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A dark haired man is asleep on a grey couch under a darker grey blanket. A box of tissues is under his arm, and he is holding a tissue in one hand.
Why Do I Sleep So Much When I Am Sick?
Shelby Bradford, PhD | Nov 1, 2023 | 2 min read
Some elements of human immune systems serve important functions beyond fighting infections.
Histology showing IL-6 expression
Immune Molecule Alters Cellular Makeup of Human Brain Organoids
Charles Q. Choi, Spectrum | Apr 17, 2023 | 4 min read
The changes may help explain the link between maternal infection and autism, though more research is needed.
Single-cell Secrets
The Scientist | 1 min read
Single-cell research reveals new insights into SARS-CoV-2, the opioid crisis, neurogenesis, and fertility.
neuron surrounded by immune cells
Meningitis Bacteria Trigger Headaches, Then Sneak Into the Brain
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Mar 6, 2023 | 3 min read
Researchers find that bacteria stimulate a headache-causing pain pathway to suppress the immune system and infect the brain. 
Closeup of a pair of hands in blue gloves holding a white mouse and injecting it with an amber colored liquid.
Opioids Recruit the Immune System to Cause Withdrawal Symptoms
Dan Robitzski | Jan 25, 2023 | 6 min read
A study finds that T cells induced by heroin cross the blood-brain barrier to wreak havoc on the brain, hinting at new ways to prevent withdrawal.
Breaking Down Barriers
The Scientist | 1 min read
Looking at the future of neurodegeneration research!
Human brain stock photo
New Insight into Brain Inflammation Inspires New Hope for Epilepsy Treatment
Deanna MacNeil, PhD | Jan 23, 2023 | 3 min read
Clinicians and researchers teamed up to investigate how inappropriate proinflammatory mechanisms contribute to the pathogenesis of drug-refractory epilepsy.
Panels showing different kinds of microglia
Mapping Tool Reveals Microglia’s Shape-Shifting Secrets
Angie Voyles Askham, Spectrum | Dec 14, 2022 | 4 min read
The approach could help test hypotheses about how atypical function of the brain’s immune cells contributes to autism.
Sample Preparation with Single Cell Multiomics: Simultaneous Epigenomic and Transcriptomic Profiling from the Same Cell
The Scientist | 1 min read
In this webinar brought to you by 10x Genomics, experts will discuss how to successfully prepare nuclei suspensions for Single Cell Multiome ATAC + Gene Expression experiments.
Microglia stained black
Opinion: Harnessing Microglia Cells to Stave Off Neurodegeneration
Kristine Zengeler, The Conversation | Dec 8, 2022 | 5 min read
Dialing up the activity of a protein called SYK in the brain’s “janitors” could provide an avenue to treat Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Rendering of a light blue NLRP3 inflammasome against a black background
Inflammation in Brain’s Immune Cells Triggers Depressive Behavior in Mice
Dan Robitzski | Nov 17, 2022 | 5 min read
In stressful conditions, specialized protein complexes in microglia induce neurotoxic activity in astrocytes that leads to the change in behavior.
Getting Started with Single Cell Multiomics: Simultaneous Epigenomic and Transcriptomic Profiling from the Same Cell
The Scientist | 1 min read
In this webinar brought to you by 10x Genomics, experts will discuss tips for running Chromium Single Cell Multiome ATAC + Gene Expression experiments in your lab.
Motor neurons, undergoing degeneration in ALS
Mutant T Cells That Drive Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Progression May React To a Brain Antigen
Nele Haelterman, PhD | Aug 8, 2022 | 4 min read
Scientists discovered a possibly autoreactive T cell population that forecasts and supports disease progression.
The balance of mind and body on a seesaw
Psychological Stress Distracts the Immune System from Fighting Infections
Jennifer Zieba, PhD | Aug 8, 2022 | 3 min read
Acute stress makes immune cells migrate immediately to the bone marrow, which prepares the body for injury at the expense of increasing infectious disease susceptibility.
Microscopic image of nerves in the eye, a pathogen, and t cells
Science Snapshot: Eye Immunity
Lisa Winter | May 26, 2022 | 1 min read
Researchers find that tissue-resident memory T cells in the corneas of mice engender a lasting immune response.
Conceptual image of a person's brain with a cluster of cells inside
Is the Immune System to Blame for Schizophrenia?
Diana Kwon | Apr 18, 2022 | 10+ min read
Several lines of evidence suggest that targeting the body’s defense pathways might help treat a subset of people with the psychiatric disorder. But many open questions remain.
Illustration comparing neural pathway and the humoral pathway
Infographic: How the Body’s Defenses Attack the Brain
Diana Kwon | Apr 18, 2022 | 2 min read
Scientists have pinpointed several pathways through which the immune system could disrupt neuronal functioning and thereby lead to psychotic symptoms.
Translucent, red-orange organs are shown inside a person’s transparent, blue torso. One region zooms in on blue lung alveoli covered by bright orange microbes.
Bacteria in the Lungs Can Regulate Autoimmunity in Rat Brains
Dan Robitzski | Mar 17, 2022 | 4 min read
Making specific alterations to the bacterial population in a rat’s lungs either better protects the animals against multiple sclerosis–like symptoms or makes them more vulnerable, a study finds—the first demonstration of a lung-brain axis.
Christmas background
Helping the Immune System Keep its Cool
Aparna Nathan, PhD | Dec 10, 2021 | 3 min read
Researchers found that lowering the temperature alleviates autoimmunity in mice.
Colorized scanning electron micrograph of Salmonella bacteria in intestinal tissue
Gut Infections Help Shield Intestinal Neurons from Future Damage
Annie Melchor | Nov 19, 2021 | 4 min read
In mice, a kind of immune memory appears to protect the cells against future harm, a finding that could provide insight into treatments for irritable bowel syndrome and other inflammatory digestive conditions.
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