Add BrightSurf on Google Email

The 700-million-year history of our blood cells

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has reconstructed the family tree of blood cells over a 700-million-year span, revealing their evolutionary history. They found that early blood cells emerged around the same time as multicellular animals and were macrophage-like.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2026

Immune ‘bouncers’ protect the brain from infection

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that mast cells stand guard at tiny gates through which fluid waste leaves the brain, mounting a response when a pathogen is detected to close the gates and prevent invaders from entering. Enhanced mast cell activity before an infection reduced bacterial load.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

New bioactive compound for difficult-to-treat allergies

Researchers have discovered a promising bioactive compound that can effectively reduce symptoms of conditions like asthma and migraine by blocking a receptor on certain defense cells. The compound is effective in eliminating life-threatening allergic reactions in mice and has shown promise for treating inflammatory conditions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2025

Severe osteoporosis as a manifestation of systemic mastocytosis

A rare case report highlights the association between systemic mastocytosis and severe osteoporosis in a young adult patient, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and consideration of SM as an underlying cause. The study aims to raise awareness about this underrecognized condition and its potential impact on bone health.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCase study·DateFeb 13, 2025
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.

Why you shouldn’t scratch an itchy rash: New study explains

A new study explains how scratching aggravates inflammation and swelling in a type of eczema called allergic contact dermatitis. Scratching activates mast cells, which drive itchiness and inflammation, but also triggers the release of substance P, which protects against bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2025

Feeling itchy? Study suggests novel way to treat inflammatory skin conditions

Researchers found that SYM2081 suppressed mast cell degranulation and proliferation in mouse models and human skin samples, paving the way for new topical treatments to prevent itching and inflammation. The study suggests that activating GluK2 could be a promising way to prevent rosacea and other inflammatory skin conditions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 11, 2024

Extremely rare immune cells predict how well treatments work for recurrent hives

A study by Trinity College Dublin researchers has linked rare mast cell types to treatment response in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), a common skin condition characterized by recurring hives. The findings suggest that these cells may help predict who will respond well to anti-IgE therapies.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalAllergy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 21, 2024

Parental avoidance of toxic exposures could help prevent autism, ADHD in children, new study shows

Researchers found that parents with high chemical intolerance scores were 5.7 times more likely to report a child with autism, highlighting the potential preventive role of avoiding toxic exposures. The study also suggests that reducing exposure prior to and during pregnancy could help prevention.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Xenobiotics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gut bacteria can process dietary fiber into an anti-allergy weapon, finds new study

Scientists found that short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria suppress allergic reactions by modulating mast cell activation and epigenetic modifications. This study provides new insights into the relationship between diet and immune system regulation, with potential applications in allergy treatment.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Allergic reactions prevented with decorated nanoparticles

Scientists have created a new therapy using nanoparticles to target specific immune cells responsible for allergic responses. The approach, which combines an allergen with antibodies that selectively inhibit mast cells, has shown promising results in a mouse study, preventing allergic reactions without causing side effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Texas lab unlocks keys to alcohol withdrawal headache

A study by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio researchers found that corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) activates immune cells in the dura membrane under the skull, leading to pain signals. This discovery may lead to the development of a small-molecule drug therapy to inhibit CRF and MrgprB2 interaction.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2023
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.

Unhealthy gut sets stage for breast cancer to spread, research reveals

Research from UVA Cancer Center finds that an unhealthy gut microbiome can trigger changes in normal breast tissue, facilitating cancer's spread to other parts of the body. The study suggests that targeting the gut-mast cell relationship could help prevent breast cancer recurrence and metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateSep 22, 2022

Artificial intelligence model can predict whether Crohn disease will recur after surgery

An artificial intelligence model trained on histological images of surgical specimens accurately classified patients with and without Crohn disease recurrence. The model revealed previously unrecognized differences in adipose cells and mast cell infiltration, enabling stratification by prognosis for postoperative Crohn disease patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022
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.

Allergic stimulation activates mast cell precursor cells

Researchers at Uppsala University found that allergic stimulation activates mast cell precursor cells, which can produce cytokine IL-13 contributing to asthma development. This challenges the idea that only mature immune cells are involved in immune reactions.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

‘Frameshifting’ therapy for mast cell cancers reduces size, spread

Researchers developed a 'frameshifting' therapy that alters mRNA to reduce mast cell tumor size and prevent organ infiltration. The treatment, targeting the c-KIT gene, shows promise in reducing KIT protein expression, signaling, and function.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021
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.

