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immune system

This shows drawings of mouse heads and skin cells

·July 26, 2019·4 min read

Skin nerves anticipate and fight infection: New type of immunity discovered

Mouse study reveals pain-sensing neurons also help fight skin infections and help prevent its spread. The findings suggest a new type of immunity.

This shows a woman walking with a walking stick

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.

The gut and brain are highlighted in this drawing of a man

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 17, 2019·5 min read

Bacterial intestinal infections may trigger Parkinson’s disease

Mice infected with bacteria that cause mild intestinal infections exhibited Parkinson's like symptoms later in life. The findings provide a pathophysiological model in which intestinal infections may act as a trigger for Parkinson's disease.

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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 16, 2019·3 min read

Gut microbes protect against neurologic damage from viral infections

A healthy and diverse microbiome is essential for quickly clearing viral infections in the nervous system to prevent risks associated with multiple sclerosis. Mice with lower gut bacteria had weaker immune responses and were unable to eliminate viruses, leading to worsening paralysis. Those treated with antibiotics before infection had fewer microglia.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·July 15, 2019·4 min read

The human microbiome is a treasure trove waiting to be unlocked

Understanding the complexity of the human microbiome may help unlock mysteries behind health and psychological illnesses.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 15, 2019·5 min read

Differences in MS patients’ cerebrospinal fluid may be key to drugs that halt progression

Ceramide exposure impairs the ability for neurons to make energy by directly damaging mitochondria. Additionally, ceramides force neurons to rapidly uptake glucose in order to provide cellular energy.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 11, 2019·3 min read

Raising eyebrows on neuroinflammation: Surprising role of ‘skin plumping’ hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally produced by the human body and a popular additive in cosmetics that boast plumper skin, may be a useful tool in treating neuroinflammation.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·July 11, 2019·4 min read

Are the ‘viral’ agents of MS, ALS and schizophrenia buried in our genome?

Retroviruses may be a missing causal link in diseases like ALS, multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 3, 2019·6 min read

Immune cells invade aging brains, disrupt new nerve cell formation

Intrusive T cells have been discovered in the brain's neurogenic niches of older mice and humans. Findings suggest the T cells impair neurogenesis.

This diagram shows how lupus affects the body

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 2, 2019·3 min read

B cells off the rails early in lupus

A key finding in the origins of lupus has been discovered. In those with systemic lupus erythematosus, B cells are abnormally activated. This results in the production of antibodies which react against the patient's own tissue, causing a range of symptoms including rashes, joint pain, and fatigue.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 29, 2019·4 min read

Newly discovered immune cells at the frontline of HIV infection

A newly discovered subset of dendritic cells have been implicated in sexually transmitted HIV infection. The CD11c+ dendritic cells are found in human genital tissue at the epithelial level. They are the first immune cells to interact with the HIV virus. The cells directly transfer the virus to CD4 T cells, making them key drivers in HIV transmission.