The Immune System – News and Features

Scientists discovered that a previously uncharacterized subset of immune cells may play a critical role in the development of allergic diseases and explain differences between urban and rural populations.

Researchers have developed a dental floss pick that also featured a sensor that can detect high cortisol levels in a person's saliva. The flosser can provide early warnings for chronic stress, and could be adapted to other biomarkers.

Research from the University of Adelaide shows microbial communities in echidna pseudo-pouches undergo dramatic changes while the animal is lactating, which could help in creating an environment for their young, known as puggles, to thrive.

Researchers have now substantiated that certain skin bacteria can protect us from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, specifically by metabolizing cis-urocanic acid using an enzyme called urocanase.

Learn how single-cell transcriptomics is helping researchers explore gene activity and immune system diseases with cutting-edge technology.

A clinical trial has found that low-dose interleukin-2 is both safe and effective for use on people with motor neuron disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), compared to a placebo.

Annual flu shots could become a thing of the past under a new vaccine strategy. Researchers have described a vaccine that protects against H1N1 swine flu and can also protect against influenza in humans and birds.

An innovative outbreak detection program that tracks disease-causing viruses in wastewater identified the measles virus in Houston samples collected in early January 2025, before cases were reported.

Researchers previously characterized calprotectin’s utility as a biomarker in overtly inflammatory disorders like COVID-19, but this is the first time it has been considered as a potential marker for the general population.

In research led by the Keck School of Medicine of USC, the new drug candidate selectively attacked glioblastoma stem cells and passed early safety testing in a phase 1 clinical trial.