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Immune analysis in fifty patients uncovers 'hallmark' of severe COVID-19

A study of 50 COVID-19 patients revealed a distinctive 'hallmark' of severe disease, characterized by interferon deficiency and exacerbated inflammation. This signature may inform therapeutic approaches combining interferon supplementation with anti-inflammatory treatments.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2020

Tailoring treatment for triple-negative breast cancer

A new study has identified a molecular pathway responsible for the progression and spread of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). By blocking the signaling pathway, researchers found that tumors grew and spread more slowly. The findings suggest that patients with low ELF5 protein levels should be given interferon-gamma signaling-block...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 13, 2020

Dermcidin may play role in the pathogenesis of skin disease hidradenitis suppurativa

Researchers at the George Washington University found dermcidin, an antimicrobial peptide, is downregulated in hidradenitis suppurativa skin, suggesting its role in disease pathogenesis. The study suggests multiple biological pathways are disrupted in HS, warranting further investigation into new therapeutic options.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalClinical and Experimental Dermatology·DateApr 25, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UTSW researchers determine structures of elusive innate immunity protein

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the near-atomic structure of the smallest membrane protein solved to date. The study reveals new insights into the primitive function of the cGAS-STING pathway, which could lead to better immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2019

Scientists discover new way that HIV evades the immune system

Researchers found that HIV disables a pathway involving biological molecules that block viral activity and clear infection, allowing the virus to avoid elimination. The discovery opens a new era of HIV research focused on curing people living with the virus.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalEBioMedicine·DateApr 17, 2018

Immune response to Zika virus contributes to fetal harm

A study published in Science Immunology suggests that Zika virus triggers an immune response that can cause abnormal placental development and restricted fetal growth. Researchers found that the immune system's antiviral proteins, known as type I interferons, can be detrimental to fetal development if present in excess.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Immunology·DateJan 5, 2018

An immune signaling pathway for control of Yellow Fever Virus infection

Researchers have discovered a critical role for type III interferon signaling in controlling Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) infection, particularly in preventing viral brain invasion and maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity. This finding provides new insights into the complex mechanisms regulating YFV infection.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalmBio·DateAug 15, 2017
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.

Researchers identify tactic Dengue virus uses to delay triggering immune response

Researchers identified cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) as the protein responsible for detecting viral infection, but dengue virus counteracts this by degrading cGAS. This study sheds light on a novel mechanism by which viruses evade immune detection and may inform techniques to dampen pro-inflammatory responses.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 18, 2017

Zika virus blindfolds immune alarm cells

Researchers found that Zika virus disrupts interferon signaling in dendritic cells, a crucial step in the immune response. Another antiviral pathway called RIG-I-like receptor signaling remains intact and could be targeted for immunity-boosting therapies.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 2, 2017
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.

Zika virus protein could be vaccine target

Researchers identified Zika virus protein NS5 as a promising target for vaccines, inhibiting human interferon responses by blocking STAT2 protein. The study found altered or removed NS5 could trigger the human immune system to attack the virus, making it a potential vaccine candidate.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 19, 2016
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.

Antiviral protein linked to depressed mood in mice

A study in mice reveals how antiviral immune response alters brain activity, impairing neuronal firing in the hippocampus and causing depressive-like behavior. The CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling pathway acts as a bridge between rising interferon levels and changes in neuronal activity, explaining mood changes.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateApr 19, 2016

Study reveals new, potent way to boost immunity and fight viruses

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have found a new component of the interferon system that enhances the body's innate immune defenses while attacking a protein relied on by many viruses. This dual mechanism could lead to effective antiviral drugs and may explain improved survival rates in genetically engineered mice.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 19, 2015

Sendai virus defends against a threat

Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered that Sendai virus C protein inhibits STAT1 activation after interferon stimulation, enabling the virus to evade the host immune response. This finding opens up new avenues for developing anti-viral drugs to overcome damage caused by interferons.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateOct 15, 2015

For a good gut feeling

Researchers found that type II interferon signals cause the release of CXCL10, an attractant for cells promoting inflammation. This study provides a new impetus for treating colitis with antibodies or direct administration of type III interferons.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateJun 2, 2015
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.

