A high rate of genetic mutations within a tumor, known as high tumor mutation burden, was only useful for predicting immunotherapy responses in a subset of cancer types, suggesting that this may not reliably be used as a universal biomarker.
Vaccine-induced antibodies may be less effective against several new SARS-CoV-2 variants
Researchers find that neutralizing antibodies raised by COVID-19 vaccines are not as effective at neutralizing some new, circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Release of serotonin from mast cells contribute to airway hyperresposivness in asthma
In asthma, the airways become hyperresponsive. Researchers have found a new mechanism that contributes to, and explains, airway hyperresponsiveness.
AI analysis of how bacteria attack could help predict infection outcomes
Insights into how bacterial proteins work as a network to take control of our cells could help predict infection outcomes and develop new treatments.
Aspirin use for cardiovascular disease may reduce likelihood of COVID-19 infection, study finds
In a recent study, aspirin use to avoid the development of cardiovascular diseases in healthy individuals was associated with a 29 percent lower likelihood of COVID-19 infection, as compared to aspirin non-users. The proportion of patients treated with…
New compound targets enzyme linked to autoimmune disorders, severe COVID-19
Scientists have created a compound that could help to reduce an overactive immune response by targeting an enzyme that helps to regulate the body’s immune response. High levels of this enzyme has been linked to autoimmune disorders and, more recently, …
Learning to help the adaptive immune system
Scientists studied the adaptive immune system as a kind of artificial intelligence that can be trained to produce the correct response to invasion by pathogens. This work may lead to more effective vaccines and immune boosting therapies.
CBD reduces plaque, improves cognition in model of familial Alzheimer’s
A two-week course of high doses of CBD helps restore the function of two proteins key to reducing the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaque, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, and improves cognition in an experimental model of early onset familial Alzhei…
Brain’s ‘wiring insulation’ as major factor of age-related brain deterioration
A new study has identified that one of the major factors of age-related brain deterioration is the loss of a substance called myelin. Myelin acts like the protective and insulating plastic casing around the electrical wires of the brain – called axons….
Spacing COVID-19 vaccine doses has benefits, but longer-term outcomes depend on robust immunity, say researchers
Delaying second doses of COVID-19 vaccines should reduce case numbers in the near term. But the longer-term case burden and the potential for evolution of viral ‘escape’ from immunity will depend on the robustness of immune responses generated by natur…