Relieve your stress, relieve your allergies

A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences suggests a link between corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and increased expression of mast cells in the nasal cavity, exacerbating allergic reactions. The research offers promising therapeutic potential with CRHR1 inhibitors and SCF neutralizing antibodies.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 25, 2021

Mast cells: Sentinels and high-speed messengers of the immune defense

A team of scientists discovered that mast cells orchestrate the recruitment of neutrophils through a molecular mechanism involving tumor necrosis factor. Mast cells position themselves around blood vessels and release TNF, which activates surface proteins on neutrophils, allowing them to migrate into tissues.

SourceOtto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 4, 2021

Scientists reveal mechanism that causes irritable bowel syndrome

KU Leuven researchers discovered a biological mechanism connecting food antigens to mast cell activation and digestive intolerance in people with IBS. The study found that certain foods like gluten, wheat, and soy can trigger local immune reactions in the gut, leading to abdominal pain.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2021

New humanized mouse model provides insight into immunotherapy resistance

A new humanized mouse model has revealed that tumor-infiltrating mast cells are connected to immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance in melanoma. Combining anti-PD-1 therapy with small molecule inhibitors able to deplete mast cells caused complete regression of tumors and prolonged survival in mice.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 12, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New humanized mouse model provides insight into immunotherapy resistance

A new humanized mouse model has revealed a central role for mast cells in immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance in melanoma. The study found that depleting mast cells improves treatment responses to anti-PD-1 therapy, suggesting a potential new approach for treating this type of cancer.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 12, 2021

Study connects hormones we're born with to lifetime risk for immunological diseases

A new study by Michigan State University researchers connects specific hormones present before and after birth with immune response and lifelong immunological disease development. Females are at increased risk for common diseases like asthma, allergies, and irritable bowel syndrome due to their perinatal hormone levels.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2020

Allergic immune responses help fight bacterial infections

Researchers found that mice with mild skin infections develop adaptive immunity against bacteria, granting increased resistance to severe secondary infections. This discovery suggests that the 'allergy module' has an important biological function in defending against toxin-producing pathogens.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalImmunity·DateSep 9, 2020

Immune system -- Knocked off balance

A team of researchers has identified a crucial ion channel protein in mast cells that regulates calcium levels, which are essential for the activation of many types of immune cells. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of allergies and autoimmune diseases.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UC San Diego researchers move closer to producing heparin in the lab

Researchers at UC San Diego discovered the critical gene ZNF263, which regulates heparin biosynthesis in human cells. This breakthrough could enable the production of heparin in well-controlled cell culture, providing a safer and more sustainable alternative to current methods.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2020

Blood platelets trigger events that cause organ damage after heart surgery

Activated platelets attach to vessel walls and interact with mast cells, triggering a powerful inflammatory response that can lead to organ damage and death after heart surgery. Inhibiting platelet activation may prevent or minimize this response, according to a study published in Science Advances.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 18, 2020
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.

Atopic dermatitis: How allergens get on our nerves

Researchers have identified a key mechanism underlying atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 20% of children and 5% of adults. The study reveals that mast cells and sensory neurons interact in 'sensory neuroimmune units' to detect allergens, triggering inflammation.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 7, 2019

Researchers discover a new defensive mechanism against bacterial wound infections

A team of researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin has identified a new endogenous mechanism that enables the skin to actively kill bacteria. The discovery involves mast cells and interleukin 6, which stimulate the release of antimicrobial peptides that target bacteria.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2019

Duke-NUS study: Interaction between two immune cell types could be key to better dengue vaccines

A study by Duke-NUS Medical School researchers has identified a key player in the early fight against dengue virus infection: an interaction between two types of immune cells. The discovery sheds light on how the immune system recognizes viruses and could lead to the development of better vaccines for this and similar diseases.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 7, 2019
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.

