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immune system

·July 19, 2023·6 min read

Motherly Love? Immune System Changes May Play a Role

Changes in the immune system during pregnancy, specifically the decrease of immune cells known as microglia, may contribute to the onset of maternal behavior. Depletion of microglia in female rats, who typically dislike being around offspring, led to accelerated care for newborn rats placed in their cages.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 12, 2023·4 min read

Our Immune System May Help Guide Behavior

A recent study found the immune system plays a pivotal role in altering our behaviors, especially in response to allergic triggers. Researchers found that the brain, when informed by the immune system about potential dangers, prompts the body to avoid those threats.

This shows the outline of a person with the spinal cord highlighted.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 30, 2023·6 min read

Spinal Cord Injury Patients at Higher Risk for Immune Deficiency

Patients recovering from severe spinal cord injuries are more susceptible to immune deficiencies. Such deficiencies, known as spinal cord injury-induced immune deficiency syndrome, may expose patients to life-threatening infections.

This shows a young girl and immune cells.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 23, 2023·6 min read

Early Life Loss Impacting Immune System in Later Life

Losing a parent or caregiver early in life can adversely affect immune health in later life. They investigated how such losses impact the body's response to cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus that reactivates under stress and can strain the immune system.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 1, 2023·4 min read

Unexpected Role of Immune Autoantibodies in Schizophrenia

The researchers identified autoantibodies against the synaptic protein neurexin 1α in about 2% of patients with schizophrenia.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 1, 2023·6 min read

Depression’s Immune System Connection

The research reveals that a higher proportion of MDD patients than previously believed may have an immune component to their condition.

This shows a cell covered with sweet treats.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 25, 2023·6 min read

Sugar and Fat Energize Unique Immune Cells Against Viruses and Bacteria

Researchers discovered two subtypes of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in mouse lungs. Each subtype has a distinct role: MAIT1 cells battle viruses using sugar for fuel, while MAIT17 cells fight bacteria using fat.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 26, 2023·6 min read

Shaping Minds: How the Immune System Molds Rat Brains in Development

Immune system cells in female rat brains consume and digest neurons, sculpting a specific brain region during development and potentially impacting behavior. This insight into the interplay between biological sex, the immune system, and brain development may pave the way for understanding why certain brain disorders are more prevalent in one sex and could inform future treatments or prevention strategies.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 6, 2023·3 min read

Beige Fat Could Hold Key to Age-Related Metabolism Change

Stimulating the production of white adipose tissue, or beige fat, helps to reverse a slowing metabolism. The findings could help ward off age-related weight gain and prevent metabolism disorders.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 4, 2023·6 min read

Traumatic Brain Injury Interferes With Immune System Cells’ Recycling Process in Brain Cells

Following TBI, the brain's immune cells' internal recycling functions slow significantly, allowing waste products to build up and interfere with injury recovery. Treatment with rapamycin helps lower neuroinflammation and promoted cellular recycling following TBI.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 31, 2023·5 min read

Centenarians Possess Unique Immunity That Helps Them Achieve Exceptional Longevity

Centenarians harbor a unique immune cell type, immune activity, and highly functioning immune system that has adapted to a history of illness, allowing for exceptional longevity.