Strains of a common subtype of influenza virus, H3N2, have almost universally acquired a mutation that effectively blocks antibodies from binding to a key viral protein. The results have implications for flu vaccine design, according to the researchers. Current flu vaccines, which are «seasonal vaccines» designed to protect against recently circulating flu strains, induce antibody…

Experts in Japan have identified a fundamental part of the immune system’s long-term memory, providing a useful new detail in the pursuit to design better vaccines for diseases, ranging from COVID-19 to malaria. The immune system is made of many cell types, but the two types relevant for this University of Tokyo research project are…

Nearly 2 million new cases of pediatric asthma every year may be caused by a traffic-related air pollutant, a problem particularly important in big cities around the world, according to a new study. «Our study found that nitrogen dioxide puts children at risk of developing asthma and the problem is especially acute in urban areas,»…

Researchers have discovered a new gene-editing technique that allows for the programming of sequential cuts — or edits — over time. CRISPR is a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to change the DNA sequences in cells and sometimes add a desired sequence or genes. CRISPR uses an enzyme called Cas9 that acts like scissors to…

The increasing use of photoinitiators, especially in medical settings, has raised concerns about their adverse effects on human health. Now, scientists have shown that three photoinitiators — 1-HCHPK, MBB, and MTMP — show estrogen-like activity in mice and increase the growth of breast cancer tumors in these animals. Their results warn against the use of…

A new study finds that people who have antibodies to the mosquito-borne Zika virus are more vulnerable to developing dengue disease. This immune interaction, called antibody-dependent enhancement, could complicate the search for a safe and effective vaccine that protects against Zika without also increasing the risk of dengue. The study, which drew on data from…

Eating processed meat has been linked with an increased risk of developing dementia, say researchers exploring a potential link between consumption of meat and development of dementia. But their findings also show eating some unprocessed red meat, such as beef, pork or veal, could be protective, as people who consumed 50g a day were 19%…

Researchers are using bioengineering to trigger and control cell differentiation and transition is expand possibilities for diagnostics, vaccine development and therapeutic treatments. Growing knowledge about the body’s biological processes is increasing the possibilities for restoring human health, says Xiao Wang, an associate professor of biomedical engineering in Arizona State University’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of…

Researchers shed light on the role of antibodies and immune cells in protection against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in rhesus macaques. In a new paper in the journal Nature, Barouch, Director of BIDMC’s Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, and colleagues shed light on the role of antibodies and immune cells in protection…

Got milk? The 1990s ad campaign highlighted the importance of milk for health and wellbeing, but when did we start drinking the milk of other animals? And how did the practice spread? A new study led by scientists from Germany and Kenya highlights the critical role of Africa in the story of dairying, showing that…