All articles tagged with #immune system
The article explains how the vagus nerve may help regulate inflammation and influence health through bioelectric medicine, but cautions that many devices and claims lack solid evidence, urging rigorous science to distinguish real therapeutic potential (such as for autoimmune conditions) from hype.
The piece explains how the vagus nerve might regulate inflammation via bioelectric medicine, notes potential therapies like vagus nerve stimulation for conditions, but warns that hype from unverified experts and questionable devices can mislead, urging cautious, evidence-based approaches.
New research in mice and humans suggests that immune cells produce IL-10 to help resolve pain, and sex differences in this response—shaped by testosterone—may explain why women often recover more slowly from injury and have a higher risk of chronic pain. These findings point to therapies that boost the body's natural pain-resolution system rather than only blocking pain signals.
Australian doctors document about 40 cases of tattoo-associated uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition where the immune response to tattoo pigments far from the eye can inflame ocular tissue, risking glaucoma or permanent vision loss; early diagnosis and safer pigments could prevent damage, while treatments like steroid eye drops help some patients and others have suffered irreversible vision loss.
A new Science Immunology study of 245 people with traumatic injuries, plus mouse experiments, suggests women’s pain lasts longer because their immune system is less effective at shutting off pain; men have higher interleukin-10, and testosterone boosts interleukin-10 production, helping pain fade faster. The findings, which align with observed sex differences in chronic pain, could guide future treatments (including hormone-based options) while acknowledging that pain biology is not explained by a single pathway.
A study of 116 people from 43 families using whole-exome sequencing and AI analysis found that hypermobile EDS likely arises from multiple genetic changes across collagen-related genes, immune system genes (notably HLA), and mitochondrial energy genes, indicating a broader genetic architecture beyond collagen alone. Immune-gene enrichment was seen in about 75% of patients, and energy/metabolism links to skeletal fragility were suggested; replication in independent populations is needed.
A Rice University professor argues that Mars colonization would bring major biological challenges: one-third Earth gravity could weaken bone density and raise childbirth risks, while exposure to Martian microbes might outpace human immune defenses; over generations, humans on Mars may shrink and become biologically distinct, with cultural and evolutionary differences depending on travel between planets. Solomon cautions that while Mars settlement is a tantalizing goal tied to Musk’s plans, many unknowns about reproduction, immunity, and adaptation must be resolved first.
MIT researchers demonstrated in aging mice that delivering mRNA encoding key immune-signaling pathways causes the liver to transiently manufacture factors that boost thymus-driven T-cell production. This rejuvenation improved immune responses to vaccines and cancer immunotherapy with minimal side effects, and slowed tumor progression in treated mice. The therapy has not been tested in humans and would require ongoing injections to maintain benefits, but it represents a potential approach to counteract age-related immune decline and possibly broader aging processes.
Nature Outlook reports that time spent in forests may support respiratory health beyond stress relief, via inhaled BVOCs (phytoncides such as terpenes) released by trees that can bolster immune function (including natural killer cells) and reduce inflammatory signals linked to asthma and COPD. However, the evidence is still limited and mostly correlational, with small studies and short follow-ups, so more rigorous trials are needed; in parallel, reducing pollution and restoring forests could offer substantial public-health benefits.
A USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology study analyzing the Health and Retirement Study (about 3,800 people aged 70+ in 2016) found that those who received the shingles vaccine had slower biological aging on several measures—lower inflammation and slower epigenetic and transcriptomic aging—than unvaccinated peers, suggesting vaccines may influence aging beyond preventing shingles, with effects lasting at least four years after vaccination; the results show an association, not causation.
A Nature Medicine study shows that positive expectations can enhance the immune response to vaccines, illustrating a neural mechanism behind the placebo effect and suggesting mind-over-matter strategies could improve vaccination efficacy.
Cold weather doesn’t cause colds or flu; viruses do. Winter conditions raise infection risk by aiding viral survival in cold, dry air and by promoting indoor crowding, while cold exposure can weaken nasal defenses. Prevention focuses on better ventilation and humidity, plus supporting immune health (e.g., vitamin D). Public health messages should emphasize transmission routes rather than cold exposure alone.
The piece argues Alzheimer's may be primarily an autoimmune disorder of the brain rather than just a brain disease, challenging the traditional beta-amyloid focus and the controversial aducanumab approval. It posits beta-amyloid may be part of the brain’s immune response that goes awry, driving dementia, while other theories (mitochondrial dysfunction, infections, metal handling) gain traction. With Alzheimer's affecting tens of millions worldwide, the article calls for new immune- and mechanism-based therapies and directions.
A health-focused piece debunks popular immune-boosting remedies, showing that echinacea, mega-dose vitamin C, elderberry, generic immune-support blends, and zinc lozenges lack solid evidence for preventing or shortening colds. It recommends saving money on these products and focusing on proven health habits like adequate sleep, good hygiene, and real, nutritious food.
The Independent’s health feature outlines four practical strategies to reduce inflammation and heart disease risk, emphasizing that inflammation is influenced by lifestyle and environment, not just age. It highlights regular physical activity (even moderate exercise), a gut-friendly plant-based diet with prebiotics and probiotics, spending time outdoors for anti-inflammatory benefits, and moving after meals to help regulate blood sugar and metabolic health, with guidance from expert Harry Bullmore.