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Immune system in the spotlight

A German team has developed a photostimulated antigen release system that can be used to precisely study antigen flux in living cells. This method allows for the analysis of complex antigen processing and transport processes in real-time, providing new insights into immune surveillance.

Widespread practice among athletes harms both performance and health

A new study found that low energy availability among female athletes impairs performance by up to 18% in short-term tests and increases systemic stress, compromising immune function. Athletes who restrict their food intake experience muscle loss and decreased physical performance.

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.

Respiratory bacteria ‘turns off’ immune system to survive

Researchers have discovered how Haemophilus influenzae turns off the body's immune responses to persist in respiratory tissues. The bacterium convinces the immune system there is no threat, inducing a state of tolerance, and can worsen symptoms in vulnerable groups like cystic fibrosis patients and asthma sufferers.

Hepatitis C leaves “scars” in immune cells even after successful treatment

Researchers found that the frequency of activated TREG cells remained elevated during treatment and continued to be high even after the virus was eliminated. Inflammatory features, such as increased TNF signaling, were sustained in TREG cells, indicating long-term immune system changes induced by the chronic infection.

How to stop cancer cachexia? Start at the top

Researchers have found that blocking Interleukin-6 (IL-6) from binding to neurons in the area postrema prevents cachexia in mice. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of new drugs targeting these neurons, potentially treating cancer cachexia and improving patients' quality of life.

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.

Scientists discover new T cells and genes related to immune disorders

Researchers have discovered several rare types of helper T cells associated with immune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that genetic variants in bidirectional enhancer DNA are linked to specific immune-mediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease.

Pennington Biomedical researchers partner on award-winning Long Covid study

Researchers are exploring inflammation caused by COVID-19 as a trigger for Long Covid, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath. The study aims to identify potential causes and treatments for Long Covid, with findings that could lead to enhanced immune function in patients.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fewer good gut bacteria increase the risk of serious infection

A study of over 10,000 people found that those with fewer butyrate-producing bacteria in their gut were more likely to develop serious infections. The research suggests a strong link between the microbiome and the immune system, opening up new possibilities for preventing serious infections.

Treatment for autoimmune disorder acts on balance of immune cell types

A Kobe University study finds that a new treatment for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder shifts the balance of immune cells, increasing anti-inflammatory signals. The discovery may enable clinicians to determine treatment effectiveness and move towards personalized medicine for autoimmune diseases.

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.

Successful trial for new colorectal cancer treatment

A new trial indicates that immunotherapy could successfully treat the most common form of colorectal cancer. The study, published in Nature Medicine, found that botensilimab and balstilimab caused tumours to shrink or remain stable in 61% of patients with microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer.

Boosting CAR-T cell therapies from under the skin

Researchers at Wyss Institute develop subcutaneous scaffolds to restimulate CAR-T cells, increasing therapeutic efficacy in mice with aggressive blood tumors. The biomaterials increase CAR-T cell numbers and steer differentiation into tumor-killing T cells.

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.

Safer virus helps eliminate cancer

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered an attenuated virus that can help eliminate cancer in mice and prevent future tumor development. The therapy works by raising 'red flags' on tumors to alert immune cells to attack them.

Researchers identify key differences in inner workings of immune cells

A team of researchers identified two functionally distinct populations of T cells with different cellular architectures that influence their fate. Cells with nuclear invaginations rapidly proliferate and kill pathogens, while those without undergo a more leisurely activation process. These findings have significant implications for und...

‘Artificial lymph node’ used to treat cancer in mice

Researchers created an artificial lymph node using hyaluronic acid, which connects with T-cells via a cell surface receptor. The noden acted as a learning hub, stimulating T-cells to recognize and kill cancer cells in mice with melanoma and colon cancers.

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.

How COVID-19 'breakthrough' infections alter your immune cells

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that people who experienced breakthrough COVID-19 infections develop T cells better equipped to recognize and target SARS-CoV-2. The study also discovered that B cells produce more diverse antibodies targeting common epitopes between the vaccine and variants.

Rare health condition cases surge during COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers at the University of Leeds identified a surge in rare autoimmune cases linked to MDA5 autoimmunity, affecting mainly white men and women. The condition, characterized by skin rashes, pneumonia, and interstitial lung disease, has proven fatal in some cases.

