New Atlas

Biology Audio available

Scientists discover self-defense "switch" for stem cells

Michael Irving May 15, 2019

Unfortunately stem cells lack some of the self-defense mechanisms that other cells have, leaving them open to attack from viruses and other threats. Now, researchers from the University of Edinburgh may have found a way to switch this mechanism back on, making stem cell treatments more effective.

Researchers have discovered how to switch on a self-defense mechanism for stem cells

Medical Audio available

Imaging innovation brings oral hepatitis B vaccine closer to reality

Rich Haridy May 5, 2019

A collaboration between physicists and immunologists has provided new insights into ways to optimize the efficacy of oral vaccines. The research is working towards an oral hepatitis B vaccine that is safer, cheaper and more easily administered than the current injectable alternative.

A new oral hepatitis B vaccine will not need refrigeration, allowing for cheap and easy transportation ...

Medical Audio available

Stanford innovation brings blood test for chronic fatigue syndrome one step closer

Rich Haridy April 29, 2019

For decades, sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome have battled to prove this illness is not a psychological condition, but in fact an actual biological disease. Now a team has developed a new type of blood test that could offer doctors the first diagnostic tool to identify it.

Doctors may soon be able to identify sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome using a blood test

Medical Audio available

Immune cells may play a role in causing cavities

Michael Irving April 14, 2019

We owe our lives to our immune systems – without it, even the most minor of sniffles could be fatal. But the immune system makes mistakes too. Now, researchers at the University of Toronto have found that cavities might also be collateral damage from an overzealous immune system.

A new study suggests that oral immune cells play a part in causing cavities

Space Audio available

Spaceflight found to reactivate dormant viruses in astronauts

Rich Haridy March 17, 2019

A recent NASA-funded study has found dormant viruses can reactivate in the human body during spaceflight, presenting yet another physiological problem for scientists to solve before we journey out into deep space.

Spaceflight has been found to lower the immune system and reactivate dormant viruses in a human ...

Science

Strange link between food allergies and multiple sclerosis bolstered by new study

Rich Haridy February 20, 2019

An intriguing new study has described a clear association in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients between food allergies and disease activity. The correlation adds weight to the growing hypothesis suggesting the inflammatory activity behind MS is modulated, to a degree, by a mechanism in the gut.

Research has revealed only food allergies seemed to correlate with increased MS disease activity, and not ...

Science

Landmark research creates “universal” stem cells using CRISPR gene editing

Rich Haridy February 18, 2019

In an incredible milestone, scientists have for the first time created “universal” stem cells by using CRISPR gene-editing technology to produce pluripotent stem cells that can be transplanted into any patient without generating an immune system response.

Human heart muscle cells derived from the new CRISPR-engineered "universal" stem cells

Biology Audio available

Immune system discovery could lead to preventative drugs for allergies

Michael Irving February 17, 2019

Sometimes the immune system gets it wrong, targeting harmless proteins from things like nuts and triggering allergic reactions. Now, researchers have identified a mechanism that helps keep the immune system in check, potentially leading to drugs that prevent allergic reactions before they start.

A newly-discovered mechanism in the immune system could pave the way for preventative drugs for allergic ...

Medical Audio available

20-year study finds link between mid-life inflammation and cognitive decline in old age

Rich Haridy February 14, 2019

A fascinating study tracking thousands of people for 20 years has revealed an intriguing association between signs of chronic inflammation in middle age, and the development of memory and thinking problems in older age.

New research suggests chronic inflammation may be a useful biomarker for future cognitive decline in later ...

Medical Audio available

Decade-long study reveals key "master switch" regulating immune system activity

Rich Haridy February 11, 2019

A huge variety of disease essentially stems from a dysfunctional immune system. After ten years of work a new study has revealed, for the first time, the discovery of a molecule that has been found to modulate the immune system’s activity.

It's hoped the discovery of an immune system "master switch" will lead to new clinical treatments ...