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immune system

·February 9, 2024·4 min read

Blood Immunity Altered in Alzheimer’s

A new study reveals epigenetic alterations in the immune system of Alzheimer's patients' blood, suggesting environmental or behavioral factors could influence Alzheimer's risk. The study indicates these epigenetic changes affect genes associated with Alzheimer's susceptibility, potentially due to factors like viral infections or pollutants.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 7, 2024·5 min read

Immune Cell Enzyme Links Stress to Depression

Researchers identified a novel 'body-mind mechanism' that links chronic stress to depression. They discovered that stress increases the enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in blood, which then impacts brain neurons, leading to social withdrawal behaviors in mice—a symptom observed in depression.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 7, 2024·3 min read

Gut Bacteria Influences Pregnancy Immune Response

Researchers found significant links between a pregnant woman's gut microbiota and changes in her immune system. By analyzing the gut microbiota, metabolite profiles, and cytokine levels of pregnant and non-pregnant women, researchers found distinct differences indicating that specific microbes and metabolites influence the immune response during pregnancy.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 7, 2024·5 min read

Brain’s Drainage System Provides New Insights into Aging and Immunity

A new study reveals a direct connection between the brain and its dura mater, challenging previous beliefs about the brain's isolation. This connection facilitates waste fluid exit and immune system interaction, highlighting the importance of arachnoid cuff exit (ACE) points in brain health and disease management.

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·January 31, 2024·5 min read

Cancer Triggers Brain Attack via Immune System Response

Researchers discovered how certain tumors trigger a severe immune response, causing rapid-onset memory loss and cognitive deficits, a condition known as anti-Ma2 paraneoplastic neurological syndrome. This rare syndrome, affecting less than one in 10,000 cancer patients, results from the immune system attacking brain proteins that resemble viral structures.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·January 31, 2024·5 min read

Diet and Immunity: Vegan vs. Keto’s Impact on the Body

A new study reveals distinct immune system responses to vegan and ketogenic diets. Over a two-week period, 20 participants alternated between these diets, allowing researchers to observe changes in innate and adaptive immunity, metabolic pathways, and gut microbiomes.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 4, 2023·6 min read

Link Between High Blood Pressure, Immune System, and Cognitive Decline Revealed

Immune system cells' response in the brain's protective covering may contribute to cognitive decline in individuals with chronic high blood pressure. New research provides insights into new ways to counteract high blood pressure's impact on cognition.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 3, 2023·6 min read

Exercise Superpower: Immune T Cells Boost Muscle Endurance

A study offers insights into how exercise may be connected to the immune system. Conducted in mice, it reveals that exertion-induced muscle inflammation triggers the action of inflammation-countering T cells, termed Tregs.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 6, 2023·7 min read

Thymus’ Surprise: M Cells, Key Immune Players, Found Where Least Expected

Researchers identified Microfold cells, or M cells, typically seen in intestines, in the thymus—a vital organ for immune system development. These thymic M cells are similar to their intestinal counterparts and may play a role in the body's overall immune response.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·August 27, 2023·9 min read

A Protein Guardian of Our Genes and Immune System Identified

Researchers identified a critical protein called midnolin that degrades short-lived nuclear proteins, solving a long-standing biological mystery. These proteins play essential roles in gene expression, affecting brain development, learning, and immune responses.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 25, 2023·5 min read

3D Model Reveals T Cell Role in Alzheimer’s Progression

Researchers developed a 3D cellular model to study the interactions between brain cells and immune cells in Alzheimer's disease. This new model, based on advanced microfluidic technology, demonstrates that specific immune cells, CT8+ T Cells, amplify Alzheimer's pathology when they infiltrate the brain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 22, 2023·3 min read

Immune’s Surprise Role: Regulatory T Cells Impact Mood and Memory

Regulatory T cells (Tregs), usually tasked with immune system regulation, might also play a pivotal role in mood stabilization. Controlled by the transcription factor Foxp3, any decrease in its expression has been linked to major depressive disorders.