Recommended reading from around the Web

A New Perspective on Obesity

A New Perspective on Obesity
by Ralph Steinman, M.D.

Immunology in the News | Spring 2010

Researchers are finding connections between inflammation and obesity.

Research Summary

Understanding Metabolic Syndrome to Help Fight Obesity

by Jesse Aitken

Spring 2010

Researchers studying metabolic syndrome hope that answers to dealing with obesity will follow. A summary of research published in Science.

Research Summary

Link between Fat Inflammation and Risk for Chronic Diseases

by Preeti Kishore, M.B., B.S.

Spring 2010

Elevated fatty acids pose dangerous health risks. A summary of research published in Science Translational Medicine.

NU study: Dirt's Good for Kids

by Robert Channick

Chicago Tribune | March 24, 2010

A two-decade-long study in the Philippines has found a correlation between children’s exposure to germs and a reduced risk of heart disease later in life.

UV Radiation, not Vitamin D, Might Limit Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

by Nathan Seppa

Science News | March 23, 2010

Scientists have long speculated that sunshine helps prevent MS because it helps the body produce an ample amount of Vitamin D, but a new study in mice suggests that may not be entirely accurate.

Mosquitoes Turned into 'Flying Vaccinators'

Fox News | March 19, 2010

Japanese researchers have altered the DNA of mosquitoes, turning them from disease-carrying pests to vaccine-distributing helpers. But these bugs are still a long way from being released from the lab.

Canadian Trying to Solve Mystery of 'Natural' AIDS Immunity

by Amy Husser

The Gazette (Montreal) | March 18, 2010

Seeking to develop an effective vaccine, researchers are still trying to figure out exactly what goes on in the immune system to allow some people to be seemingly immune to HIV.

Ever Wondered: Why You Develop Allergies

by Howard Bennett

The Washington Post | March 15, 2010

Allergies can occur when your immune system mistakenly fights nontoxic substances, such as pollen. Aimed at children, here are tips that can help limit the symptoms.

Stem Cells Might One Day Treat Severe Asthma

by Amanda Gardner

HealthDay | March 15, 2010

A study in mice indicates that stem cell transplants could be a viable option for asthma sufferers.

Genomes of an Entire Family Sequenced in World First

by Ian Sample

The Guardian (U.K.) | March 10, 2010

Scientists mapped the entire genome of each member of a four-person family, with hopes of learning more about the two diseases that the family’s children have.

Researchers Link Inflammation to Illness in Overweight People

by Elizabeth Weise

USA Today | March 8, 2010

Two recent studies highlight the relationship between obesity and inflammation, which can lead to heart disease and other medical problems.

Infection Defense May Spur Alzheimer’s

by Gina Kolata

The New York Times | March 8, 2010

A recent discovery suggests that a protein that causes Alzheimer’s may also serve a useful function: fighting infections in the brain.

U-M Scientists Identify Reservoirs Where HIV-infected Cells Can Lie in Wait

University of Michigan Health System | March 7, 2010

Researchers have discovered a region where the AIDS virus resides, and it could lead to treatment that not only dulls the symptoms but wipes out HIV entirely.

Vitamin D 'Triggers and Arms' the Immune System

by Richard Alleyne

The Daily Telegraph (U.K.) | March 7, 2010

A critical supplement obtained through sunlight and certain foods, Vitamin D is helpful because it activates killer T-cells, which attack viruses in the body.

Gut Bacteria Cause Overeating in Mice

by Brandon Keim

Wired | March 4, 2010

A new study gives further support to the theory that an immune system disorder can lead to an appetite change.

Cancer Seromics: New Dimensions in the Analysis of the Immune Response to Cancer

Cancer Research Institute | March 1, 2010

A new technology has been developed that allows for the screening of thousands of antibodies in cancer patients at one time. This could lead to new tests and treatment methods for cancer.

 

Spring 2010 was the final issue of Immunology in the News. Thanks for your support.