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Solving medical 'cold cases' through genetics

A team of researchers identified a genetic mutation responsible for an adult's rare and severe immune system disorder. They developed a molecular therapy using Morpholino Antisense Oligonucleotide that corrected the mutation and allowed the patient's immune system to function properly.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateApr 6, 2017

Altering the immune system to reverse paralysis (video)

Researchers developed an experimental treatment that tames the immune system in rodents, restoring movement to paralyzed mice. The approach may combat autoimmune diseases in humans, as demonstrated in mouse models of multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 3, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AACR: New model paves way for immune therapies against colorectal cancer

Researchers have developed a new humanized mouse model of colorectal cancer, allowing them to test immunotherapies and potential combination treatments. The model has shown promise in preclinical studies, including the successful activation of the immune system against cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateApr 3, 2017

UVA finds ANOTHER immune system link science said didn't exist

Scientists at UVA have discovered an unexpected connection between the immune system and the testes, which may explain why some cancer vaccines are failing to work. This finding could lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders and male infertility, as doctors target specific antigens released by the testes.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2017

How plants can tell friend from foe

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that plants can recognize friendly RNAs by breaking down those without a nucleotide 'tail' using the immune system. This breakthrough paves the way for future biotechnological techniques to modify crops.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 20, 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.

Protein proves influential to healthy immune system

Researchers have discovered that the protein Myb plays a vital role in regulating the immune response, preventing overreaction and development of inflammatory diseases. The study found that Myb gives regulatory T cells the authority to control their function depending on the level of threat.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalImmunity·DateMar 13, 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.

Immunology: Live and let live

Dendritic cells, which help activate and suppress immune responses, play a key role in maintaining the balance between self and non-self in the gut. The discovery of a signaling molecule, CD40, reveals how this balance can be disrupted, leading to severe colitis, but also highlights the importance of regulatory T-cells in maintaining i...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2017

Immunotherapy trial cures Tasmanian devils of DFTD

An international study has shown that immunotherapy can cure Tasmanian devils of the deadly devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). The treatment successfully triggered the devil's immune system to recognise and destroy established DFTD tumours, with tumours shrinking and disappearing over three months.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2017

New indicators to aid Crohn's disease diagnosis and treatment

A study by Arizona State University and Mayo Clinic identified several unique biomarkers, called autoantibodies, that can accurately diagnose Crohn's disease. The discovery has the potential to provide early warning for those at risk of major illnesses, including cancer, autism, and diabetes.

SourceArizona State University·DateMar 9, 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.

Genetic variant linked to overactive inflammatory response

Researchers at Cardiff University discovered a genetic link between Ifitm3 and the immune system's inflammatory response. The study found that individuals with a specific gene variant may experience an overactive immune response to viral infections, making anti-inflammatory drugs a potential treatment option.

SourceCardiff University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 28, 2017

Immune research advances understanding of autism spectrum disorder

Recent immune research advances the understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting the role of immune dysregulation in its development. Therapies targeting the immune system may also have benefits beyond ASD, such as preventing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 21, 2017

Using a rabbit virus to treat multiple myeloma

A recent study found that using a rabbit virus, myxoma virus, reduced tumor burden in preclinical studies and led to complete eradication of disease in a quarter of animals. The treatment elicited a strong immune response, suggesting its potential as a novel therapy for multiple myeloma.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateFeb 21, 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.

MS treatment that 'resets' immune system may halt disease progression for at least 5 years

A type of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) has been shown to slow or stop MS disease progression for up to five years in nearly half of patients, with significant benefits seen in younger patients and those with relapsing-remitting MS. However, the treatment carries a small risk of death and is not suitable fo...

SourceImperial College London·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 20, 2017

Understanding how HIV evades the immune system

Researchers from Monash University and Cardiff University have made a breakthrough understanding how HIV evades the immune system by mutating key molecules, which will help design better therapies and vaccines. The study provides new insights into HIV's ability to evade the immune system.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 20, 2017

How cancers trick the immune system into helping rather than harming them

Scientists at Trinity College Dublin discovered how cancers hijack the immune system's wound-healing response to receive help. They found that a molecule called TRAIL can be re-wired in certain tumors to send an inflammatory signal, tricking the immune system into assisting cancer growth.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 16, 2017

An impact on implants

A researcher is studying how early immune system responses can predict the long-term success of biomedical implants. The study aims to develop methods for modulating macrophage activity to encourage positive outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateFeb 15, 2017
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.

Carbs during workouts help immune system recovery

Research from QUT found that consuming carbohydrates during or immediately after intense exercise helps minimise exercise-induced immune disturbances and aids the body's recovery. The study suggests that stable blood sugar levels reduce the body's stress response, moderating undesirable mobilisation of immune cells.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateFeb 15, 2017

Unearthing immune responses to common drugs

Australian researchers investigated how certain medications impact MAIT cell function, finding some prevent detection of infections while others activate the immune system. This discovery may lead to better understanding and control of immune reactions to drugs, as well as new therapies that manipulate MAIT cell behavior.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 6, 2017

Penn study finds new clues to causes of heart failure

A recent study by Penn researchers has found that signaling proteins in cells lining the heart play a key role in preventing excessive scarring after a heart attack. The proteins, YAP and TAZ, regulate immune responses to prevent inflammation and fibrosis, which can lead to heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 6, 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.

Chronic sleep deprivation suppresses immune system

Researchers discovered that the twin with shorter sleep duration had a depressed immune system compared to their sibling. The findings suggest that chronic short sleep shuts down programs involved in immune response, leading to lower antibody responses and increased susceptibility to illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJan 27, 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.

