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immune system

·July 18, 2017·4 min read

Playing in the Dirt As A Kid Makes Later Life Chronic Disease Less Likely

Kids who play in dirt face exposure to germs and parasites that can help reduce risks of suffering certain allergies and illnesses later in life. Early microbial exposures help our bodies to learn how to regulate inflammation, researchers say.

Image shows a diagram of how lupus affects the body.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 17, 2017·3 min read

Potential Cause of Lupus Discovered

Researchers have identified a protein they believe may cause the adverse reaction in the immune system of those suffering from Lupus. Reduced production of the Blimp-1 protein increased CTSS in females with Lupus, but not in males, the Nature Immunology study reports.

Image shows a diagram of the organs that make up the immune system.

Featured Neurology

·July 13, 2017·3 min read

Brain Like Activity in Immune System Promises Better Disease Treatments

Researchers discover brain like activity in the immune system. The Nature study reveals T cells in the immune system transfer dopamine to B cells, providing motivation for these cells to produce antibodies and battle infection. The researchers hope their findings will help develop treatments to make immune response to vaccines and infections faster, and slow autoimmune conditions.

Image shows immune cells and blood vessels in the brain.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 12, 2017·6 min read

Missing Link Discovered Between Immune Cells and Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a new pathway that involves immune cells which may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Image shows an electron micrograph of HHV-6 also includes a labeled insert of the mature virus particle.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 10, 2017·5 min read

Hidden Herpes Virus May Play Role in Multiple Sclerosis and Other Brain Disorders

A new study in Scientific Reports concludes human herpesvirus 6 may impair the brain's ability to repair itself in demylination diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. HHV-6 is the most common human herpes virus, with an estimated 80% of people being exposed to infection during childhood. Researchers found the virus produces a protein that can impair the ability of brain cells to repair damaged myelin.

Image shows a melanoma skin cancer growth.

Featured Neurology

·July 5, 2017·4 min read

Increased Risk For Melanoma in Parkinson’s Patients

A new study reveals people with Parkinson's disease face a higher risk of developing melanoma skin cancer, and vice versa, than those without the diseases. Parkinson's patients were 4 times more likely to develop skin cancer than those without the movement impairing disease. Additionally, people diagnosed with melanoma were at a fourfold risk of developing Parkinson's.

Image shows a head with the brain exposed.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 27, 2017·6 min read

Parkinson’s Associated Protein Linked to Human Upper GI Tract Infections

A new study reports chronic infections of the upper gastrointestinal tract could be linked to Parkinson's disease. Researchers say alpha synuclein, a Parkinson's linked protein, is released during upper GI infections, inducing an immune response. Findings suggest frequent chronic infections could overwhelm the body's ability to remove the protein, leading to the onset of Parkinson's.

Featured Neurology

·June 21, 2017·4 min read

Parkinson’s is Partly an Autoimmune Disease

T cells may be tricked into thinking dopamine neurons are foreign due to the build up of damaged alpha-synuclein, a new study reports.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 21, 2017·5 min read

Brain Inflammation Discovered in Those With OCD

Brain inflammation is 30% higher in people with OCD than in their peers without the disorder, a new study reports.

$Image shows a brain over an image of a virus.$

Featured Neurology

·June 19, 2017·4 min read

Mathematical Modeling Uncovers Mysteries of HIV Infection in the Brain

A new math model has helped researchers to uncover the progression of HIV infection in the brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 19, 2017·1 min read

Psychiatric Medication Protects Developing Brain From Birth Defects: Mouse Study

Researchers report low daily doses of a drug used for anxiety can help protect the developing brain from the neurodevelopmental side effects of CMV infection.