Recommended reading from around the Web

A Clue in the Multiple Sclerosis Mystery

A Clue in the Multiple Sclerosis Mystery

by Ralph Steinman, M.D.

Immunology in the News | Fall 2009

Scientists do not yet understand what triggers the attack on myelin that leads to MS, but in the last two years they have learned much about the what happens after the attack is triggered.

The Best Way to Boost Your Immune System

by Julie Deardorff

Chicago Tribune | October 27, 2009

On her blog, Deardorff notes that evidence is thin that a pill can boost the immune system. More solid are the effects of a healthy lifestyle: a well-balanced diet, sufficient rest and reduced stress.

Cancer Breakthrough as Treatment Protects Healthy Cells from Radiotherapy

by Richard Alleyne

The Telegraph (U.K.) | October 22, 2009

Supressing the action of a protein may protect healthy cells from the harmful effects of radiation therapy—perhaps by protecting the immune system—and at the same time may accelerate the therapy's elimination of tumors, a study has found.

War of the Viruses: Could Ancient Virus Genes Help Fight Modern AIDS?

by Dave Tenenbaum

University of Wisconsin-Madison News | October 20, 2009

An immnunologist at the university's Vaccine Research Laboratory theorizes that a stable molecule on the outside of HIV-infected cells could be a target for a vaccine.

Rare 'Outliers' Drive Search for Cures to Disease

by Amy Dockser Marcus

The Wall Street Journal | October 20, 2009

Researchers are hoping to learn more from people whose bodies fight diseases such as HIV without help from drugs.

Results of AIDS Vaccine Trial 'Weak' in Second Analysis

by Thomas H. Maugh II

Los Angeles Times | October 20, 2009

Further examination of data on an experimental AIDS vaccine suggests that it may not be as promising as first thought.

Household Insecticides May Be Linked to Autoimmune Diseases

by Randy Dotinga

HealthDay | October 19, 2009

The findings of a recent study raise concern that women's exposure to household insecticides may cause rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Post-Vaccine Tylenol May Harm Immune Response

by Todd Neale

ABC News | October 16, 2009

Czech researchers have found that acetaminophen given to reduce fever after vaccination can reduce immune responses to the vaccines.

Swine Flu Shots Revive a Debate About Vaccine

by Jennifer Steinhauer

The New York Times | October 15, 2009

The number of vaccine opponents seems to have grown in the case of the H1N1 flu vaccine, which has attracted widespread attention and has generated some confusion.

Sneeze Sleuths: Uncovering Allergies' Secrets

by Shirley S. Wang

The Wall Street Journal | October 14, 2009

Two Virginia-based researchers are doing complex studies on allergens' DNA makeup and how they interact with the body's immune system. Their goal is to produce better treatments for those with allergies.

Phys Ed: Does Exercise Boost Immunity?

by Gretchen Reynolds

The New York Times | October 14, 2009

A study in mice suggests that a moderate amount of exercise seems to help defend against the flu and lessen its severity—but that intense exercise may have the opposite effect. Scientists are looking to specific immune cells for the reason.

Explore Flu Trends Around the World

Google

Google has recognized a significant relationship between flu-related Web searches and the number of people who actually have the flu. In near real-time, you can analyze flu trends around the world.

See also

Mother's Cancer Can Infect Her Fetus

by Sam Kean

ScienceNOW Daily News | October 13, 2009

Pregnant women with cancer can pass the disease to their fetuses, as a relatively recent case in Japan proved. It is extremely rare, but it may help shed light on cancer's interaction with the immune system.

Researchers Find Link Between 'Killer Cells' and Immunity

by Anita Mathews

The Brown Daily Herald | October 13, 2009

University researchers have discovered an unexpected and important link involving two types of immune cells.

Green Tea May Curb Risk of Some Cancers

by Joene Hendry

Reuters | October 13, 2009

You may reduce your risk of getting certain blood cancers by drinking green tea, but you're going to have to drink a lot of it.

Research Summary

A Protein Supports Interferons’ Protective Function

by Bryan R. G. Williams, Ph.D.

Fall 2009

Studies on a specific protein, PLZF, help to show how interferons operate. A summary of research published in Immunity.

Research Summary

Receptor Helps Us Fight Respiratory Virus Infection

by Santanu Bose, Ph.D.

Fall 2009

NOD2, a receptor protein, could be the key to defense against the flu and RSV. A summary of research published in Nature Immunology.