A novel obesity treatment could lie in the exoskeletons of crabs, bugs

Chitin, which provides crucial exoskeletal structure and protection to soft-bodied arthropods such as crustaceans, spiders and insects, may have a surprising role in being able to modulate metabolism and fight weight gain in mammals.Continue ReadingCat… Continue reading A novel obesity treatment could lie in the exoskeletons of crabs, bugs

Lung immune cells “trained” to remove debris that causes inflammation

Researchers have discovered that lung-based immune cells can be “trained” to remember a previously encountered pathogen, making them more efficient at clearing out the cellular debris that accumulates during infection and reducing inflammation.Continue… Continue reading Lung immune cells “trained” to remove debris that causes inflammation

Amping up natural mechanism self-repairs nerves to alleviate MS symptoms

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). While sufferers can experience long periods of remission where common symptoms such as motor control and fatigue can subside as MS … Continue reading Amping up natural mechanism self-repairs nerves to alleviate MS symptoms

Hookworms successfully prevent type 2 diabetes in human trial

For many, the idea of having a few dozen hookworms set up shop in your gut sounds more like a Survivor challenge than a beneficial health therapy, but scientists see a bright future in this human worm farm for treating many chronic conditions.Continue … Continue reading Hookworms successfully prevent type 2 diabetes in human trial

In a world first, gluten is found to trigger brain inflammation

While we’ve been aware of how gluten can negatively impact the digestive tract and body mass, New Zealand scientists have now identified for the first time that it can also cause brain inflammation.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, ScienceTags: Univer… Continue reading In a world first, gluten is found to trigger brain inflammation

Super killer T-cells discovered in patients who beat cancer

Scientists have discovered a previously unknown type of immune cell that develops in people who successfully fight off cancer. Unlike other killer T cells, these home in on multiple cancer-associated targets at once, preventing new tumors forming for u… Continue reading Super killer T-cells discovered in patients who beat cancer

Upping levels of key nutrient maintains immune cell response to cancer

New research has discovered that a fundamental nutrient found in cells is key to maintaining the body’s cancer-destroying immune response. The discovery may lead to more effective ways of treating the disease.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, ScienceT… Continue reading Upping levels of key nutrient maintains immune cell response to cancer

Genes identified that may lead to treatment for aggressive ovarian cancer

High-grade serous ovarian cancer is not only common but an aggressive, hard-to-treat type of ovarian cancer. A new study has identified the genes involved in forming a particular type of lymphatic tissue which, if growing in tumors, is associated with … Continue reading Genes identified that may lead to treatment for aggressive ovarian cancer

Bacterial immunity holds the key to vaccines against diarrheal diseases

Some people with bacterial gut infections remain symptom-free while passing the infection on to others. A new study has shed light on the interplay between bacteria, diet and the immune system that occurs with a common diarrhea-causing pathogen. It may… Continue reading Bacterial immunity holds the key to vaccines against diarrheal diseases

Space travel weakens astronauts’ immune systems by altering gene expression

A new study has found that the rigors of space travel alter the expression of an astronaut’s genes, leading to a compromised immune system that may make them vulnerable to infection, especially when they first return to Earth.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Space travel weakens astronauts’ immune systems by altering gene expression