immune system

Image shows thymic cells (mouse model). Nuclei of all cells present are dark blue, M cells are turquoise, and B cells (lymphocytes) are red or red/green. Credit: Lo lab, UC RiversideBiomedical scientists from UC Riverside state that the cells resemble M cells found in the gut and airways.It came as a surprise to Professor David Lo and his graduate student Diana Del Castillo when they were recently consulted by researchers in Israel for their expertise on specialized cells called Microfold cells, or M cells, which are…

New research has unveiled that immune cells can independently navigate complex environments by actively shaping chemical cues, a finding with profound implications for understanding immune responses and cancer metastasis.Immune cells demonstrate a higher level of self-directed mobility than previously recognized. Jonna Alanko, a researcher with InFLAMES, has unveiled that these cells are not merely passive reactors to chemical signals in their surroundings. Instead, they actively modify these signals and adeptly navigate…

Scientists have developed a promising treatment for sepsis, with clinical trials showing effective results using sodium ascorbate, a vitamin C formulation. The treatment, which has progressed to a broader phase of clinical trials across Australia, has demonstrated significant improvements in sepsis patients, including better kidney function and reduced dependence on other drugs. This breakthrough, stemming from decades of research, offers hope for a condition that is a major cause of death in intensive care units…

This story is part of CBC Health's Second Opinion, a weekly analysis of health and medical science news emailed to subscribers on Saturday mornings. If you haven't subscribed yet, you can do that by clicking here.In Bangladesh, roughly 300,000 people have been infected with dengue this year during the country's worst-ever outbreak of the mosquito-transmitted disease. By mid-November, the death toll hit close to 1,500, as hospitals in the densely populated South Asian country struggled to cope with the surge in…

Recent research indicates that the CD300f immune receptor significantly impacts mice’s lifespan and aging process, with its absence leading to early aging symptoms and cognitive decline, especially in females. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding aging and Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting the importance of immune system changes in these processes. Recent research published in the journal Cell Reports reveals that life expectancy and healthy aging in mice can be significantly influenced by a specific…

Nano-sized bubbles allow macrophages to stand out from their fellow cells in ultrasound imagery. Credit: Jennifer M. McCann/Materials Research Institute/Penn StatePenn State scientists develop an innovative bubble-based method for observing immune cells in action.Macrophages, small but essential cells in the immune system, hold promise for cell-based therapies in numerous health conditions. Unlocking the full potential of macrophage therapies depends on our ability to observe their activities within the body. Now,…

Scientists have shown that the expression of (mostly protein-coding) genes in white blood cells changes rapidly when astronauts reach the International Space Station. This may explain why astronauts appear more susceptible to infectious diseases while in space.Mental Health Apps Are a Privacy NightmareEvidence is mounting that astronauts are more susceptible to infections while in space. For example, astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) commonly suffer from skin rashes, as well as respiratory and…

Chicken eggs are one of the most common food allergens, especially among children. Many people outgrow their egg allergy, but for those who don’t, avoiding eggs and all of the products that contain them can be a lifetime challenge. Adding to the difficulty: Some vaccines are produced using chicken embryos and contain egg proteins as a result, and they can’t be administered to people with egg allergies. But genetic modification could offer a solution.Won’t Virtual Reality Make Me Sick?Using a targeted gene-editing enzyme…

Image: quiggyt4 (Shutterstock)Scranton is ranked in the top five on the list for an average total allergy score, receiving an 87.08-point ranking, the study reported.Grass and weed pollen is a top component here, and while tree pollen peaks in mid-February, it can continue well into May. Fortunately, residents and visitors won’t have to worry about weed pollen levels until fall when the weather changes. Image: quiggyt4 (Shutterstock)Scranton is ranked in the top five on the list for an average total allergy score,…

Image: Rawpixel.com (Shutterstock)Getting enough sleep is refreshing for both you and your immune system, a new review of research out Monday suggests. A teamfound that sleeping fewer hours a night around the time of vaccination was associated with lower levels of vaccine-related antibodies, at least in some groups. More research is needed to understand the connection, but it could inform the health advice we give to those about to get vaccinated.The review was conducted by researchers in the U.S. and Europe, including…