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Body's 'safety procedure' could explain autoimmune disease

Monash University researchers discovered a safety mechanism that regulates the activation of marginal zone B cells, which can turn against the body. The study found that MZ B cells have a short life span and are triggered by bacteria to express a protein called TACI.

SourceMonash University·JournalImmunity·DateSep 5, 2013

First study to investigate the human genome in multiple sclerosis

Researchers aim to understand factors that make immune cells target the spinal cord and brain, leading to multiple sclerosis (MS). The study will determine the function of specific T cells, how they are generated, and how they can be regulated in model systems of MS and humans.

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·DateSep 4, 2013
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.

Unexpected use of former cancer drug

Researchers at Lund University have found that Zebularine, an old cancer drug, can prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. The treatment also showed promise in curing type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the immune system's reaction to healthy tissue.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 29, 2013

Bacterial toxins cause deadly heart disease

Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered that bacterial toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus cause lethal effects on the heart in infective endocarditis and sepsis. The study found that blocking superantigen action could be a new approach to treating deadly staph infections.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalmBio·DateAug 20, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers study selenium's effects on horses

A new study by the American Society of Animal Science found that adult horses with low selenium levels have suppressed cell-mediated immunity, while antibody production remained unaffected. The researchers aimed to understand how different levels of selenium affect the immune system in horses.

SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateAug 14, 2013

UGA researchers use nanoparticles to fight cancer

Researchers at UGA are developing a new treatment technique that uses nanoparticles to stimulate the immune system against breast cancer cells. By targeting mitochondria and activating dendritic cells, they can produce high levels of chemical signals that alert the immune system to attack cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 14, 2013
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Narrower range of helpful bacteria in guts of C-section infants

Research found that C-section infants had a narrower range of beneficial bacteria in their guts compared to vaginally delivered infants. This has implications for the development of their immune systems and risk of allergies. The study also found lower levels of Th1 chemical messengers, which can contribute to allergic diseases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·DateAug 7, 2013

HIV/AIDS vaccines: Defining what works

A team of researchers has developed a strategy for inducing a key part of an effective immune response to HIV by tracing the evolution of HIV-recognizing molecules. The study suggests that a future vaccine against HIV could combine multiple biological components to give broad protection against the virus.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateJul 18, 2013

Surprise finding reveals how adaptive our immune systems can be

Researchers found that people with Hyper IgE Syndrome have more redundancy in their immune systems than expected, allowing them to respond effectively to most viruses and cancers. This discovery highlights the differences between mouse model work and real human infectious diseases, providing valuable insights for clinical treatment.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 14, 2013

On the trail of bacteria

Researchers have developed a method to identify Staphylococcus aureus capsule types using infrared light, achieving a success rate of up to 99%. The technique relies on Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and artificial neuronal networks to distinguish between different capsule forms.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateJul 12, 2013

Scientists discover new mechanism regulating the immune response

Researchers at Turku Centre for Biotechnology and Aalto University have discovered a new epigenetic mechanism that regulates lymphocyte function. This breakthrough provides insight into the emergence of immune-mediated diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalImmunity·DateJun 28, 2013
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.

After Great Dane success, cancer doc eyes brain tumors

A cancer doctor turned to immunotherapy after his Great Dane's lung cancer diagnosis. The treatment, using an engineered vaccine, significantly prolonged the dog's life and has sparked interest in testing on human brain cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalInternational Journal of Hyperthermia·DateJun 27, 2013

Modified immune cells seek and destroy melanoma

Researchers engineered dendritic cells to recognize protein fragments from cancer-specific antigens, eliciting an immune response that led to partial and complete clinical responses in patients with active disease. The study suggests a promising approach for enhancing immune recognition of melanoma cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 24, 2013

Researchers identify key player in the genesis of human intestinal immunity

Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine identified cryptopatches as the foundation for human GALT development, a critical component of intestinal immune function. The study suggests that repairing damaged GALT could lead to therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases and autoimmune disorders.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 20, 2013
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.

Females fend off gut diseases

A Michigan State University study found that female mice are protected from severe symptoms of colitis and bone deterioration, suggesting a reduced gut inflammation response. The findings could aid in understanding and treating the 1.4 million Americans suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·DateJun 11, 2013

NIH scientists discover how HIV kills immune cells

Scientists at NIH discover how HIV kills immune cells by triggering a signal that causes infected cells to die. Treating HIV-infected individuals with drugs blocking viral replication may improve CD4+ T cell survival and immune function.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2013

Scientists develop new technique to selectively dampen harmful immune responses

A team from The Scripps Research Institute has developed a new technique to selectively repress unwanted immune reactions without disabling the immune system as a whole. This method exploits a natural mechanism to target B-cells responsible for Factor VIII rejection, preventing an unwanted immune response in mice for several months.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 3, 2013
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.