Gene networks for innate immunity linked to PTSD risk

Researchers have found genetic markers in blood samples associated with gene networks regulating innate immune function and interferon signaling, offering insights into the pathophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study suggests that these molecular signatures may be used to predict who is at risk of developing PTSD.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 10, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Ebola protein blocks early step in body's counterattack on virus

A study published in Cell Host & Microbe reveals how the Ebola virus blocks the body's first line of defense against infection. By targeting a specific protein called eVP24, the virus cripples the immune system's ability to respond effectively, allowing it to mass-produce itself and trigger a deadly response.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 13, 2014

NIH scientists identify gene linked to fatal inflammatory disease in children

Researchers have identified a gene linked to STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI), a devastating autoinflammatory condition. Repurposed drugs, such as tofacitinib and ruxolitinib, show therapeutic potential in laboratory studies and are currently being studied in children with the disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 16, 2014

Long distance signals protect brain from viral infections

Researchers have discovered that cells in the olfactory bulb release signaling molecules that trigger anti-viral interferon production in uninfected brain regions, preventing virus spread. The study shows promising potential for understanding and treating brain-infectious diseases.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateFeb 10, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A comparative medicine study by Penn vet identifies a new approach to combat viral infections

A comparative medicine study by Penn vet scientists identifies a new strategy for enhancing the effects of interferon in fighting off infection. The research suggests that targeting a particular molecule, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 B (PTP1B), can boost the activity of a person's own interferon.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2012

Deadly complication of stem cell transplants reduced in mice

Scientists have reduced graft-versus-host disease, a life-threatening complication of stem cell transplants, by altering the circulation and trafficking of donor T-cells. The new approach maintains the therapeutic anti-leukemia effect while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBlood·DateSep 27, 2012

Targeting innate immunity in malaria

Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered a novel DNA-sensing pathway that contributes to the triggering of an innate immune response in malaria. This pathway leads to the production of excessive type-1 interferon, causing inflammation and fever in patients.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalImmunity·DateAug 4, 2011

A single protein regulates 2 immune pathways

Researchers have identified NLRC5 as a key regulator of two critical immune pathways, NF-κB and type I interferon signaling. Reducing NLRC5 levels leads to increased immune responses and antiviral immunity, highlighting its role in regulating innate immunity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateApr 29, 2010
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.

Disruption of immune-system pathway key step in cancer progression, Stanford study shows

A Stanford University study found that disrupting the interferon pathway, a critical immune signaling mechanism, can lead to cancer progression and impaired immune response. This defect was detected in patients with breast, melanoma, and gastrointestinal cancers, suggesting a possible explanation for treatment failures.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2009

Gene expression profiling of dengue virus infection in cell lines and patients

Researchers identified three pathways common to in vitro and in vivo dengue virus infections, including the NF-kappaB initiated immune pathway, type I interferon pathway, and ubiquitin proteasome pathway. Inhibiting these pathways resulted in significant inhibition of viral replication, suggesting new avenues for drug development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 6, 2007

Regulating Californian stem cell research, and more

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) regulates $3 billion stem cell research with 'high ethical standards' and five objectives. CIRM-developed regulations include informed consent processes for human embryonic stem cell research, protecting oocyte donors' rights.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 7, 2007
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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A candidate biomarker to improve treatment of lupus patients

A recent study has associated high expression of interferon-inducible genes with increased disease severity in SLE patients, including kidney disease. The findings suggest that determining the expression of these genes may help select patients for clinical studies.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMay 5, 2005

Studies reveal methods viruses use to sidestep immune system

Researchers discover how hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicates unchecked despite the presence of immune defenses triggered by the RIG-I protein. HCV produces a viral protease that disrupts the signaling pathway, allowing it to continue replication. Protease inhibitors show promise in treating HCV and possibly other viral infections

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2005