those from the 1950s, leading to severe symptoms and high mortality rates.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

Chickenpox virus fatal in newly discovered immunodeficiency

A rare genetic mutation in the POL III sensor can turn chickenpox into a life-threatening infection, leading to brain inflammation and pneumonia. Individuals with this mutation have an increased risk of developing severe illness.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 10, 2017

Immune system may mount an attack in Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that T cells from people with PD responded to alpha-synuclein to a greater degree than those gathered from healthy controls. Four genetic variations were associated with T cell reactivity, and over half of people with PD carried at least one variant.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2017
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.

'Golden Hour' study details earliest changes to the immune system after trauma

A new study published in PLOS Medicine reveals that changes to the immune system occur rapidly after a traumatic injury, with levels of immune cells and molecules altered within minutes. The research aims to improve outcomes for patients who have suffered trauma by identifying those at risk of developing life-threatening complications.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 18, 2017

Feinstein Institute identifies potential cause for lupus

A protein called Blimp-1 regulates the immune system in patients with lupus, leading to an overactive immune response that attacks healthy tissue. The study's findings suggest a link between low Blimp-1 levels and increased risk of lupus in females.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 14, 2017
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.

Women and men may have different bipolar disorder biomarkers

Researchers found differences in immune system factors between men and women with bipolar disorder, particularly in zinc levels associated with depression severity in women. This study suggests that biological changes in the body could be used to diagnose the disease and tailor treatments differently for men and women.

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateJul 11, 2017

Immune system may keep body from neutralizing HIV-1 virus

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus discovered a process protecting against autoimmune disease also prevents the body from creating antibodies that can neutralize HIV-1. By temporarily relaxing immunological tolerance, scientists believe they may be able to elicit protective antibodies with vaccination.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 11, 2017

NEJM case reports show promise of cancer immunotherapy to treat rare lymphoma

Three case reports published in NEJM demonstrate the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy in gray zone lymphoma, a rare subtype of Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin forms of the disease. Nivolumab and pembrolizomab showed promising results in treating patients with PD-L1 over-expression.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 10, 2017

Hidden herpes virus may play key role in MS, other brain disorders

A recent study suggests that the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) may impede the brain's ability to repair itself in diseases like multiple sclerosis. The virus produces a protein called U94 that can impair the normal function of cells in the brain, potentially accelerating disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 10, 2017

Working the (immune) system

Aging individuals with implants face unique challenges due to immunosenescence and delayed immune responses. The study investigates the impact of aging on macrophage activity and white blood cell function, seeking ways to optimize implant success and minimize negative effects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJul 10, 2017
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.

Vegetable colouring agent may suppress inflammation

Researchers at Linkoping University discovered that lutein can suppress long-term inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease. The study found that higher levels of lutein were associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers and reduced inflammatory activity in immune cells.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAtherosclerosis·DateJul 5, 2017

Parkinson's is partly an autoimmune disease, study finds

Researchers found that autoimmunity plays a role in Parkinson's disease, where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. The study identified alpha-synuclein protein as a trigger for immune response, raising hope for new diagnostic tests and therapies to prevent neuronal death.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 2017
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.

UMD bioengineers develop new technologies to drive next-generation therapies for MS

Researchers at UMD's Jewell Laboratory have developed a precision system using quantum dots to control the display of self-antigens, promoting tolerance and elimination of paralysis in pre-clinical mouse models. This breakthrough could pave the way for more selective and effective therapies for MS and other autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 13, 2017

Regenerating damaged nerves with 'Pac-Man' cells

Macrophages, known as the Pac-Man of the immune system, promote healing by regrowing severed nerves in rats, offering a promising alternative to current treatments like autografts. The approach uses biological signals to recruit younger, undifferentiated cells destined to become pro-healing macrophages.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2017

Omega-3 fatty acid stops lupus trigger, but how?

Researchers at Michigan State University are studying how DHA prevents the onset of lupus when triggered by inhaling toxic minerals. The study aims to understand the cellular mechanisms behind this phenomenon and explore potential nutritional interventions to prevent disease flaring and progression.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJun 1, 2017

Subduing the rebellion: Unmasking rogue cells in the immune system

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology researchers identified JunB as a key target to selectively disable toxic T Helper 17 cells, reducing the risk of auto-immune diseases. By inhibiting JunB, these cells can still accumulate in the gut and respond to infections without turning rogue.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 30, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Designer viruses stimulate the immune system to fight cancer

Researchers have created artificial viruses that can specifically target and destroy cancer cells by stimulating the immune system. The unique combination of alarm signals and cancer cell proteins enables the creation of a powerful army of killer cells to identify and destroy cancer cells.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2017

Labeling a bacterial cell 'jacket'

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new method to label and visualize the sugar backbone of bacterial cell walls, also known as the 'cell jacket'. This breakthrough allows scientists to better understand how the immune system misidentifies beneficial bacteria, leading to chronic inflammatory diseases. By using th...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2017
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.