Multiple sclerosis: Back to basics?

Current MS treatments focus on dampening the immune system, but Dr. Peter K. Stys suggests an alternative: addressing nervous system degeneration as a primary cause of the disease. Recent studies indicate that neuronal structures are also damaged in MS.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalF1000 Medicine Reports·DateJun 3, 2013

Preventing an immune overreaction

Researchers develop nanoparticles to block immune responses, enabling precise control of the immune system. The study's findings suggest a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases and allergies by targeting specific immune cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 3, 2013

Immune system to fight brain tumors

Researchers at Lund University have developed a vaccine-based treatment that stimulates the immune system to fight brain tumors, with promising results in animal experiments. The treatment has shown significant effectiveness in curing rats of their brain tumors.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Neuroimmunology·DateMay 30, 2013

JCI early table of contents for May 24, 2013

Researchers have discovered that targeting regulatory T cells can help eliminate cancer cells, while a new fluorescence labeling method enables the visualization of microRNAs in tissue sections. Additionally, studies suggest that malnourishment exacerbates Giardia infection in mice, leading to severe gastrointestinal problems and growt...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2013
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.

Penn study shows how immune system peacefully co-exists with 'good' bacteria

Researchers discovered that innate lymphoid cells limit the response of inflammatory T cells to commensal bacteria in the gut, keeping a truce between the immune system and 'good' microbes. This finding suggests new therapeutic strategies for chronic diseases like IBD, HIV/AIDS, and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2013

Cutting-edge bacteria research leads to more effective treatment of complex infections

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have made a groundbreaking discovery about bacterial biofilm formation, a major contributor to complicated infections. The study found that small RNA molecules play a crucial role in determining whether bacteria form biofilms or swim, offering new avenues for treating such infections.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 14, 2013

Women's immune systems remain younger for longer

Research found that women's immune systems decline slower with age compared to men's, particularly in lymphocytes. This slower aging of the immune system may contribute to women's overall longevity.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalImmunity & Ageing·DateMay 14, 2013
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 blank round to a potently active substance?

Researchers at Bonn University Hospital have deciphered the mechanism of CMA, a long-forgotten antiviral candidate. The study reveals that the compound stimulates the immune system in mice but not humans due to differences in receptor structure. This discovery inspires the search for an effective antiviral drug.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateApr 19, 2013

UCLA study suggests potential therapy for HIV

Researchers found that temporarily blocking a critical protein helps the immune system fight off chronic infection, reversing many immune problems. The discovery suggests new approaches to treating persistent viral infections like HIV and hepatitis C.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateApr 11, 2013

T cell biology pioneer Allison wins first AACR honor for cancer immunology

James Allison's discovery of the drug ipilimumab, which blocks CTLA-4 and treats T cells not cancer, has led to a significant increase in survival rates for patients with late-stage metastatic melanoma. The AACR-CRI award recognizes his contributions to cancer immunology and builds on Dr. Lloyd Old's pioneering work in harnessing the i...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 10, 2013
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.

New study finds plant proteins control chronic disease in Toxoplasma infections

Researchers at University of South Florida led by Michael White found that plant proteins, AP2 factors, control the transition from acute to chronic Toxoplasma stage. These factors help the parasite decide when to grow or form tissue cysts that can remain dormant for years.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2013

Scientists at UH partner with NASA, astronauts to study immune system

A University of Houston research team partnered with NASA and astronauts on the International Space Station to examine how spaceflight affects the immune system. They will collect blood, saliva, and urine samples from two astronauts before, during, and after a mission to monitor natural killer cells and assess viral reactivation risks.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 5, 2013

Medical enigma probed by Hebrew University researchers

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered that TNF-a plays a critical role in inducing immune suppression during chronic inflammation. They found that TNF-a directly affects myeloid-derived suppressor cells, leading to impaired host immune responses.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalImmunity·DateApr 3, 2013
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.

