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immune system

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 2, 2021·5 min read

Understanding Itch: New Insights at the Intersection of the Nervous System & Immune System

Cysteine leukotriene receptor 2 appears to be a key player in chronic itch, a new study reports.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 29, 2021·4 min read

Chronic Viral Infections Can Have Lasting Effects on Human Immunity, Similar to Aging

Chronic viral infections have a profound and lasting impact on the immune system in a similar way to aging. Chronic inflammation that occurs as a result of immune system dysregulation is often seen in diseases associated with aging.

This shows a bright red brain, implying inflammation

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 5, 2021·3 min read

A New Way to Halt Excessive Inflammation

The protein Arginase-2 works through mitochondria to reduce inflammation. The findings could lead to new treatments for diseases associated with neuroinflammation, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

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Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·March 2, 2021·3 min read

Dozens of Genes That Block Regeneration of Neurons

Study identifies 40 genes in mice that actively suppress axon regeneration in the central nervous system.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 17, 2021·4 min read

New Link Between Personality and Risk of Death

Study finds the immune system links personality to the long-term risk of mortality. Those who score higher on the personality trait of conscientiousness tend to live longer because their immune systems have lower levels of interleukin-6.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 27, 2021·6 min read

How Does the Immune System Keep Tabs on the Brain?

Immune cells in the meninges monitor fluid released from the brain. If the fluid contains signs of infection, disease, or damage, the immune cells initiate an immune response to tackle the problem.

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Featured Neuroscience

·January 18, 2021·4 min read

Why Breastfed Babies Have Improved Immune Systems

Regulatory T cells expand in the first three weeks of life in breastfed babies, and are twice as abundant than in bottle-fed babies. Specifically, the bacterias Veillonella and Gemella are more abundant in the guts of breastfed babies. Veillonella and Gemella supportthe function of regulatory T cells.

This shows a brain surrounded by lightening bolts

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 30, 2020·5 min read

Potential New Treatment Strategy for Stroke

Treatment with LAU-0901, a synthetic molecule that blocks pro-inflammatory platelet-activating factor, in addition to aspirin-triggered NPD1, reduced the size of damage areas in the brain, initiated repair mechanisms, and improved behavioral recovery following ischemic stroke.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 29, 2020·5 min read

Polysaccharides From Red Algae Affect the Immune System

Biologically active polysaccharides from red algae known as carrageenan appear to suppress the activity of peritoneal phagocytes in mice, generating an immunosuppressant effect.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 28, 2020·7 min read

Maternal Immune Activation Induces Sustained Changes in Fetal Microglia Motility

Changes in fetal microglia caused as a result of maternal inflammation could contribute to the development of schizophrenia, autism, and other psychiatric or developmental disorders.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·December 17, 2020·5 min read

Cellular Connections Found Between Nervous and Immune Systems

Researchers have identified a direct cellular interaction between the nervous system and the immune system. Pain sensing neurons around the lymph nodes can modulate lymph node activity.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 17, 2020·4 min read

COVID-19 Virus Enters the Brain

The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 can pass through the blood-brain barrier of mice. The protein likely causes the brain to release cytokines and spark neuroinflammation. The findings add to growing evidence that COVID-19 can enter the brain of those infected by the virus.