How the injured brain tells the body it's hurt

In a breakthrough study, Johns Hopkins researchers identified a new way that the brain communicates with the immune system, using vesicles and small fat-like molecules to send signals. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for brain injuries by targeting the inflammatory response.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateMay 18, 2017
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 take an important step toward an HIV vaccine

Scientists have created a vaccine that boosts specific parts of the immune system attacking HIV viral genes, prolonging resistance and allowing for more efficient defense. This approach may lead to an effective HIV vaccine by targeting weak immunostimulatory parts of viruses.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalEBioMedicine·DateMay 17, 2017

Advancing cancer immunotherapy with computer simulations and data analysis

Researchers developed a novel mathematical model to explore interactions between prostate tumors and common immunotherapies, predicting their effects on patient-specific immune systems. The study highlights a potential therapeutic strategy for managing tumor growth more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 17, 2017

Researchers apply new immune technologies in search of mono vaccine

A research lab at the University of Kansas is analyzing human immune responses to develop an effective vaccine or drug therapy against Epstein-Barr Virus. By studying B cells, researchers aim to understand why some people are protected from EBV-associated diseases while others suffer from health issues.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·DateMay 17, 2017
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.

Scientists light the way for immune system to attack cancer

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have developed a practical way to use light to guide T cells towards tumors, overcoming the challenges of immunotherapy. The innovative method could lead to safer and more effective treatment options for cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2017

Scientists create unique disease 'catalog' linked to immune system gene variations

A comprehensive catalog of diseases associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene variations has been generated by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The catalog identifies individuals at risk for certain autoimmune diseases and potential new associations with multiple sclerosis and cervical cancer.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 10, 2017
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.

Lab mice may not be effective models for immunology research

Wild mice have highly-activated immune systems due to exposure to infections, with more activated myeloid cells compared to laboratory mice. The study's findings emphasize the importance of considering natural variability when interpreting research results.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 3, 2017

DNA fingerprinting reveals how malaria hides from our immune system

A study found that malaria parasites in one African village had distinct gene combinations that allowed them to evade the human immune system. This discovery highlights the importance of considering diverse strains of the parasite in malaria-control efforts.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2017

The immune system may explain skepticism towards immigrants

Research reveals that strong feelings about immigrants are controlled by the immune system, particularly in people with a hypersensitive behavioral immune system. This leads to misconceptions about infection risks and a reluctance to interact with immigrants, blocking integration paths.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateMay 1, 2017
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.

Why is herpes simplex virus disease risk so much greater for newborns?

A comprehensive review examines the role of type I interferon in controlling herpes simplex virus type 1 infection. The study reveals that newborns are more susceptible to HSV-1 infection, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening diseases like herpes simplex encephalitis.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDNA and Cell Biology·DateApr 28, 2017

Immune discovery points to therapies to improve stroke recovery

Researchers found that strokes damage immune cells, making patients more susceptible to life-threatening infections like pneumonia. Therapies targeting damaged immune cells or bypassing their dysfunction could help recover from stroke, the study suggests.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2017

Virus vs. host -- New research exposes an evolutionary arms race

Cytomegalovirus has evolved to hide from the immune system by presenting decoy markers, tricking NK cells into thinking infected cells are healthy. The immune system responds by evolving new mechanisms to detect and kill the virus, including a molecule called NK1.1.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell·DateApr 9, 2017
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.

Seemingly innocuous virus can trigger celiac disease

A new study links common reovirus infection with the development of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder caused by an improper immune response to gluten. Reovirus-induced immune responses can lead to the loss of oral tolerance to gluten, setting the stage for celiac disease.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2017

New $1.5 million NIH grant targets oral complications of HIV

Case Western Reserve University researchers aim to combat chronic inflammation by targeting oral complications in HIV patients, which can lead to malnourishment and further weaken the immune system. The team will investigate regulatory T-cells and study tissues from HIV-positive patients taking common antiretroviral drugs.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateApr 6, 2017