Researchers are first to use common virus to 'fortify' adult stem cells

Engineered stem cells produce US2 protein to increase survival by 59%, potentially improving treatment for bowel disease, traumatic brain injury, and organ transplants. The modified cells can modulate inflammation and promote healing, offering new hope for patients in need of regenerative therapies.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 1, 2013

Declaring a truce with our microbiological frienemies

Researchers suggest a more flexible understanding of the immune system's interaction with microbes, considering both pathogens and beneficial bacteria. The human body hosts ten times more bacterial cells than human cells, which play crucial roles in improving body functions.

SourcePenn State·JournalmBio·DateMar 28, 2013

Researchers advance fight against biggest hidden virus

Researchers from Cardiff University and La Jolla Institute have identified a previously unknown cellular mechanism that could prove critical in creating a CMV vaccine. This discovery sheds light on the virus's stealthy nature and its ability to evade immune detection.

SourceCardiff University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 14, 2013
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.

Hope for threatened Tasmanian devils

Scientists have discovered a way to revive genetic diversity in Tasmanian devils, allowing them to develop a vaccine against the deadly devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). The vaccine aims to boost the devils' immune system and give them a fighting chance against the contagious cancer.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2013

Salt identified as autoimmune trigger

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that dietary salt can induce and worsen pathogenic immune system responses in mice, leading to a more severe form of multiple sclerosis. They discovered the key molecular pathway involved in this response and proposed regulatory networks that govern autoimmune disease.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A nanogel-based treatment for lupus

Researchers developed a nanogel-based delivery system targeting immunosuppressive drug mycophenolic acid at tissues associated with immune cells. The treatment showed improved survival rates and delayed kidney damage in mouse models of lupus.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2013

Cells predict onset of graft-versus-host disease in men receiving BMTs from female donors

Researchers discovered a specific B lymphocyte marker that indicates the onset of cGVHD, a devastating syndrome where the patient's tissues are attacked by transplanted immune cells. This easily measured marker could help guide new therapies to mitigate or prevent cGVHD, which affects half of all bone marrow transplant procedures.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Can cancer be turned against itself?

Researchers found that melanoma cells can transfer proteins to the immune system, allowing it to gather crucial intelligence and develop cytokines to kill cancer cells. This process, called positive feedback loop, tips the scales in favor of the immune cells.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateFeb 4, 2013
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.

Immune cell death defects linked to autoimmune diseases

A recent study discovered that a lack of proteins Bax and Bak in immune cells can lead to severe autoimmune disease. The research suggests that these proteins play a crucial role in regulating cell death, and their deficiency may be linked to diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2013

Mount Sinai researchers discover how the flu virus tells time

Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered that the flu virus can essentially tell time, with a clock that dictates when it multiplies, infects cells, and spreads. This finding provides a novel design platform for the flu vaccine and could lead to new antiviral drugs that target the virus's internal clock.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 17, 2013

New findings on killer bacteria's defence

Researchers at Lund University discovered that antibodies in the immune system can be turned around by certain bacteria, affecting their recognition and neutralization. The study shows that this phenomenon varies depending on the severity of the infection, with more serious diseases having the correct antibody orientation.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 14, 2012
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.

Steroid hormone receptor prefers working alone to shut off immune system genes

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have obtained a detailed molecular picture that shows how glucocorticoid hormones shut off key immune system genes. The finding could help guide drug discovery efforts aimed at finding new anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer side effects.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 9, 2012

Malaria parasite's masquerade ball could be coming to an end

Hebrew University researchers discovered how Plasmodium falciparum hides its genes from the immune system by using an insulator-like DNA sequence. This breakthrough could lead to strategies to disrupt this ability and prevent malaria deaths, mainly among pregnant women and children.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2012

New insights into mosquitoes' role as involuntary bioterrorists

Recent research revealed mosquitoes possess surprisingly effective immune systems, destroying pathogens by utilizing the circulatory system's unique characteristics. A Vanderbilt study discovered a new mechanism for eliminating pathogens, increasing effectiveness in disease control strategies.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 29, 2012

Traffic cops of the immune system

Research reveals IkBNS promotes formation of Foxp3, key feature of regulatory T cells, and influences NFkB family of transcription factors. Manipulating IkBNS could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs for autoimmune diseases and inflammation.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalImmunity·DateNov 29, 2012
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.

Survival gene may be key to controlling HIV and hepatitis

Researchers discover Arih2 gene essential for immune system function, potentially leading to treatment breakthroughs for chronic infections like HIV and hepatitis. The gene's role in regulating the immune response could lead to new treatments that reinvigorate the immune system and help clear these infections.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 25, 2012