Using mice, Duke researchers identify how allergic shock occurs so quickly

Researchers used mouse models to track the immune cell triggering during anaphylactic shock, revealing a previously unknown mechanism in which dendritic cells mine blood vessels for allergens and rapidly deliver them to mast cells. This finding opens innovative lines of attack against deadly allergic reactions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2018

UCI-led study reveals that cells involved in allergies also play a key role in survival

Researchers discovered that mast cells release histamine from the gut, triggering the formation of oleoylethanolamide, which stimulates ketogenesis and supports brain and muscle function during prolonged fasts or intense exercise. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that mast cells are solely responsible for allergic respo...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 11, 2018
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.

The search for the origin of mast cells

Researchers from CNRS and INSERM identify 'primitive mast cells' generated in yolk sac during embryonic development. These cells play a crucial role in shaping the body's immune response, contradicting previous theories on mast cell origin.

SourceCNRS·JournalImmunity·DateJun 4, 2018

Sex-specific immune response and autoimmune disease

Research reveals testosterone promotes a protective immune response in male mice by increasing IL-33 production, reversing symptoms in female mice with similar autoimmune disease. Sex differences in immune responses may underlie gender disparities in MS and other autoimmune diseases.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

Here's how stress may be making you sick

A recent study published in Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that stress receptors can control immune cells' defense mechanisms, leading to allergic diseases. Mice with disabled stress receptors showed reduced disease symptoms and were protected against stress-related illnesses.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJan 10, 2018
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.

CRF1 stress receptor is regulator of mast cell activity during stress

A new study identified CRF1 as a master regulator of mast cell activity during stressful challenges, including psychological stress and anaphylaxis. The study showed that mice lacking CRF1 expression were protected against disease, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for treating stress-related diseases.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateNov 30, 2017

NIAID scientists link cases of unexplained anaphylaxis to red meat allergy

Researchers at NIAID found that some patients' seemingly inexplicable anaphylaxis was caused by an uncommon allergy to a molecule found naturally in red meat. Six study participants tested positive for an allergy to galactose-a-1,3-galactose, or alpha-gal, and experienced no anaphylaxis after implementing diets free of red meat.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAllergy·DateNov 28, 2017

New insight into how immune cells are formed

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Uppsala University have discovered that mast cell development does not depend on stem cell factor. Instead, factors like interleukin 3 and 6 play a crucial role in their formation.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBlood·DateAug 10, 2017

Do mast cells contribute to more severe disease in dengue infection?

Research reveals mast cells can contribute to severe dengue disease by increasing vasculature permeability, providing insights into pathogenesis and potential treatments. Mast cell activation mechanisms also affect local immune responses during dengue transmission.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDNA and Cell Biology·DateJun 12, 2017
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.

Why male immune cells are from Mars and female cells are from Venus

A study published in Biology of Sex Differences found that females are more vulnerable to certain stress-related and allergic diseases due to distinct differences in mast cells, a type of white blood cell. Mast cells play a key role in stress-related health issues common in women like IBS, migraines, and autoimmune diseases.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiology of Sex Differences·DateFeb 7, 2017

New treatment for allergic response targets mast cells

Researchers developed a method to stop allergic reactions by removing a key receptor from mast cells and basophils, targeting the immune system's response. The approach has implications for treating skin allergies and asthma, with potential benefits over current therapies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2016
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 target identified to combat deadly allergic reactions

Scientists have discovered a new target to combat severe and fatal allergic reactions by identifying a molecular motor that controls the release of inflammatory factors. Researchers found that depleting this motor reduces mast cell granule transport and release, potentially leading to new treatment options for anaphylaxis.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 24, 2016

NIH scientists discover genetic cause of rare allergy to vibration

Researchers identify ADGRE2 gene mutation responsible for vibratory urticaria, a rare inherited disorder causing hives and allergic symptoms upon vibration. The study reveals a key role of the mast cell response to physical stimuli in disease development, offering new insights into immune system functions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2016
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 uncover allergy-cancer connection

A study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that histamine plays a role in protecting tumors from the immune system. By blocking histamine production, researchers were able to interrupt a process promoting melanoma growth.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateMar 19, 2014
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.

NIH-funded scientists develop mouse model for atopic dermatitis

Researchers developed a new mouse model of atopic dermatitis, revealing mast cells and Stat5 play critical roles in the disease. The study identified potential targets for eczema treatment based on links to human disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 9, 2014