Tag

Immunesystem

All articles tagged with #immunesystem

science3 months ago

Nobel Prize in Medicine Awarded for Immune System Research to Princeton Alumna and Trio of Scientists

The Nobel committee awarded Fred Ramsdell, Mary Brunkow, and Shimon Sakaguchi the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their discoveries related to immune system regulation, but has been unable to contact Ramsdell, who is off the grid hiking, highlighting challenges in reaching laureates. The work focuses on regulatory T-cells and peripheral immune tolerance, leading to new medical research and treatments.

health1 year ago

Understanding the Impact of Cold Weather on Health and Illness

Cold weather doesn't directly cause colds, but it facilitates the spread of respiratory viruses like the common cold, flu, and COVID-19. Viruses thrive in colder, drier conditions, and people tend to spend more time indoors, increasing close contact and transmission. Cold air can also weaken the immune response, making it easier for viruses to infect. To prevent illness, maintain good hygiene, stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, exercise, and get vaccinated. These measures help support the immune system and reduce the risk of infection during winter.

health1 year ago

"Uncovering Biological Clues to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"

A major study led by the National Institutes of Health provides a comprehensive look at myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), shedding light on the biological abnormalities affecting the brain, gut, immune system, and autonomic nervous system. The findings refute the notion that the illness is purely psychological and suggest that it is primarily a brain disorder likely triggered by immune dysfunction and changes in the gut microbiome. While the study's small sample size and strict inclusion criteria limit its generalizability, it may pave the way for future research and potential treatments, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and human immunoglobulin.

science-and-health2 years ago

"How the Placenta Modifies Immune Responses to Safeguard the Fetus"

Researchers have discovered that the placenta protects the fetus by mimicking a viral attack, which activates a mild immune response without causing harm. This response is due to the production of interferon lambda, triggered by the placenta's use of Alu repeat RNA sequences from the genome that resemble viral RNA. This mechanism allows the placenta to maintain a protective state against real viruses while avoiding damage to itself or the fetus, revealing a novel aspect of immune system function during pregnancy.

health-and-wellness2 years ago

"Top Foods and Lifestyle Changes to Strengthen Immunity Year-Round"

To enhance immune defenses, especially during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, incorporating certain foods into one's diet is recommended. Citrus fruits, kiwi, fatty fish, garlic, spinach, and broccoli are highlighted for their rich nutrient profiles that support the immune system. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect against infections and strengthen overall health.

health-and-science2 years ago

"Study Links High-Fat Diets to Immune Changes and Elevated COVID-19 Risk"

A study by the University of California - Riverside found that high-fat diets, particularly those rich in coconut oil and unmodified soybean oil, can increase the expression of ACE2 and other proteins that facilitate COVID-19 virus entry into cells. These diets not only affect fat metabolism and gut bacteria composition but also impair immune system genes, potentially increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases. The research, conducted on mice over a 24-week period, suggests that long-term consumption of high-fat diets may pose additional risks for COVID-19 beyond the already established risk factors of obesity and diabetes.

health-and-wellness2 years ago

"Commonly Overlooked Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency"

Vitamin D deficiency is a common but often overlooked condition that can manifest through various symptoms such as slow wound healing, persistent fatigue and weakness, frequent illnesses, hair loss, depression, bone loss, and bone and back pain. These signs are indicative of the vitamin's essential roles in immune function, energy metabolism, muscle function, neurotransmitter synthesis, and calcium absorption for bone health. Recognizing these symptoms can prompt individuals to assess their vitamin D levels and address potential deficiencies.

health-and-nutrition2 years ago

"Unlocking the Health Secrets of Sesame Seeds: From Calcium Boost to Immune Support"

Sesame seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, especially beneficial in the winter season. They help strengthen immunity with essential nutrients like zinc and vitamin E, provide warmth and energy due to their healthy fats, support bone health with high calcium content, boost skin health with antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids, and aid in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness. Incorporating sesame seeds into your diet can be done through simple recipes like Til Laddoo and Sesame Seed-Coated Aloo Tikki, offering both health benefits and delicious flavors.

science2 years ago

The Impact of Space Travel on Astronauts' Immune System

A study involving 14 astronauts who spent 4½ to 6½ months aboard the International Space Station found that gene expression in white blood cells crucial to the immune system quickly decreased when they reached space and then returned to normal not long after returning to Earth. This weakened immunity increases the risk of infectious diseases limiting astronauts' ability to perform their very demanding work in space. The findings offer insight into why astronauts are more susceptible to infection during flights, showing how the body's system for fighting off pathogens is weakened in space.