Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Protein unmasks pathogenic fungi to activate immune response

Whitehead Institute researchers uncover a novel association between dectin-1 and galectin-3 in macrophages, enabling the immune system to discriminate between non-pathogenic and pathogenic fungi. This discovery may lead to the development of more effective antifungal drugs.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2011

How the immune system fights back against anthrax infections

Researchers have uncovered a crucial survival response in the body's immune system to deadly anthrax infections. The study found that a key signaling molecule ATP is released from infected macrophages to alert other immune cells, triggering a complex pathway to combat the bacteria.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalImmunity·DateJun 15, 2011

Genetic factor controls health-harming inflammation in obese

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered a genetic factor that regulates obesity-induced inflammation contributing to chronic health problems. By controlling levels of Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in macrophages, they may develop a novel treatment for obesity and its complications such as diabetes and heart disease.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 13, 2011
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.

JCI online early table of contents: June 13, 2011

Researchers found that adult stem cells from the human nose can repair damaged brain tissue, while a cancer probe made of silica nanoparticles is effective at targeting tumors. Additionally, inhibiting a protein MRP4 could provide a new way to treat pulmonary hypertension.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 13, 2011

How much can a cell uptake?

A new study has found that macrophages have a seven-cell uptake threshold, governing the healing process. The researchers also discovered substances informing cells on tissue repair rates and accelerating macrophage transition to immune organs.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

Unexpected find opens up new front in effort to stop HIV

Scientists have discovered that HIV uses the molecule rNTP to replicate inside macrophages, allowing it to evade the immune system. By targeting this molecule, researchers may be able to develop new drugs to stop the virus in its hiding spot within the human immune system.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 23, 2011

Immune cells help heal eye injury in mice

Immune cells called macrophages infiltrate mouse retina after eye injury and dampen inflammation, protecting retinal ganglion cells from death. Macrophage arrival also awakens dormant neural progenitor cells.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 10, 2011

Immune system changes linked to inflammatory bowel disease revealed

Scientists at Virginia Tech have discovered key molecular events in the immune system that contribute to inflammatory bowel disease. The study identifies peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma as a crucial regulator of inflammation and offers potential targets for repurposed drugs and naturally occurring compounds.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateDec 9, 2010
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.

Researchers describe first functioning 'lipidome' of mouse macrophage

Researchers have described the first functioning 'lipidome' of a mouse macrophage, a white blood cell, providing new insights into how lipids interact and change over time in response to bacterial stimuli. The study sheds light on the crucial role of lipid molecules in inflammation and disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 1, 2010

Source of protection against saturated fat found

A study published in Cell Metabolism found that a protein called Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4) protects against the severe inflammatory response caused by high levels of saturated fat. Mice deficient in this protein showed massive lymph node expansion and died after consuming a diet high in saturated fats.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 30, 2010

Macrophage protein has major role in inflammation

Researchers discovered that FoxO1, a multi-tasking protein, promotes an inflammatory response in macrophages, leading to insulin resistance and diabetes. Conversely, it generates a negative feedback loop to limit damage from excessive inflammation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 2, 2010

JCI table of contents: Sept. 27, 2010

Researchers discovered that Maf protein promotes osteoblast differentiation in mice, reducing bone formation and increasing fat cell generation with age. Additionally, studies found defective immune cells in patients with type 1 diabetes and suggested these cells could be a viable target for treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 27, 2010
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.

Why fish oils work swimmingly against diabetes

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified a molecular mechanism making omega-3 fatty acids effective against chronic inflammation and insulin resistance in diabetes. Omega-3 fatty acids activate GPR120 receptor on macrophages, resulting in anti-inflammatory effects and improved insulin sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateSep 2, 2010

U of Alberta researchers discover important mechanism in fighting infection

Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a crucial mechanism for fighting infections, revealing that an amino acid called arginine is essential for immune function. The study's findings could have significant implications for people in third world countries with limited access to nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 30, 2010

Where the fat's at

A team of UC San Diego researchers has created a novel map of lipid locations in a single cell, providing insights into how lipids influence disease processes. The study identified over 220 individual molecular lipid species and found that numerous lipids change in abundance once a macrophage becomes active.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateAug 25, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Old drug holds promise against opportunistic lung bug

Researchers found that sulfasalazine enhances the body's ability to clear fungal debris from the lungs, reducing inflammation and promoting better lung function. The study offers a new avenue for research on Pneumocystis pneumonia and may lead to improved treatment options for patients with weakened immune systems.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 19, 2010

Hopkins scientists discover how protein trips up germs

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a key protein, TRPV2, that plays a crucial role in helping macrophages capture and destroy germs. The protein helps macrophages bind to bacteria more effectively, which enables the immune system to clear infections more efficiently.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 17, 2010

Gladstone scientists identify target that may reduce complications of obesity

Researchers at Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease discovered that DGAT1, an enzyme involved in fat storage, protects against diet-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. Enhancing DGAT1's capacity in macrophages may hold therapeutic promise for preventing obesity-related diseases.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 3, 2010
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Cholesterol's link to heart disease gets clearer -- and more complicated

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the relationship between cholesterol and heart disease, finding that it's not just one factor at play but rather a complex interplay of immune cells and proteins. The study highlights the importance of restoring the balance of this network to prevent vascular disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 2, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 1, 2010

Researchers identify potential new targets for preventing early loss of transplanted pancreatic islets, which could improve the efficiency of pancreatic islet transplantation. Meanwhile, studies show that engineering macrophages to store triacylglycerol protects mice from diet-induced insulin resistance and inflammation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2010

Rejuvenating the old immune system

Aged mice treated with a macrophage-specific growth factor exhibit enhanced resistance to bacterial infection, indicating potential therapeutic strategies for healthy aging. The study's findings provide insight into the underlying immune dysfunction contributing to age-related increased susceptibility to infections.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateJan 26, 2010
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.