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.

Exploring the mechanism behind drug eruptions in the skin

A study by Chiba University researchers reveals that a specific variant of the HLA gene can trigger an endoplasmic reticulum stress response in skin cells when exposed to certain drugs, leading to drug eruptions. This newfound knowledge may form the basis for innovative treatment options.

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.

Plant virus treatment shows promise in fighting metastatic cancers in mice

A plant virus treatment, composed of cowpea mosaic virus nanoparticles, has shown remarkable success in improving survival rates and suppressing the growth of metastatic tumors across various cancer models. The treatment was effective even after surgical removal of tumors, indicating its potential to prevent metastasis.

New tool to boost battle against childhood undernutrition

Researchers created a new model to study the effects of undernutrition on the microbiome, which can help identify specific microbes that impact development. The model mimics early childhood experiences and shows promise in understanding the underlying causes of stunted growth and other harmful effects of undernutrition.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How E. coli get the power to cause urinary tract infections

Researchers identify critical genes and transport systems in E. coli that enable rapid growth despite sterile urine environment. ABC transporters appear crucial for infection, with inhibitors potentially slowing bacterial growth and complementing antibiotic efforts.

New strategy could lead to universal, long-lasting flu shot

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new vaccine strategy that targets the portion of the flu virus surface with less variability, aiming for universal and long-lasting protection. The experimental vaccine elicits an immune response focused on the stalk region, which remains consistent despite viral mutations.

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.

Protein responsible for genetic inflammatory disease identified

A team of researchers has discovered the role a specific protein complex plays in certain forms of immune dysregulation. SHARPIN deficiency is linked to autoinflammation and immunodeficiency, but unexpectedly does not manifest dermatological issues. Treatment with anti-TNF therapies resolves symptoms.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Vaccine breakthrough means no more chasing strains

Researchers at UC Riverside demonstrate a new vaccine strategy targeting a common viral genome part, eliminating the need for annual booster shots. The vaccine uses small RNA molecules to boost the immune system, making it safe for babies and those with weakened immunity.

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.

Antibiotics reveal a new way to fight cancer

Tetracycline antibiotics have been found to enhance the antitumor activity of T lymphocytes by targeting galactin-1, an immunosuppressive protein produced by cancer cells. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of new drugs that target different immune pathways and benefit patients with cancer.

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.

Discovery into how chronic lung conditions affect children’s immune system

Researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute have made a breakthrough discovery that suppurative lung disease and wheezing have the same inflammatory profiles despite their differing symptoms. The study found two treatable endotypes of childhood respiratory diseases, with targeted anti-inflammatory treatments showing promise.

COVID-19 antibody discovery could explain long COVID

Researchers at UVA Health discovered a potential explanation for long COVID symptoms by identifying 'abzymes' that act like enzymes regulating important bodily functions. This discovery could lead to new treatments targeting these rogue antibodies to alleviate acute effects of COVID-19 and its complications.

DNA attached to nanoparticles contributes to lupus symptoms

A new study by Duke University researchers provides fundamental insights into autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus. They developed a system to test how DNA attached to nanoparticles interact with the immune system, revealing that larger nanoparticles provide more protection for DNA.

£1.7 million for vaccine to prevent lung cancer

Developed by scientists from the University of Oxford, the LungVax vaccine uses technology similar to the highly successful Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine will train the immune system to recognise and attack abnormal lung cells with neoantigens.

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.

Rheumatic diseases associated with childbearing problems

Women with selected rheumatic diseases experience a higher prevalence of childlessness, while risks for pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and preterm delivery are increased for many conditions. Men with rheumatic conditions also face a higher risk of childlessness, although the impact on fertility varies among different diseases.

Simple blood test could predict risk of long-term COVID-19 lung problems

Researchers at UVA Health discovered a potential blood test to predict patients with severe COVID-19 who are likely to recover well and those at risk of long-term lung problems. The study found that patients with late-resolving symptoms had fewer immune cells in their blood, correlating with symptom severity.

Gut bacteria make neurotransmitters to shape the newborn immune system

Researchers found that gut bacteria in newborns produce serotonin, promoting the development of immune cells called Tregs. This helps prevent allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases. The study suggests that unique gut bacteria may supply neurotransmitters needed for critical biological functions during early development.

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.