Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Bat ‘nightclubs’ may be the key to solving the next pandemic

Researchers at Texas A&M discovered that immune genes are frequently exchanged between Myotis bat species during seasonal mating swarms, potentially helping humans fight emerging diseases. The study's findings have opened new questions about the importance of hybridization in evolution and its impact on genomicists' knowledge.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalCell Genomics·DateFeb 20, 2024

Plant receptors that control immunity and development share a common origin

Researchers have discovered that plant immune receptors and growth-related proteins share a common evolutionary ancestry, allowing for the creation of hybrid receptors with enhanced functionality. This breakthrough could lead to the development of disease-resistant crops by isolating and engineering immune receptors from various plants.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024
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.

Immunocompromised patients and COVID infections: Who’s at risk?

A recent study published in Lancet Microbe suggests that immunocompromised patients are at higher risk for COVID infections, but prolonged infections lasting weeks to months are uncommon. The study found that specific conditions, such as B-cell cancers and autoimmune diseases, increase the risk of prolonged infections.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateJan 26, 2024

Evolution of the human immune system in the post-Omicron era

Research reveals memory T cells formed after Omicron breakthrough infection provide enhanced immunity against future variants. The study suggests the immune system adapts to combat emerging strains, leading to higher chances of inducing memory T cell defenses.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2024

The secret life of CD4+ T cells: from helpers to melanoma fighters

Researchers have revealed CD4+ T cells can work effectively on their own to control melanoma, challenging conventional understanding. Harnessing their potential therapeutically holds great promise for improving current cancer immunotherapies.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2024
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.

New vaccine design uses immunity against influenza to offer faster protection against emerging pathogens

A new vaccine design has been developed by a UC Riverside-led research team, which uses preexisting immunity to the influenza virus to help kickstart the production of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine aims to speed up the immune response and provide better protection for people who still lack immunity to the coronavirus.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

New reasons eating less fat should be one of your resolutions

A new study by University of California Riverside researchers found that high-fat diets affect not only obesity and colon cancer but also the immune system, brain function, and potentially COVID-19 risk. The study, which analyzed genetic changes in mice fed different types of fat, showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids in soybean oil ...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 3, 2024

B cell deficient patients gain protective T cell immunity following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection, study finds

Researchers found that vaccinated B cell-deficient individuals have a robust T cell response to SARS-CoV-2, despite lack of anti-spike antibodies, resulting in markedly reduced rates of hospitalization and severe COVID-19. This study provides reassuring evidence for immunocompromised patients to get vaccinated.

SourceRagon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2023

Nutrient found in beef and dairy improves immune response to cancer

Researchers at UChicago find that trans-vaccenic acid (TVA), a fatty acid in meat and dairy, enhances CD8+ T cell immunity against tumors. TVA also improves response to immunotherapy treatments for patients with higher levels of the nutrient in their blood.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

Another step toward the HIV-1 vaccine: Dynamics of neutralizing antibodies

A study of over 2,300 patients found that HIV-1 neutralizing antibody response decreases over time but highly potent broadly neutralizing antibodies remain detectable. This finding suggests a possible permanent vaccine response and is an important step toward developing an effective HIV-1 vaccine.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 14, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New research shows maternal dengue immunity worsens birth defects caused by Zika virus

A recent study led by Duke-NUS Medical School found that prior maternal dengue immunity substantially increases the risk of severe birth defects induced by Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Pregnant mothers with pre-existing dengue antibodies are more likely to experience microcephaly and brain damage in their foetuses after Zika ...

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2023

Gender-neutral HPV vaccination best at preventing cervical cancer

A study published in Cell Host and Microbe found that gender-neutral HPV vaccination is effective in preventing cervical cancer by inducing a stronger herd immunity. The vaccine protects against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause 70% of all HPV-related cervical cancers, and also provides cross-protection against low-risk types.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2023

Colostrum key to saving beef calves from trouble

A recent study found that insufficient antibody transfer to newborn beef calves leads to negative health effects, including increased medical treatment needs and mortality rates. Researchers recommend beef calf-specific colostrum intervention strategies and better vaccine management for pregnant cows and heifers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPreventive Veterinary Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2023
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.

