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neuroscience, immunology

illustration of a blue neuron lit with red
Neuron-Released Protein Can Set Off Inflammation: Study
Marcus A. Banks | Aug 19, 2021 | 3 min read
Research in mice suggests that moderating nerve activity with drugs or electrical pulses could modify tissue immune responses, curtailing the chronic pain often associated with inflammatory conditions.
A close-up of a fruit fly head with antenna clearly visible in front of its red eyes
Bacterial Infections Disrupt Flies’ Sense of Smell
Abby Olena, PhD | Jul 21, 2021 | 4 min read
The temporary loss of olfaction stops the flies from eating any more of whatever it is that made them sick.
Contributors
Asher Jones and Kerry Grens | Apr 1, 2021 | 3 min read
Meet some of the people featured in the April 2021 issue of The Scientist.
A Tweak to Immune Cells Reverses Aging in Mice
Abby Olena, PhD | Jan 20, 2021 | 3 min read
Knocking out the receptor for a lipid that causes inflammation rejuvenates macrophage metabolism and restores cognitive function in an Alzheimer’s disease model.
2020 in Scientists’ Own Words
Abby Olena, PhD | Dec 23, 2020 | 5 min read
The world was rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic this year, but researchers rose to all manner of challenges.
Editor’s Picks of The Scientist’s Best Infographics of 2020
Jef Akst | Dec 15, 2020 | 2 min read
This year’s most captivating illustrations tell stories from the micro scale—such as newborn neurons in the adult brain and bacteria in the infant gut—to the scale of entire ecosystems, including reintroduced predators and rising seas.
Black in X Addresses Long-Standing Inequity in STEM
Lisa Winter | Nov 16, 2020 | 7 min read
In a year of racial tumult, Black scientists are uniting for visibility and action. 
T Cells and Neurons Talk to Each Other
Ashley Yeager | Oct 1, 2020 | 10+ min read
Conversations between the immune and central nervous systems are proving to be essential for the healthy social behavior, learning, and memory.
The Brain’s Immune Cells Stand Sentinel Against Viral Invasion
Ashley Yeager | Oct 1, 2020 | 4 min read
Some viruses, possibly even SARS-CoV-2, can sneak into the brain through the nose. Recent studies show that microglia are ready for them when they do.
Infographic: How Cytokines Flow into and out of the Brain
Ashley Yeager | Oct 1, 2020 | 2 min read
Several routes exist for immune cells to communicate with neurons in the central nervous system, though T cells rarely come in direct contact with neural tissue.
Immune Cell and Its Cytokine Control Exploratory Behavior in Mice
Ashley Yeager | Sep 14, 2020 | 5 min read
Gamma delta T cells in the meninges of the brain release a cell signaling molecule that does more than protect mice from microbial pathogens.
stroke, animal model, mouse model, blood, cytokine storm, immune system, immune response, MMP-9, neutrophil
Blood Replacement Rescues Mice from Stroke Damage
Amanda Heidt | Aug 31, 2020 | 5 min read
When mice that had suffered a stroke were given blood from a healthy donor, they experienced less tissue and neurological damage.
Losing Touch: Another Drawback of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Ashley Yeager | May 19, 2020 | 6 min read
Affectionate touches tap into the nervous system’s rest and digest mode, reducing the release of stress hormones, bolstering the immune system, and stimulating brainwaves linked with relaxation.
Contributors
The Scientist | Oct 1, 2019 | 3 min read
Meet some of the people featured in the October 2019 issue of The Scientist.
Brain’s Fluid Drains via Lymphatic Vessels at the Base of the Skull
Abby Olena, PhD | Jul 24, 2019 | 3 min read
Detailed imaging of the rodent central nervous system reveals new information about the route cerebrospinal fluid takes to leave the brain.
Tiny Tunnels Run from the Skull to the Brain: Study
Ashley Yeager | Aug 29, 2018 | 2 min read
Immune cells travel through these passageways to get to injured tissue quickly, researchers say.
Researchers Develop Potential Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Disease
Catherine Offord | Feb 1, 2018 | 2 min read
The test uses levels of plasma amyloid-β to estimate the buildup of protein plaques in the brain.
Microglia Turnover in the Human Brain
Shawna Williams | Oct 1, 2017 | 2 min read
Researchers find that about a quarter of the immune cells are replaced every year.
Do Microbes Trigger Alzheimer’s Disease?
Jill U. Adams | Sep 1, 2017 | 10 min read
The once fringe idea is gaining traction among the scientific community.
Infographic: Brain Infection and Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
Jill U. Adams | Aug 31, 2017 | 1 min read
Emerging evidence links bacterial or viral infection with the neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease.
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