A hundred years ago, the understanding of human immune systems varied sharply between different parts of the world. Western science had made steady progress, but research in Eastern Europe lagged behind due to limited resources and isolation. A key figure changed that balance—Jaroslav Šterzl, whose
Scientists keep asking if a DNA vaccine could stop Chagas disease, a sneaky illness spread by tiny bugs called kissing bugs. The disease drags on for years, quietly damaging hearts and other organs. Right now, the only medicines available don’t always work and can have tough side effects. Researche
Scientists found a protein in farmed tilapia that acts like an infection alarm. Called IRF5, it helps fish cells recognize threats like viruses and bacteria. When attackers show up, IRF5 gets more active in the fish’s head kidney—a place where immune cells are stored. This isn’t just some minor reac
Barry Bloom was a chemist who turned into a pioneer of immunology and global health. When he found out he had pancreatic cancer, he chose to become a patient who also studied his own treatment. He joined clinical trials, read the research papers himself, and asked questions at every appointment.
Learning about the tiny world in our mouths and how our bodies fight off invaders can be tricky. But what if there was a game to make it easier? Enter the dual-role duel card game. This isn't just any game; it's designed to help students grasp complex ideas in oral microbiology and immunology. The g
Leptospirosis is a sneaky disease that often gets overlooked, but it's a big deal in many parts of the world. Scientists have been working on a new way to fight it using mRNA vaccines, similar to those used for COVID-19. This time, they targeted specific parts of the bacteria that causes leptospiros
Antia Veal is a scientist with a story to tell. She's not just a professor at Quinsigamond Community College, teaching human biology to aspiring nurses. She's also a voice for change, speaking out about the need for more diversity in medical studies and the importance of accurate science communicati
The human body is a complex machine, and scientists are always finding new ways it works. Recently, they discovered that fats, or lipids, can change how certain immune cells behave. These cells, called T cells, are like tiny soldiers in our body. They fight off infections and keep us healthy. But so
You know how plants have tiny pores on their leaves called stomata? These pores help plants breathe, but they also play a part in protecting them from pathogens. Interestingly, light can control how these stomata open and close. Blue or strong red light, for example, makes the pores open wider. Whil