Clinical trial finds live vaccinations safe for liver, kidney transplant recipients

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found live vaccinations safe and effective for children who have received liver or kidney transplants, offering protection against life-threatening conditions. The study showed high antibody levels and minimal adverse events following vaccination.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 16, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Immune system ageing can be revealed by CT scan

A new study from Linköping University has found that the appearance of the thymus gland in chest CT scans is linked to immune system ageing. The researchers examined over 1,000 Swedish individuals aged 50-64 and found that fatty degeneration of the thymus was more common in men and those with abdominal obesity. Lifestyle factors such a...

SourceLinköping University·JournalImmunity & Ageing·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2023

Can immunity from routine vaccines be used to fight cancer?

A University of Massachusetts Amherst team demonstrates a protein antigen from a childhood vaccine can be delivered into malignant tumor cells to refocus the immune system against cancer. The bacteria-based intracellular delivering system shows promise in treating pancreatic, liver, and metastatic breast tumors.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Antigen testing can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of COVID-19 clusters according to mathematical model

Researchers found that antigen testing significantly reduces the probability of cluster occurrence by identifying and isolating infected persons. However, it may not be effective against highly infectious mutant strains like Omicron, highlighting the need for booster vaccination campaigns and other infection control measures.

SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2023

Trivalent vaccine candidate fights measles, mumps, SARS-CoV-2

Scientists have developed a trivalent vaccine candidate that provides broad and long-lasting protection against COVID-19 infection by delivering the vaccine via the nose. The vaccine triggers a strong neutralizing antibody response and protects mucosal areas, preventing disease symptoms.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2023

Immune cell map reveals origin of subcellular response to microbes, researchers report

Researchers have created an 'immune cell map' that reveals the origin of neutrophils' subcellular response to microbes. The study found that a specific type of glycoprotein is responsible for the restricted subcellular origin, and this discovery may lead to refined personalized immune responses.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2023

Study finds immune cells in older adults resemble those in newborns and children, but fall short in virus detection

Research finds that immune cells in older adults are similar to those in newborns and children, but less effective at recognizing infected cells. The study, published in Nature Immunology, suggests that tailored vaccines and therapies could be developed for different age groups based on the unique characteristics of killer T cells.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Flu: Interferon-gamma from T follicular helper cells is required to create lung-resident memory B cells

Scientists have found that lung-resident memory B cells, critical for pulmonary immunity, require interferon-gamma produced by T follicular helper cells to differentiate. These long-lived immune cells migrate to the lungs from draining lymph nodes and lie in wait to react quickly to future infections.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Immunity to COVID-19 reduces contagiousness

A study of 50,000 COVID-19 cases found that immunity following infection provides better protection against transmission than vaccination, but only for a short period. Vaccination reduces contagiousness over a longer time, making it essential to consider simple public health measures like air filtration and mask-wearing.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateSep 12, 2023

Exiting the pandemic together: achieving global immunity and equity

A new editorial paper explores the effectiveness of the third dose booster vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in immunocompromised individuals. Researchers found that while the vaccine improves vaccine effectiveness across various measures, its benefits are not as significant for patients with cancer.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 8, 2023

New study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying SLC29A3 disorders

Researchers have uncovered how aberrant nucleoside storage in lysosomes leads to constitutive activation of TLR7 and TLR8, driving histiocytosis in SLC29A3 disorders. The study suggests that TLR7/8 stress response is a key player in the condition's pathogenesis.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023
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.

Exposure to cold-causing coronaviruses may contribute to COVID-19 immunity

A new study found that individuals exposed to common cold-causing coronaviruses have immune responses that may protect them from future SARS-CoV-2 infections. Researchers hope this insight will inform global infectious disease outbreak preparedness and vaccine development.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Clinical Virology Plus·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2023
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.

Rural environment supports children’s immune systems

A new study has found that children raised in rural areas with plenty of outdoor time and animal exposure develop better-regulated immune systems than urban counterparts. Early life immune development is highly dependent on living environment and lifestyle factors, and researchers say this can have long-term consequences for disease risk.

SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalAllergy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 2023

Three doses of COVID-19 vaccine leads to catch-up antibody responses among the particularly vulnerable

A study from the University of Gothenburg found that even vulnerable people with compromised immune systems achieved good antibody levels after three doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. This is particularly significant for those at risk of severe Covid-19, as they showed catch-up antibody responses and high levels of hybrid immunity.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInfectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023

Asymptomatic infections may underlie recent rise in whooping cough

A new study found that individuals vaccinated with the newer pertussis vaccine show similar immune responses to antigens present and absent from the vaccine, suggesting that asymptomatic infections drive T cell response. This could lead to the spread of the bacteria to vulnerable populations.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023
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.

Scientific breakthrough harnesses mRNA technology to develop powerful malaria vaccine

A breakthrough mRNA vaccine has been developed to target and stimulate protective immune cell responses against malaria. The vaccine combines an RNA-based approach with a liver-specific adjuvant, generating resident memory cells that halt malaria infection in the liver, providing a broader and more protective immune response.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Each mom passes unique set of breast milk antibodies to baby

A new study reveals that breast milk contains a unique set of antibodies passed from mom to baby, which can vary significantly between mothers. This variability may explain why some infants develop life-threatening diseases like NEC, while others do not.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 18, 2023
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.

MD Anderson Research Highlights for June 27, 2023

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified disparities in end-of-life immunotherapy treatment, highlighting the need for further examination to ensure quality care. A new study also reveals a novel target to improve immunotherapy responses in KRAS-mutant lung cancer and strategies to manage immune-related toxicities.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 27, 2023

COVID-19 vaccines produce antibody response in the nasal mucosa

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination produces a robust immune response in the nasal cavity, with higher levels of antibodies promoting neutralization. The study suggests targeting the S2 region for intranasal vaccines may increase nasal mucosal levels of IgA and viral neutralization.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Global·DateJun 27, 2023

All the immunity, none of the symptoms

Researchers found that an iron-rich diet can prevent deadly symptoms in mice during active infection, while a functional adaptive immune system is required for immunity against future infections. The study paves the way for the development of new vaccines that could promote immunity for those with diarrheal diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023
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.

Targeting GITR in cancer immunotherapy – there is no perfect knowledge

Researchers discuss the potential of glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) as a target for cancer immunotherapy. Preclinical studies have shown potent anti-tumor efficacy, but clinical trials have yielded inconsistent results due to complexities in immune responses and antibody structure.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 21, 2023

Mutant KRAS regulates Y chromosome gene in colorectal cancer, driving metastasis and inhibiting anti-tumor immunity

A preclinical study has uncovered the role of Y chromosome gene KDM5D in regulating anti-tumor immune responses and promoting metastasis in male patients with KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer. The study reveals that mutant KRAS drives upregulation of KDM5D, leading to reduced cell adhesion and immune recognition by the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 2023

Creating artificially engineered organs could become quicker and easier

Researchers have developed a new manufacturing pipeline to simplify and advance high-value manufacturing of tissue-compatible organs, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This breakthrough aims to address the dire need for artificially engineered organs and tissue grafts, potentially saving thousands of lives in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

Value of chemotherapy post immunotherapy in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer

A retrospective study found a 24% response rate to Docetaxel among patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer who experienced progression on immunotherapy. The median progression-free survival was 3 months, suggesting chemotherapy may still play an important role in treatment after immunotherapy failure.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2023

Memory killer cells can improve survival for melanoma patients

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified how memory killer cells are formed and found a correlation between their presence in cancer tissue and improved survival rates in people with melanoma. The study suggests that harnessing the potential of these cells could lead to more effective immunotherapy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023
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.

Previous smallpox vaccine provides immunity to mpox

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden report that individuals vaccinated against smallpox decades ago retain cross-reactive immunity to mpox. The study found that previous smallpox vaccination provides about 80% protection against mpox.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 23, 2023

A multiomics approach provides insights into flu severity

Researchers used a multiomics approach to analyze changes in transposable elements after influenza A virus infection, identifying transcription factors contributing to individual responses. The study provides insights into the variable severity of illness among individuals infected with the same virus.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2023
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.

Evaluation of Waning of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine–Induced Immunity

The study found that COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity rapidly declines after primary vaccination and booster doses, leading to a decrease in protection against Omicron and Delta infections. The results highlight the need for targeted vaccination strategies to combat the evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 3, 2023