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immune cells

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·December 4, 2019·3 min read

The gut may be involved in the development of multiple sclerosis

Increased levels of Smad7 in T-cells is linked to multiple sclerosis-like symptoms in mice. In the intestines, the T-cells were more frequently activated and migrated to the central nervous system, where they triggered inflammation. Similar activation was seen in human patients with multiple sclerosis. The findings provide further evidence that multiple sclerosis may start in the intestines and spread via the CNS.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·November 6, 2019·5 min read

Scientists should have sex and gender on the brain

Incorporating sex (the biological attributes distinguishing males, females, or intersex individuals) and gender (psychological, social, and cultural factors which affect how a human identifies in society) could help improve scientific research, reduce bias and create new opportunities for innovation.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 21, 2019·4 min read

Immune cells rewire and repair the brain while we sleep

Microglia play a critical role in reorganizing neural connections, fighting infections, and repairing damage to neurons while we sleep.

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Autism Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 17, 2019·4 min read

First evidence of immune response targeting brain cells in autism

Examining postmortem brains of ASD patients, researchers discover an accumulation of immune cells surrounding blood vessels in the brain. They also found blebs accumulating around blood vessels that contained astrocyte debris. The findings suggest autism may be an autoimmune disorder.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 14, 2019·4 min read

Gut immunity more developed before birth than previously thought

The fetal gut has far better developed immune capabilities than previously thought. The findings could help develop new maternal vaccines and provide early insight into potential autoimmune disorders, which may occur later in life.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 16, 2019·4 min read

Alzheimer’s disease risk gene APOE4 impairs function of brain immune cells

APOE4 increases the inflammatory response of human microglia while reducing cellular migration. The gene also impairs the metabolic activity of the immune cells. The findings show APOE4 has a profound impact on the basic functions of microglia.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·August 30, 2019·4 min read

Creation of new brain cells plays an underappreciated role in Alzheimer’s disease

Microglia may play a significant role in disrupting neurogenesis in those with Alzheimer's disease. When mice were given drugs which caused microglial cells to die, neurogenesis returned to normal.

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Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 23, 2019·3 min read

Fingerprint of Multiple Sclerosis Immune Cells Identified

T helper cells in the blood of patients with multiple sclerosis infiltrate the central nervous system, causing inflammation and neural damage.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 17, 2019·4 min read

Study pinpoints cell types affected in brains of multiple sclerosis patients

Projection neurons have been implicated in the progression of multiple sclerosis. A new study reports projection neurons are damaged by immune cells. This damage could contribute to both atrophy and cognitive changes associated with the disease.