The JDRF, Lupus Research Alliance and National Multiple Sclerosis Society have launched a joint grant program to investigate the immune system's role in autoimmune diseases. The program aims to identify common mechanisms that cause or contribute to the development of lupus, T1D, and MS.
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.
Researchers have found that platelets are the source of extracellular DNA in patients with lupus, leading to chronic inflammation. This discovery could lead to better understanding and treatment of the disease.
Hyperactive RANK proteins have been found to trigger autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Researchers also discovered that these proteins contribute to chronic lymphatic leukemia in mice, paving the way for new therapeutic antibody treatments.
The study reveals a significant disparity in lupus prevalence across racial and ethnic groups, with female rates significantly higher than male rates. The analysis estimates that approximately 204,295 individuals in the US have been diagnosed with lupus as of 2018.
A new study provides the first national estimate of systemic lupus erythematosus in the US, finding that approximately 72.8 out of every 100,000 people nationwide have the condition, which affects mostly women and disproportionately affects certain ethnic groups.
A new study from researchers at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth has found that skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can trigger inflammatory processes in the kidney, even in normal, healthy mice. This subclinical injury may lead to pathologic consequences in lupus patients and worsen their clinical symptoms.
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.
Research found that ginger's 6-gingerol lowers autoantibody production and helps halt disease progression in mice with antiphospholipid syndrome and lupus. The compound prevents neutrophil extracellular trap release, triggering autoantibodies and inflammation.
A new study found that lower hydroxychloroquine blood levels are associated with a higher risk of clots in lupus patients. By monitoring blood levels, clinicians may be able to reduce clotting rates by up to 12% with increased dosing.
A survey conducted by the Lupus Research Alliance found that two-thirds of people with lupus would take a COVID-19 vaccine if it were free and deemed safe by scientists. However, 24% said they would not get vaccinated, citing concerns over side effects and safety, while 22% remained uncertain.
Researchers are using cutting-edge technology to analyze immune cell interactions in lupus patients, identifying potential targets for new therapies. The Lupus Mechanisms and Targets Award will support innovative studies aimed at improving diagnostics and treatments for the disease.
A study presented at ACR Convergence found that adults with systemic lupus erythematosus who receive TMP-SMX are at high risk for adverse reactions. Lupus patients with anti-Smith antibodies were significantly associated with a higher risk of an adverse drug reaction.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at Temple University Health System found that bacterial biofilms in the urinary tract can trigger autoimmune reactions in lupus patients. The study identified a link between chronic bacterial infections and increased frequency of lupus flares, suggesting a potential new approach to controlling flare-ups.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ) successfully treat two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus using daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting plasma cells. The treatment resulted in sustainable clinical responses and reduced systemic inflammation.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that hydroxychloroquine is not effective in preventing COVID-19 in patients with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The study, which analyzed data from over 159 patients, suggests that HCQ may not be active against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in humans.
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.
This observational study found a significant prevalence of lupus anticoagulant (LA) positivity among patients with COVID-19, indicating a potential link between LA and severe disease outcomes. The study's findings suggest that monitoring for LA positivity may be crucial in managing COVID-19 patients.
A team of researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia used a new method to pinpoint potential disease-causing changes in the genome and identified two new potential therapeutic targets for lupus. The study focused on follicular helper T cells and created three-dimensional maps that match variants with genes they likely regulate.
The BLISS-LN study showed that belimumab added to standard therapy resulted in a significantly better primary renal response at 2 years, with 43% showing improvement versus 32% on placebo. Additionally, patients treated with belimumab had a 50% lower risk of experiencing renal events associated with poor prognosis.
Research found that complement gene variants contribute to sex-based differences in vulnerability to autoimmune diseases lupus and Sjögren's syndrome, as well as mental disorder schizophrenia. Complement protein levels vary between men and women, with different age-related elevations and effects on disease incidence.
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.
A recent study has identified the complement component 4 (C4) gene as a key factor in understanding sex biases in autoimmune disorders and schizophrenia. Individuals with more C4 genes were found to be less likely to develop autoimmune conditions but more likely to develop schizophrenia.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals distinct urinary biomarker proteins for lupus nephritis in African American patients. The findings suggest that the ALCAM protein may be a promising therapeutic target. Researchers plan to conduct a longitudinal study to predict disease flares and improve treatment options.