Queen's researcher publishes new findings on how plants manage immune response

A recent study published in Science has identified a previously unknown means by which plants regulate their immune systems to prevent further response once an infection is dealt with. This discovery could lead to the improvement of immune systems in food crops, addressing a significant challenge for global food security.

SourceQueen's University·JournalScience·DateJan 19, 2017

Every meal triggers inflammation

A study by researchers at the University of Basel found that meals trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. This mechanism is dependent on bacteria and nutrients ingested during meals, highlighting the importance of adequate nutrition for immune function.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Immunology·DateJan 16, 2017

HIV treatment might boost susceptibility to syphilis, say researchers

Researchers found that antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infection may increase susceptibility to syphilis by boosting immune system activity and leading to more sexual partners. This could explain the rise in new cases of syphilis among gay/bisexual men over the past decade.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateJan 16, 2017

Buzzing the vagus nerve just right to fight inflammatory disease

The new therapy uses a kilohertz frequency electrical block of afferent vagus nerve pathways to stimulate the nerve while inhibiting unwanted nerve activity, increasing clinical efficacy and therapeutic benefit. This approach is reversible, controllable, and clinically feasible, providing a potential solution for chronic inflammatory d...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 5, 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.

Nanodiscs deliver personalized cancer therapy to immune system

Researchers at the University of Michigan have successfully tested nanodiscs in mice for personalized cancer immunotherapy. The therapeutic vaccine targets cancer mutations and generates T-cells that recognize unique neoantigens, leading to the elimination of cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 26, 2016
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.

Dual loss of TET proteins prompts lethal upsurge in inflammatory T cells in a mouse model

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that the loss of TET proteins hinders T cell maturation and promotes aberrant proliferation, leading to a lethal disease resembling lymphoma. The study's findings suggest that TET proteins serve as tumor suppressors and may help block malignancy in cancers marked by TET mutations.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·DateDec 12, 2016

Reason why farm kids develop fewer allergies explained

A study found that farm dust exposure stimulates production of a protein called A20, which suppresses inflammatory immune responses in the lungs. This leads to lower rates of asthma and allergies in children who grow up on farms.

SourceBritish Society For Immunology·DateDec 6, 2016

How our immune system targets TB

Scientists have discovered how the human immune system targets Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB. The study provides key insight into how the immune system can recognize TB-infected cells, which could lead to the development of new diagnostic tools and novel immunotherapies.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2016
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.

Combination immune therapy shows promise against Hodgkin lymphoma

A combination of brentuximab vedotin and nivolumab has been found to be safe and effective in treating recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma, with 64% of patients experiencing significant tumor reduction. The therapy has manageable side effects and shows promise as an alternative curative regimen for relapsed disease.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateDec 5, 2016

New tool uses UV light to control inflammation

Researchers at Cornell University developed a chemical tool that controls inflammation using UV light, allowing for targeted therapy with minimal side effects. The method has potential applications in treating inflammatory diseases such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceCornell University·JournalChemical Science·DateDec 2, 2016

An agent used to treat psoriasis may be aimed at the wrong target

Researchers found that IL-12 has a positive effect on skin affected by psoriasis, preventing pathogenic immune cell infiltration and inhibiting inflammatory reactions. The current treatment ustekinumab neutralizes both IL-23 and IL-12, potentially leading to counterproductive effects.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2016
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.

Battle hymns and lullabies: SLU scientist sheds light on the T cell orchestra

Researchers discover that tolerance is induced only when antigens are acquired and presented to T cells by specialized dendritic cells. Dendritic cells also cause short-term activation of T cells under non-infection conditions, but without long-term effects. This improved understanding may lead to new ways to control the immune response.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalImmunity·DateOct 27, 2016

How does friendly fire happen in the pancreas?

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München have discovered a mechanism used by the immune system to prepare for attacks on insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The team identified a signaling pathway triggered by miRNA92a, which leads to an increase in immune cells that promote autoimmunity. Targeted intervention using antagomirs may ...

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2016
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.

Mobilizing our immune system to fight viruses

Researchers at Monash University have made a groundbreaking discovery about how T cells recognize viruses, challenging decades-old immunological concepts. By using the National Synchrotron, they gained key molecular insights into the T cell-virus interaction, revealing a new way T cells 'see' viruses and triggering an immune response.

SourceMonash University·JournalImmunity·DateOct 20, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Neural membrane's structural instability may trigger multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that structural instabilities in the myelin sheaths of neurons may enable the immune system to launch an uncontrolled attack on them, leading to multiple sclerosis. The study suggests a potential trigger for the disease's outbreak and offers new avenues for therapies and diagnostics.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 5, 2016

EBV-derived microRNAs silence immune alarm signals of the host cell

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München discovered a mechanism by which EBV virus suppresses alarm signals sent out by infected cells. MicroRNAs made by the virus block production of proteins that would ring the alarm, rendering killer T cells and helper T cells inactive.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2016

Toys and 'enriched' surroundings help fight infection in mice

A study by Queen Mary University of London found that mice with toys and stimulating environments have healthier immune systems. The research discovered changes in T cells, which are essential for immunity and involved in chronic diseases like HIV and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateOct 3, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Training human antibodies to protect against HIV

Scientists describe a multi-step method to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies in genetically engineered mice, which can recognize multiple HIV mutations. This approach offers a starting point for developing an HIV vaccine that could prevent infection or cure the systemic illness.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateSep 8, 2016

Gladstone investigator receives $5.8M career grant

Katerina Akassoglou, a Gladstone Senior Investigator, has been awarded a $5.8M NINDS grant to advance her research on the role of brain's vascular and immune systems in neurological diseases. The grant will enable her lab to pursue innovative solutions for devastating conditions like multiple sclerosis.

SourceGladstone Institutes·DateSep 8, 2016