Cellular communication in the cancer microenvironment

Researchers found that tumor-associated macrophages produce high levels of proteases cathepsin B and S, enhancing tumor growth and invasion. Interleukin-4 stimulation by tumors stimulates increased Cts B and S activity, providing a potential therapeutic target.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 15, 2010

Dual role for immune cells in the brain

Researchers found that macrophages along the blood-brain barrier can either activate the brain's stress response machinery or prevent excessive inflammation. This discovery may pave the way for novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateJan 13, 2010
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.

Damaging inflammatory response could hinder spinal cord repair

A new study suggests that a damaging inflammatory response following spinal cord injury can prevent healing and promote chronic pain. Anti-inflammatory macrophages, which are typically involved in later stages of injury repair, were found to promote effective growth of axons but disappear shortly after an injury.

SourceOhio State University·DateOct 21, 2009

To regenerate muscle, cellular garbage men must become builders

Researchers have uncovered the genetic switch that controls macrophage polarization, essential for muscles to regenerate properly. Macrophage polarization allows them to shift from clearing debris to promoting repair in damaged areas.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2009
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.

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers have identified new targets for treating breast cancer metastasis by inhibiting Brk protein expression. Additionally, a study on Wnk1 revealed its critical role in angiogenesis and heart development. Furthermore, drug abuse has been found to worsen HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders through dopamine signaling.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateAug 26, 2009

Scientists open doors to diagnosis of emphysema

Researchers at EMBL and University of Heidelberg create fluorescent probe to quantify MMP12 activity in macrophages, allowing study of emphysema development. The test has potential as biomarker for disease evolution and therapeutic intervention monitoring.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 3, 2009
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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 light shed on the enigma of salt intake and hypertension

Scientists find novel salt storage site in the skin and a gene regulator controlling blood pressure regulation. A high-salt diet leads to increased lymphatic vessels, but the process behind this storage and its relevance to human disease are not yet fully understood.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 4, 2009
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.

New study overturns orthodoxy on how macrophages kill bacteria

Researchers found that macrophages focus reactive oxygen species (ROS) on targets outside the cytoplasm to kill bacteria. The study shows that superoxide dismutases in bacterial periplasm protect bacteria from ROS, suggesting a new mechanism for macrophage-bacteria interaction.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2009

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers found that HAART contributes to pulmonary hypertension in HIV-infected patients by impairing blood vessel-lining endothelial cell function. A novel treatment for chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) involves neprilysin, which protects against PHTN by regulating neural signaling molecules.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 23, 2009

Helicobacter pylori can multiply in autophagic vesicles

Research found that Helicobacter pylori can multiply in autophagic vesicles within macrophages, increasing resistance to antibiotics and evading the immune system. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the life cycle of H. pylori and potential new drug targets.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateJan 27, 2009

Prostaglandin receptor key to atherosclerosis development

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified prostaglandin-E2 receptors as crucial players in atherosclerosis development. Mice with impaired EP4 receptors showed reduced atherosclerosis and increased macrophage programmed cell death, highlighting the importance of these signaling pathways in disease progression.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 15, 2008
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.

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 8, 2008

Researchers have developed a mouse model of neonatal diabetes that replicates human disease, providing new insight into the condition. Additionally, studies have identified a link between endothelial dysfunction and altered metabolic responses, particularly in relation to high-fat diets and glucose regulation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 8, 2008

Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features tissue culture methods for immune cells and neurons

The journal Cold Spring Harbor Protocols presents two articles detailing experimental culture methods for cells from the immune system and the nervous system. These protocols enable researchers to isolate and grow specialized cells like macrophages and cerebellar granule neurons, facilitating studies on their functions and interactions.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCold Spring Harbor Protocols·DateDec 2, 2008
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.

Proteomics study yields clues as to how tuberculosis might be thwarting the immune system

A proteomics study has identified new proteins that facilitate communication between the immune system and the self-cleaning process, potentially leading to new treatments for tuberculosis. The research found that autophagy plays a crucial role in immune response, particularly against intracellular pathogens.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2008

Parasites that live inside cells use loophole to thwart immune system

St. Jude researchers discover how intracellular pathogens use biochemical machinery to block nitric oxide production, a key chemical weapon against them. The findings offer hints for fighting bacteria and suggest the development of targeted drugs to inhibit such diseases as tuberculosis and toxoplasmosis.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 3, 2008
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.

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 11, 2008

Researchers identified A2BAR as a potential therapeutic target for acute lung injury, which spontaneously resolves in some individuals. Additionally, human immune cells' secreted proteins enhance the clearance of bacteria by other immune cells, offering a new mechanism for bacterial infections.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 11, 2008

Retraining immune cells to kill tumors

New study identifies IKK(beta) protein as key driver of pro-tumor switch in macrophages, which halts production of anti-tumor genes. Inactivating IKK(beta) reprograms macrophages into tumor killers, attracting professional immune cells to shrink tumors.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 19, 2008
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.