A comprehensive review published in The FASEB Journal doubts the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as treatments for COVID-19 due to their immunosuppressive effects. The authors warn that these drugs may impair patients' responses to the virus, a concern previously overlooked.
A Yale-led study found that a cancer therapy drug can slow T cell infiltration and reverse damage in kidney tissue damaged by lupus. The findings suggest the therapy might be beneficial for patients with lupus nephritis.
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.
A Drexel University study found that using broad diagnostic terms like 'autoimmune disease' alongside narrow ones helps patients communicate their experiences. This broad category simplifies explanation to family, friends, and clinicians, even with changing diagnoses.
A new study found an inverse association between socioeconomic status and certain kidney diseases. Researchers observed incremental increases in the incidence of lupus nephritis and ANCA-related glomerulonephritis with progressively lower income.
Patients with lupus who take their medications consistently have a 39% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study found that antimalarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine significantly protect patients against the complication if taken as prescribed for at least 90% of the time.
Researchers found that 50% of lupus skin rashes contained high levels of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. A protein called interferon increases the stickiness of staph to the skin. This discovery highlights the increased risk of infection and spreading in lupus patients.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers have identified C4BP as a promising therapeutic agent for autoimmune kidney disease, showing improved symptomatology in mice with lupus nephritis. The study demonstrates the immunomodulatory capacity of C4BP, transforming proinflammatory activity into anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic effects.
A new drug trial by Monash University Professor Eric Morand shows a statistically-significant reduction in disease activity versus placebo in lupus patients. The TULIP 2 trial found a significant effect in global disease activity measures, including improved skin disease and reduced steroid doses.
Researchers found that a molecularly similar regulator to PD-1, PD-1H, can cause immune system attacks in lupus patients. This discovery suggests novel ways to restore function and provide new therapy for the disease.
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.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have found that sphingolipid levels are associated with heart disease in African Americans with lupus. The study suggests that broader information on sphingolipid profiles could help physicians predict disease severity or assess the efficacy of anti-lupus drugs.
A nationwide survey of male patients with lupus found that nearly half reported feeling depressed, while over 80% indicated that lupus limits their daily activities. The study also revealed a high interest in psychosocial support and online platforms for men with lupus.
A new study found that limited access to lupus lab tests in developing nations, particularly ANA tests, affects the usefulness of SLE diagnosis. The lack of testing, especially immunologic and hematologic studies, leads to discrepancies in diagnostic criteria adherence. The 2019 ACR/EULAR classification criteria performed better than o...
A study found associations between environmental factors and organ-specific lupus flares, including temperature, ozone concentration, wind, humidity, PM2.5 concentration, and barometric pressure. The research suggests atmospheric changes may impact lupus clinical trial design and outcomes.
A recent lupus study reveals significant epigenetic differences between black women and other populations, impacting disease progression and severity. Researchers found that increased risk of lupus can be linked to epigenetic changes, which could lead to new treatments and better understanding of the disease.
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.
A new study published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that nearly one-third of patients with lupus use prescription opioids to manage chronic pain. The research, led by Emily Somers, aims to determine current levels of opioid prescribing for lupus patients.
A new two-year grant aims to improve outreach and care for people with lupus, focusing on historically black colleges and universities. The initiative includes educational outreach efforts, a patient navigator program to reduce hospital readmissions, and partnerships to increase understanding of health disparities among healthcare prov...
A team of researchers investigated the link between pregnancy and lupus flares, finding that gut microbiota may regulate disease severity. The study suggests that modulating the gut microbiota community could lead to improved disease management for pregnant women with lupus.
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.
A study found that combining numeric skills with high confidence leads to improved life outcomes, including better financial stability and health. Higher objective numeracy was associated with better outcomes, but only when paired with higher confidence.
Human research published in JNeurosci identified a specific target of antibodies implicated in lupus' neuropsychiatric symptoms. Brain cytoplasmic RNAs are targeted by the immune system in people with lupus, hindering cellular signaling and leading to seizures and cognitive impairments.
