Inflammation

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…

MIT engineers have designed tissue-derived “smart” sutures, pictured here, that can not only hold tissue in place, but also detect inflammation and release drugs. The sutures are coated with hydrogels that can be embedded with sensors, drugs, or cells that release therapeutic molecules. Credit: Courtesy of the researchersThe bioderived “smart sutures” could help patients heal after bowel resection or other types of surgery.Inspired by sutures developed thousands of years ago, <span class="glossaryLink"…

A new study into the biological mechanisms underlying depression may have upended the widely held belief that the condition is associated with inflammation. It found that suppression of the brain’s immune cells might be a contributing factor instead.Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Up to 30% of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) have conditions that are resistant to treatment, driving a need for insight into what causes the debilitating condition and the development of new therapies to treat…

A new study reveals a connection between a mitochondrial metabolite and the activation of an inflammatory response, potentially triggering cancer and autoimmune diseases. Researchers developed a mouse and cell model, finding that fumarate causes mitochondrial damage, leading to the release of genetic material in small vesicles, which triggers an immune reaction and inflammation.A groundbreaking study has uncovered a link between a mitochondrial metabolite and the triggering of an inflammatory response. As essential…

We’re all familiar with acute inflammation – the redness, pain and bruising around injuries that alerts the immune system to the damage it needs to heal. However, if this response becomes prolonged, chronic inflammation can then see healthy tissue attacked and the risk of serious illness becomes increasingly greater.More than 50% of all deaths across the globe are linked to chronic inflammation-related diseases such as ischemic heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver…

Researchers discovered higher than usual levels of the immune signaling molecule interleukin 1β (green) in neurons (outlined in red) from the brains of alcohol-dependent mice. Credit: Scripps ResearchA team of researchers at Scripps has uncovered findings that suggest a new potential target for developing drugs to treat alcohol use disorder.People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) experience a never-ending vicious cycle of changes in the brain and behavior. AUD can disrupt communication pathways in the brain, leading to an…

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species. It is commonly used in cooking and baking for its sweet and warm flavor, as well as for its health benefits.Cinnamon is a spice that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking. It is derived from the bark of several trees in the Cinnamomum family and is known for its warm, sweet flavor. In addition to its culinary uses, cinnamon is also known for its numerous health benefits. You can even find cinnamon in supplement form as…

The study found that lung cancer patients with high levels of depression are at much higher risk for poor outcomes.The findings indicate that the state of an individual’s mental health during diagnosis plays a crucial role in their overall health.According to a recent study, patients with lung cancer who have moderate to severe depression are at two to three times greater risk of having inflammation levels that are indicative of poor survival rates.These findings could offer an explanation for the lack of response to…

Yeast micro/nanorobots utilize twin-engine to self-propel in gastrointestinal intraluminal and extraluminal environments. Credit: SIATMicro/nanorobots with self-propelling and -navigating capabilities have attracted extensive attention in drug delivery and therapy owing to their controllable locomotion in hard-to-reach body tissues.However, developing self-adaptive micro/nanorobots that can adjust their driving mechanisms across multiple biological barriers to reach distant lesions is still a challenge.Recently, a…

Vaping refers to the use of electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, which are devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol that is then inhaled. Vaping has become increasingly popular as an alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, but there is growing concern about the potential health risks associated with vaping.A recent study, published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, has found that individuals who use electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, experience greater lung inflammation compared to cigarette smokers and…