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immunity

·April 14, 2025·4 min read

One Gene Mutation Disrupts Both Immunity and Brain Development

Researchers have uncovered a surprising mechanism by which a single genetic mutation in the BCL11B gene causes both immune dysfunction and brain development issues. Instead of merely disabling the protein’s normal function, the mutated BCL11B protein interferes with other healthy proteins, such as BCL11A, causing broader damage.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 2, 2024·6 min read

The Brain’s Role in Immune Control

Researchers discovered that the brain can significantly influence the immune system, particularly its inflammatory responses. The study utilized mice to show that the brain can detect and adjust levels of inflammation via a specific brain circuit involving the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract.

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.

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 Genetics Neuroscience

·January 3, 2024·6 min read

High-Fat Diets Impact Health, Immunity, and COVID-19 Risk

A new study highlights the effects of high-fat diets on genes associated with obesity, colon cancer, immune function, brain health, and potentially COVID-19 risk. Researchers fed mice three different high-fat diets and observed changes in gene expression, gut bacteria, and susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 2, 2022·3 min read

Important Factors for Regulating the Body’s Immune Response

Researchers identified differences in isoforms that control Treg cells and how that affects the body's immune system response.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 5, 2021·4 min read

Being Clean and Hygienic Need Not Impair Childhood Immunity

Researchers report a cleaner living environment may not detrimentally impact a child's developing immune system, as current theories suggest.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 16, 2020·5 min read

Detailed analysis of immune response to SARS-CoV-2 bodes well for COVID-19 vaccine

Study reveals the body's immune system can recognize SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in many ways. The findings should help dispel fears the virus may elude ongoing efforts to create a successful vaccine.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 1, 2020·6 min read

Historical coronaviruses show evidence of seasonality & immunity

Historical data from Flu Watch about other coronaviruses reveals they appear to have a seasonal pattern, with peaks occurring during winter. Only small amounts of other coronavirus infections were transmitted during the summer. The findings support the hypothesis that COVID-19 may have lower levels of transmission during the summer, but this may reverse during the winter months if there is still a large, susceptible population.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 28, 2020·5 min read

On-again, off-again social distancing might prevent overwhelming hospitals while building immunity to COVID-19

Intermittent social distancing may have to be employed to reduce the burden on the health care system as a result of COVID-19. If COVID-19 is a seasonal ailment, like the flu, a new model shows physical distancing occurring between 25 and 75% of the time would help build up herd immunity and prevent health system overload.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·March 3, 2020·4 min read

Depressive symptoms during pregnancy linked to lowered immunity in infants

Depression during pregnancy can directly influence the development of the immune system in children. Children whose mothers reported symptoms of prenatal depression had lower levels of immunoglobulin A in their guts. Lower immunity placed babies at risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, as well as allergies and asthma. Additionally, children may face an increased risk of depression, obesity, and autoimmune diseases as they age.