Scientists have identified two types of blood clotting proteins found in the urine of patients with lupus nephritis, which can serve as non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. The discovery may lead to improved clinical management and treatment responses.
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.
Pregnancy outcomes for lupus patients have dramatically improved, with a decline in maternal and fetal mortality rates over the past two decades. The study found that more women with lupus are attempting pregnancy and delivering successfully, with minimal risk of complications.
A new evidence review suggests that few nutritional supplements or dietary interventions offer any protection against cardiovascular disease or death. Some may even cause harm, according to a meta-analysis published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Researchers found signs of activation in resting B cells, which precede the activation of immune cells in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a previously underappreciated stage of the disease. The study identified patterns of gene activity that could be used as biomarkers for disease development.
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.
Research supported by the Accelerating Medicines Partnership has provided new insights into tissue damage in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Novel molecular signatures have been identified in kidney cells and specific white blood cells may reflect their active role in disease process.
Researchers have identified two new biomarkers, ApoB:A1 ratio and metabolomic lipoprotein signatures, to predict cardiovascular risk in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients. These biomarkers can help identify high-risk patients and inform tailored disease treatments.
A study found that cyclosporine significantly reduced proteinuria in patients with lupus nephritis, achieving higher remission rates compared to mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine. After a 10-year follow-up, the majority of patients in the cyclosporine group achieved complete remission.
Researchers have deciphered the structure of a complex involved in regulating the immune system, finding new molecular targets for fighting autoimmunity. The discovery has implications for treating autoimmune disorders such as lupus and may lead to the development of new drugs targeting this complex.
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 study found that Blacks, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics are at increased risk of developing kidney, neurological, and blood problems following a lupus diagnosis. This highlights the need for greater awareness and early treatment in these populations.
Researchers have discovered a way to predict which patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are most likely to respond to therapy by analyzing tissue samples from their kidneys and skin. This breakthrough could lead to personalized treatment plans for SLE patients.
Researchers developed a new testing method using single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze individual cells in diseased organs, revealing genetic glitches that may allow for more effective treatment. The study found promising results in lupus patients and could potentially improve biopsy accuracy for other diseases.
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 found that adults with lupus who experienced adverse childhood events report higher disease activity, depression, and poorer overall health. The study suggests that prevention of ACEs and promotion of resilient relationships may help improve outcomes for patients.
Researchers have discovered that amplifying the amount of VGLL3 in skin cells pushes the immune system into overdrive, leading to autoimmune responses. This finding may help explain why women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases like lupus and could lead to new treatments.
A study has identified early changes in RNA molecules present in the blood that can predict the likelihood of preeclampsia in lupus patients. The researchers also found that failure to modulate immune pathways during healthy pregnancy is associated with complications in pregnant lupus patients.
Researchers found that modulation of immune system during pregnancy is similar in women with and without lupus. In healthy pregnancies, key immune genes are quieted after embryo implantation, while those with preeclampsia or complications show downregulation of these genes.
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.
New research reveals that females with lupus have an abnormal expression of genes linked to their second X chromosome due to incomplete X inactivation in immune system T cells. This abnormality may contribute to the genetic missteps seen in lupus, and changes in nuclear structure may also play a role.
Researchers are developing a system to test multiple biomarkers at once and a smartphone-based analysis and reporting system for disease monitoring and home care. They aim to identify predictive biomarkers to empower patients to monitor their own disease and prevent serious complications.
Researchers at MUSC have shown that restoring the enzyme's ability to produce nitric oxide can help protect against heart disease in lupus patients. The study suggests that this approach could also be relevant to heart disease more broadly, by promoting endothelial cell function and reducing inflammation.
A new study by Marko Radic and colleagues shows that CAR T cells can significantly reduce disease symptoms and progression in mice with lupus, improving lifespan and reducing inflammation. The findings offer a renewed optimism for eliminating B cells as a therapeutic option for lupus.
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.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have found a strong link between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and an abnormal mix of bacteria in the gut. The study showed that patients with SLE had significantly higher levels of Ruminococcus gnavus bacteria in their guts, which triggered immune reactions and disease flares.
Researchers are developing a novel detection method for autoantibodies in Lupus patients using top-down mass spectrometry. This may lead to novel biomarkers and early intervention strategies for the disease.