Researchers have discovered that COVID-19 patients with low levels of cortisol—a hormone that regulates inflammation—are more likely to develop long COVID. Continue reading Low cortisol? You may be at risk of developing long COVID
Researchers have discovered and characterized new types of immune cells in the thymus, a small gland found in the space between our lungs. Continue reading Newly discovered cells expand our understanding of the immune system
by Garrett Dunlapgraphics by Shreya Mantri If you ever doubt how special you are, consider that one of the world’s most sophisticated security forces works non-stop to protect you and you alone. Once a threat to your safety is identified, a highly trained group of spies, intelligence networks, and assassins leap into action to quickly eliminate it and stay on the lookout for similar future … Continue reading Autoimmunity: When the body’s defense network goes haywire
by Haim Mooregraphics by MacKenzie Mauger When you get sick or injured, you will usually notice redness, heat, swelling, and pain. These symptoms are, interestingly, not the result of the pathogen or damage themselves, but rather of the reaction of your own immune system to them. These are typical manifestations of inflammation, the coordinated rush of many different immune cells to the site of injury … Continue reading When Cells Die a Fiery Death: Pyroptosis as a cell’s response to damage and infection
Researchers at the University of Calgary identified the cells that may be responsible for the formation of surgical scar tissue. Continue reading Identifying the Culprit of Surgical Scar Tissue
A link is found between the fungal population in a human’s gut and the immune system’s response to fungal infections. This sheds light on potential preventative treatments against these dangerous fungal infections. Continue reading Intestinal Fungi May Protect Us from Fungal Infections
What do arthritis and COVID-19 have in common? A name that’s all too familiar? An immune system gone haywire? Possibly more? Continue reading Arthritis Drugs May Help Combat COVID-19
by Haim Moorefigures by Rebecca Senft How familiar are you with your immune system? You might be aware of its role in protection from external threats, but what if I told you that it does a lot more behind the scenes? New research is shedding light on how your immune system carries out several unexpected functions in your body, including repairing wounds post-injury and controlling … Continue reading Immunology v. Ferrari: What the oldest endurance race in the world has in common with immunity
Researchers at MIT and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard are working on developing a universal flu vaccine. Continue reading Towards a Universal Flu Vaccine: Targeting the Stem of the Problem
Researchers have discovered how plants can physically prevent pathogens from entering by closing small openings on their leaves. Continue reading Plants Shut the Door on Infection–Literally