Hepatitis C patients cured with antiviral medicines are less likely to be hospitalized, need ER care for liver, other health-related issues: Study underscores the powerful effect of direct-acting antivirals on patient’s overall health
Researchers at Henry Ford Health System, as part of a national hepatitis C collaborative, report that patients with chronic hepatitis C who are treated with direct-acting antiviral medicines are less likely to be hospitalized or seek emergency care for liver and non-liver related health issues. The study, published online in Clinical Infectious Diseases, underscores the […]
What Does HIV Do to a Person? Symptoms & Stages
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks and weakens the immune system, impairing the body’s ability to fight diseases and infections Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks and weakens the immune system, impairing the body’s ability to fight diseases and infections. Without a healthy, functioning immune system, a person may become vulnerable to infections that can then lead […]
Boosting the immune defense: Interleukin-2 promotes fate decisions in CD8 T cells for long- or short-term immune protection
The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins with a simple job. Defend the body against infection. To do that, the cells must recognize and destroy infecting viruses or bacteria. In addition, the system also has to keep a record of each pathogen it has defeated, so it can quickly remobilize if […]
‘Smart’ greenhouses could slash electricity costs
A new, internet-connected lighting system for greenhouses could sharply reduce a farmer’s electrical bill, according to a study by University of Georgia researchers. Recently published in Plants, the study showed that a predictive lighting control system could optimize lighting for plants by predicting sunlight and only running the lights when needed. The data showed that […]
Artificial intelligence system rapidly predicts how two proteins will attach: The machine-learning model could help scientists speed the development of new medicines
Antibodies, small proteins produced by the immune system, can attach to specific parts of a virus to neutralize it. As scientists continue to battle SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, one possible weapon is a synthetic antibody that binds with the virus’ spike proteins to prevent the virus from entering a human cell. To develop […]
Microglial methylation ‘landscape’ in human brain: Profiles differ across age, disease state, brain region
In the central nervous system, microglial cells play critical roles in development, aging, brain homeostasis, and pathology. Recent studies have shown variation in the gene-expression profile and phenotype of microglia across brain regions and between different age and disease states. But the molecular mechanisms that contribute to these transcriptomic changes in the human brain are […]
Dietary fiber improves outcomes for melanoma patients on immunotherapy
Melanoma patients receiving therapy that makes it easier for their immune system to kill cancer cells respond to treatment better when their diet is rich in fiber, according to a large, international research collaboration that includes the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy. Published today in Science, the study led by the University of Texas […]
Is Your Immune System Stronger After COVID-19?
Developing COVID-19 immunity A robust immune system protects you from getting sick following exposure to germs and viruses. Many people wonder if COVID-19 strengthens your immune system. The short answer is yes. Learn more about how recovering from COVID-19 makes your immune system stronger. Any time you catch a virus and recover from the illness, […]
How Are Antibodies Produced and What’s Their Role in the Immune System?
The immune system Antibodies are an integral part of your body’s immune system. There are different kinds of antibodies, but all are necessary to the immune system to fight foreign bacteria and viruses. Your immune system is composed of organs, cells, and chemicals that all work together to fight infections that threaten your body. In […]
Astronomers may have discovered first planet to orbit 3 stars: Potential discovery of a circumtriple planet has implications for bolstering our understanding of planet formation
In a distant star system — a mere 1,300 light years away from Earth — UNLV researchers and colleagues may have identified the first known planet to orbit three stars. Unlike our solar system, which consists of a solitary star, it is believed that half of all star systems, like GW Ori where astronomers observed […]